I have a ways to go but you know, if I decide early I can watch for sales lol.
I drive a ford e350 super duty 12 passenger van. My last 3 kids came home in our minivan, we didn't get this van until my youngest was 6 months so I've never used an infant seat in it. In addition, when my last was born they had only just come out with the 30 lb seats and there was lots of debate over whether they were even worth it then so we didn't get one. It looks like the majority are 30 lb seats now? So I feel so out of the loop, even though my "baby" is only 3.5 yrs old.
The seatbelts in my van are similar to the ones in my Ford minivan and since the Ford minivan had a movable middle bench that was large but only sat 2 I seemed to have plenty of room. So I'm imagining that fit will be similar to my minivan but worry because the bench seats aren't adjustable so I do have to worry about clearance with the front seats. We used a Britax Roundabout behind them though with an older infant OK (just not behind the driver as hubby complained about being too far forward).
I know that the Graco seats way back when were only installable to "acceptable" which wasn't "acceptable" to me after rock solid britax convertibles. They were also shallow so tended to bother my babys' reflux (all have had varying degrees so if this has it i wouldn't be surprised) and they weren't padded enough in the but and lumbar to comfortably handle long car rides. Our Combi seat with my last fit much better so I am considering that. I had considered the Chicco because it is so highly recommended but when I looked at it at the store it seemed shallower, like the Graco, not like the Combi and Britax. Britax didn't make my list because Ive had the harness fray in my last 4 convertibles where the buckles sit. But I am not totally against Britax if its my best option. I also noticed that some seats only go to 30" where others go to 32" and the combi seems to go to 33"?
My kids range from 8-9+ lbs at birth typically and grow quickly the first 6 months. 2 of my 6 have actually been 32"+ at their first bday. We live rural suburbia so frequently have to make 30 min drives. I also have a minivan and ride with my mom and sister regularly so a 2nd base availability and ability to secure without the base would be a plus to me. I would prefer under $200. I don't need an absolute recommendation but would love some recommendations on where to start because I don't want to have to drag every seat in the store out to my van to try.
I drive a ford e350 super duty 12 passenger van. My last 3 kids came home in our minivan, we didn't get this van until my youngest was 6 months so I've never used an infant seat in it. In addition, when my last was born they had only just come out with the 30 lb seats and there was lots of debate over whether they were even worth it then so we didn't get one. It looks like the majority are 30 lb seats now? So I feel so out of the loop, even though my "baby" is only 3.5 yrs old.
The seatbelts in my van are similar to the ones in my Ford minivan and since the Ford minivan had a movable middle bench that was large but only sat 2 I seemed to have plenty of room. So I'm imagining that fit will be similar to my minivan but worry because the bench seats aren't adjustable so I do have to worry about clearance with the front seats. We used a Britax Roundabout behind them though with an older infant OK (just not behind the driver as hubby complained about being too far forward).
I know that the Graco seats way back when were only installable to "acceptable" which wasn't "acceptable" to me after rock solid britax convertibles. They were also shallow so tended to bother my babys' reflux (all have had varying degrees so if this has it i wouldn't be surprised) and they weren't padded enough in the but and lumbar to comfortably handle long car rides. Our Combi seat with my last fit much better so I am considering that. I had considered the Chicco because it is so highly recommended but when I looked at it at the store it seemed shallower, like the Graco, not like the Combi and Britax. Britax didn't make my list because Ive had the harness fray in my last 4 convertibles where the buckles sit. But I am not totally against Britax if its my best option. I also noticed that some seats only go to 30" where others go to 32" and the combi seems to go to 33"?
My kids range from 8-9+ lbs at birth typically and grow quickly the first 6 months. 2 of my 6 have actually been 32"+ at their first bday. We live rural suburbia so frequently have to make 30 min drives. I also have a minivan and ride with my mom and sister regularly so a 2nd base availability and ability to secure without the base would be a plus to me. I would prefer under $200. I don't need an absolute recommendation but would love some recommendations on where to start because I don't want to have to drag every seat in the store out to my van to try.