Question Carseat WITH side air protection?? In an oder Sienna without side curtain airbags

[chipi]

We just got a used Sienna that doesn't have side curtain airbags. It's a 1999. Right now my baby is in a SK Radian SL80 but I'm thinking about getting a seat with more side protection. If you had a car without side airbags, would this be a critical element to have in a car seat? My research shows that side protection isn't regulated so I don't know if it really truly is needed?? For the record, my 5 month old is 19 pounds and 27 inches tall (in the 100th percentiles for everything.) What seat would you recommend?

 

[Keeyamah]

Keeping children Rearfacing until as close to 4 years of age as possible is the best side impact protection you can give them. If your really worried about it and have the $$, you could look at a Clek Foonf (RF to 50lbs and 43.9999999999")

 

[Kel]

Since your little one isn't so little, lol...I would stick with your RN. I worry about SIP also, but your child will appreciate the low side to side criss cross in. If I were you, I'd start saving for a FR 90. You'll probably needs it's height down the road!!