Question Combination Seat or Time for a Booster?

[cantabdad]

I posted earlier about my daughter outgrowing the Radian. Diono will be sending me a longer crotch strap (for free) which should buy us some time. Thank you to those who advised me on that.

Her shoulders are a hair's breadth under the headwings, and everyone seems to agree that the Radian will become uncomfortable once she starts bumping against them. When that time comes, is there any benefit to getting a combination seat that will keep her harnessed a bit longer? Or is it just time for a highback booster?

In terms of combination seats with slots > 17" I am aware of the Evenflo Secure Kid, Britax Frontier, and something from Recaro. Any others you'd suggest?

She just turned 5 and is 48 lbs, 45" tall (approx. 17" torso). She is mature and has done fine with the Bubble Bum for some short taxi rides, but she also tends to fall asleep in the car, which is why I've preferred to keep her harnessed up till now. She doesn't go in the car very often during the school year, but in summer we take frequent trips.

 

[Phineasmama]

What I would do is keep her harnessed for now, but buy a high back booster to start "training" her how to properly use a booster. The Graco Turbobooster, Safety Surround, or Affix, would all be great and inexpensive options that fit smaller kids well. I think if she has a high back it will be easier for her to sleep in the car.

Start taking her for short rides around town in the booster, remind her about sitting nicely in the seat and making sure the seat belt is in the right position. Hopefully by the time she actually outgrows the Radian she will be ready for a full time booster

Of course a combination seat is a perfectly viable option if you want to do that.

 

[Baylor]

My sons sleep great in the Monterey. At 5, I would get a dedicated booster, and use the Radian as back up. I would not buy another harnessed seat for a 5 yr old. Especially if she has been okay in lbb.

 

[TechnoGranola]

If you think she'll make it to at least 5.5 in the Radian, and she's mature and sits properly in a booster, I'd likely move to a nice high back booster with good headwinds for sleeping. My DD uses an Oobr and it is amazing for sleeping. She stays in perfect position with the amazing headwings and the Oobr can be reclined on the fly for additional comfort.

 

[cantabdad]

Thanks again, everyone. I didn't realize that a booster would still allow her to sleep in the car. We will cross that bridge when we come it, but I appreciate the advice.