Question Convertible Car Seat Recommendations?

[Unregistered]

I need to purchase 2-3 car seats for my 2-year old. He's only around 33" long, but weighs 27+ lbs. I have multiple family members who take turns picking him up from the sitter every day, and each would likely need their own car seat.

I am looking for something that is light and easy to use and install with seatbelt (most of them use their cars for work and would need to take the car seat out frequently). Everyone's car pre-dates LATCH (2000 Honda CR-V, 2000 Toyota 4Runner, older model Honda Accord), so it would need to be installed with a seatbelt.

We have a Chicco NextFit with LATCH install in our vehicle, and are considering buying more of these for everyone else. Would this seat be appropriate or is there something that would fit their needs better?

Unfortunately, I live in an area without a Babies 'R Us or similar, which makes it difficult to try anything out before buying. I usually either order things online or at the Target in town.

 

[babyherder]

How good are your family members at installing seats? Does your son ride rear or forward facing?

 

[meljc]

Have you ever installed the Nextfit with a seatbelt? It's awesome! :jive: If it's in your budget, you could consider getting more of them (currently $209 on amazon I believe). Obviously you don't need a seat with a lock-off if the car's belts lock on their own, but I always feel like I can get a better install with a lock-off versus locking at a retractor.

 

[Unregistered]

How good are your family members at installing seats? Does your son ride rear or forward facing?

My son currently is rear-facing. My family members have experience installing his infant seat (KeyFit 30), but with my husband's help.

 

[babyherder]

I guess a better question is how dedicated are your relatives at making sure seats are installed correctly? If they're willing to learn how to properly install a seat even if it isn't completely easy you could get something cheaper than a nextfit. If you think they won't, I'd probably go with the Nextfit for ease of installation. Do you have a budget in mind?

 

[Unregistered]

I guess a better question is how dedicated are your relatives at making sure seats are installed correctly? If they're willing to learn how to properly install a seat even if it isn't completely easy you could get something cheaper than a nextfit. If you think they won't, I'd probably go with the Nextfit for ease of installation. Do you have a budget in mind?

They're willing to learn, but I'm not sure if they'll be able to correctly install it if it's too difficult, especially my mom. Budget-wise, I had planned for something in the range of the Nextfit, so that would be doable if it makes the most sense.

 

[babyherder]

I'd probably start with buying one Netfix and letting all your family members try to install it in their vehicles. If it works for all of them, go ahead and get more. If not, look into something else. The only reason you might want a different seat is to get something with a higher rf weight limit such as the Foonf of some of the Diono seats.

 

[jess71903]

I'll be the voice of dissent and say I would get Surerides for everybody. They're pretty straightforward as far as installation goes. I'd be hard pressed to spend $200 a seat for the non-primary vehicle, though.