Help! I need to figure out a cheap carseat/ booster for MIL to buy by tomorrow

[DAR]

Merry Christmas! Hopefully someone will be on today that can help me. My husband and 4 year old have to fly last minute to my MIL's for DH's cousin's funeral. We visit MIL just enough that I would like to get a car seat for DS for MIL's.

Here are my DS's stats
1) turned 4 in August
2) 46 lbs
3)44 inches

We go to see MIL about twice a year. For our last trip I bought a RSTV, but DS did not like that he could not see out of MIL's car windows.

I would say that I would be tempted to get a booster, because the longest trip made is 20 minutes to the airport and none of it is major highway driving. However, because this trip is last minute, the best rate I could get coming down is for an airport an hour away. Still only on a 2 lane minor highway, but it is a long time for a booster.

We currently have a Nautilus or Frontier 85 that could go with them, but both are heavy and it is not a direct flight.

I would love to spend under $100.

Thank you for any help. I am trying to think what is on the way to the airport- I know Target and Walmart

 

[Brianna]

A Maestro is under $100 but it only harnesses to 50 pounds, if you could get another Nautilus that would be ideal.

 

[Jan06twinmom]

The Maestro would work, but wouldn't last very long.

If you think your DS would be able to handle a booster with some adult guidance, I would get the Graco Turbobooster. It will need to be assembled, which includes putting the screws in the armrests. For the longer drive, can dad or a grandparent sit in the back seat to keep an eye on him and remind him if he gets out of position?

Another option to consider - RSTV for the long drive from the airport (assuming you still have it) and the Turbobooster for around town.

Melanie

 

[jess71903]

Can the RSTV be used with a booster, or is that the EZ-on or 86-y? I can never keep the vests straight.

 

[DAR]

The Maestro would work, but wouldn't last very long.

If you think your DS would be able to handle a booster with some adult guidance, I would get the Graco Turbobooster. It will need to be assembled, which includes putting the screws in the armrests. For the longer drive, can dad or a grandparent sit in the back seat to keep an eye on him and remind him if he gets out of position?

Another option to consider - RSTV for the long drive from the airport (assuming you still have it) and the Turbobooster for around town.

Melanie

I was just looking at the Maestro online. It says booster until 100 lbs. Does it not work well as a booster, or is it the height that you are worried about?

Why would I not just have MIL buy a Maestro and use it as a booster after 50 lbs. It seems to go almost to the same height as a turbo booster. We go to see MIL as a family for Easter so I would get 2 uses out of it as a harness. Are there fit problems with it as a booster?

I have a younger son that is 2 who is only 29 lbs, but tall. We bought him a Cosco Scenera on our last visit. I think he will be in it a while, but the Maestro could be used on him when he outgrows the Scenera (it is taller by 4 inches according to the spreadsheets). Maybe by that time DS would be able to be in a backless booster?

 

[Judi]

It is outgrown by height at the same time for the harness and in booster mode.

 

[DAR]

It is outgrown by height at the same time for the harness and in booster mode.

Thanks! I have been reading old threads as fast as I can to figure out why it was not recommended as a booster. My son shoulders are only a smudge below with the second harness slot from the top on the Nautilus. I will be needing to move him to the highest spot soon. This probably means that we will do the turbo booster/ RSTV combo with DH next to him.

The only way I can justify the seat is if DS#2 would be needing it soon which I don't think he will. Cosco Scenera says harness height of 14.75". The Maestro is 19". DS#2 is He is 29 lbs and 37" tall. Long torso of 13". I am betting that would get us through Easter, but we probably won't go down again for a year at least. I don't want MIL thinking she has to buy a seat every time we come down.

Nautilus would be cheaper in the long run if I have to buy the Maestro and then a turbo booster in April if he outgrows the Maestro. I don't think the new evenflo is out yet, I cannot find a post with its name.

 

[Judi]

Nautilus or the Argos. Remember that the RSTV can not be used with a booster.

 

[DAR]

Thanks for the help! The Maestro is on 30% clearance at Target.