Question new seat(s) post-crash?

[cantabdad]

Do NHTSA's criteria for post-crash replacement also apply to booster seats, or just harnessed seats?

My daughters were in a Britax Marathon (RF) and a Bubble Bum backless booster on Thursday when our rental car was rear-ended. No injuries, thankfully, but the police said the vehicle wasn't safely driveable because one of its rear wheels was damaged/deformed -- so therefore that wouldn't meet the standard of a "minor" crash where the carseats can continue to be used.

Do I need to replace the booster as well as the convertible seat? Neither had any obvious damage.

Although I like the Marathon, I'd welcome any other suggestions on a replacement carseat that will last a long time RF and is relatively easy to travel with. The Marathon is what we'd been using for for grandma's car and air travel; she's in a Radian (RF) in our car. She's 2.5 years, 36", 33 lbs.

I like the Radian, but my mother-in-law has trouble with the buckle/harness, and I'm less comfortable traveling with it because it doesn't have lockoffs (for non-US travel where the seatbelts aren't ALR) and the installation can be fussy in some cars.

If it makes more sense at this point, I would also consider a FF combination seat that could be used as a booster seat later.

Thanks for any info or suggestions.

 

[ketchupqueen]

They don't apply universally to either booster seats or harnessed seats. You need to go by what the manufacturer says.

In either case, since you didn't meet all 5 criteria- wasn't driveable from the scene is one- all the seats need to be replaced, regardless of if they use NHTSA criteria (like Britax) or not. Yes, including boosters.

How old and large are your children? I know we'd be happy to make recommendations.

Glad you're all ok!

 

[cantabdad]

Thank you, KetchupQueen. These were our 'travel' seats and I'm leaning toward just replacing like-with-like (new Marathon and new Bubble Bum).

 

[cantabdad]

Oh, and the kids are:
- 5 (almost 6) years, 48", 50 lbs [uses Clek Oobr in our car]
- 2.5 years, 36", 33 lbs [uses Radian RF in our car]

 

[ketchupqueen]

Sounds like those would still probably be great travel seats for them. Happy shopping! Remember to click the affiliate link if you shop on Amazon or Target's website.