Please help, Im confused

[angchick]

Okay I have two children, my son will be 4 in April and my daughter will be 15 months on the 17th. Currently my son rides in an Apex65 and my daughter in a comfort sport. Im looking for two new carseats for both of them that will last untill they dont need a seat anymore. The two they are in now will go in dh's car. I dont want to get another apex b/c the crotch belt is low and I think it bothers my son legs b/c its fat and low to the seat.

My question though, would the seats/boosters that say they fit 5-100 pounds last the same as a seat that goes to 65 pounds? Like the radian or apex? I know most children grow out of height before weight but then whats the point of getting one that goes to 80 or 100 pounds if it is the same size as a seat that goes to 65? Does the one to a 100pds last longer b/c you then can use a seatbelt? Also even if my kids outgrow say something like the apex would they still need a booster afterwards? I guess Im sorda confused about this.

The only thing I surely want is the seats to be harnessed past 40 pounds. I drive a Nissan Xterra.

Anyone have any insight, TIA

 

[NZ Child Restraints]

most of the 3 in 1 seats (birth to booster) will not fit your child until booster stage. The backs are short.

The Graco Nautilius is forward facing only to 65lb, and booster to 100lb with a high back, adjustable height.

The radian is birth to 65 or 80lb depending on model, they are the same shell and slot heights.

The regent is another, forward facing only but has a high harness limit (i dont know much about this seat sorry).

Your oldest can use any forward facing seat, so a regent, or nautilus would be an idea. The youngest would be best in a convertible seat and then a booster later on (seats may be much better by then too).

Also I would look for seats that harness above 40lb. 40lb is so little. The Marathon (Britax) harnesses to 65lb, it rear and forward faces. I would recommend this for your youngest or the radian, and the regent or nautilius for your older child. HTH

 

[wendytthomas]

For a four year old it's possible that you may only need one more seat. The Apex is a harnessed seat to 65 pounds or a 17.5" torso, and then is a booster to 100 pounds. It requires head support to the level of the child's ears behind it, however.

As for your fifteen month old, there's no seat that goes rear facing that will be the last seat you need, and your fifteen month old needs to be rear facing. Plus most seats have a six year lifespan, so seeing as she needs about eight and a half years of carseats, you're looking at at least one more.

For right now I'd focus on a seat that has a high rear facing weight limit and high top slots. Most seats are outgrown by torso height rather than weight, so high top slots are a must. Do you have a budget? My favorites are the Evenflo Triumph Advance for $130 with a 35 pound RFing limit/50 pounds FFing, and 17" top slots. The Fisher Price Safe Voyage Deluxe (online only, it's a watered down Marathon) for $130. 33#/55#, 17" top slots. Any of the big Britaxes. 33#/65#, 17" top slots, $260-$300, though they'll be going on sale at the end of the month. The Recaro Como/Signo. 35#/70#, 19" top slots. $250/$290. The Sunshine Kids Radian. 33#/65# (don't bother with the 80#), 18" top slots. $199.

What year Xterra do you drive? I have a 2001. I've had the Radian in forward facing and rear, and Piper's Britax Wizard (so same size as a Marathon or Boulevard), as well as a long time ago Piper's Advantage (same size as a Roundabout. You want bigger you said).

Wendy