Replacing Britax Parkway and First Years Compass.

[Momma2PnS]

My is son 44", 45 lbs, 6 years. In my car he rides in a Britax Parkway SGL and I love it! For travel or carpools he rides in a Turbobooster high back or the First Years Compass B530. We were in an accident yesterday and both the Compass and Parkway were in the car with children in them. I need to replace them both.

I love the Parkway, but my son hates the strap near the crotch. I like that it adds extra safety, but he's always been a physically sensitive kid and it makes him very uncomfortable. Is it optional to use it? Can I get a similar seat that would be just as comfortable otherwise and maybe have LATCH?

I also love the Compass, but not sure I want to replace it. The Turbobooster seems just fine for carpools and travel. We gate check anyway when traveling. The folding feature is nice, but doesn't really seem necessary since we aren't putting it in an overhead compartment. Just wondering if anyone has an opinion either way.

Thanks!

 

[EmmaCPST]

You don't have to use the slide guard - Britax recommends it, but does not require it. If the lap belt is sitting properly low on his hips, touching the thighs and he doesn't slouch than I'd be fine not using it if it bothers him.

 

[henrietta]

FWIW, I would probably take a high back Turbo when traveling. Put the bottom in the overhead compartment and pack the back carefully in the center of your suitcase (or skip it, if you're okay w/that). I don't think I'd gate check any sort of carseat or booster, b/c you don't know how they are going to treat it. If it's only in a little bag, it could be badly damaged and you not see the damage.

Not a risk I'd want to take.

henrietta

 

[LuvBug]

It is true, you do not need to use the SG clip. It is recommended, but not required. My DS doesn't use his. It tucks nicely under the cover, it has a little cutout for storage.
I purchased the PWSG with the intent on him using it, but it was bothersome to his area there. He has a big bottom and it always made him feel squished. His lapbelt fit fine without it, so I was ok with that.

 

[Momma2PnS]

Thanks for your help, everyone. We have decided on a new Parkway SGL for my car and a Graco Turbobooster as our extra/carpool/travel seat. Off to Costco today! They still have them for $34.

 

[mylittlet]

I agree with henrietta. I wouldn't gate check any seat. I would carry the backless part on board and store in the over head bins. and pack the back in the middle of your suitcase surrounded by clothes to protect it.