Would this be worth it?

[darweshi]

We just bought a new Toyota Sienna. DS is currently riding in a Britax Frontier. The one we have is one of the earlier models, so it looks a bit different than the ones available now...maybe a bit wider? I don't know.

Anyway, we have been very happy with the seat...DS loves it and it fits him well. The problem is that the thing takes up so much room! And it needs to be tethered. (BTW, he is almost 6, about 55 pounds I think and about 48 inches tall) The tethering part isn't a huge deal when no one else is in the back seat (we have a new baby on the way, so he is riding in the 3rd row, 3.5 YO DD is in the middle row behind the driver and the new baby will be in the middle row on the other side) But when we are driving more than just our family, DS needs to be on the side and his seat takes up a huge amount of space, plus there is no tether anchor on the side, only the middle.

So, I was thinking of selling his seat and buying a Radian RXT. I like the extra head support on the RXT because DS is a big car sleeper, and I am worried his head would be flopping all over the place without the extra support. I know the Radians are narrower and they don't require the tether.

Does this make sense? Is it worth it? Is the Radian as comfortable? Install as well? As easy to use (DS can buckle himself well with the Frontier). Any feedback or ideas?

 

[StillThankful]

Congrats on you new purchase

What slot is your little one on in the Frontier?

Looking at the measurements capsule, the Britax Frontier (earlier version) has top slots measuring at 18.5". The Diono RXT top slots measure at 17.5", so you'll be losing an inch--so keep that in mind. Although Sunshine kids/Diono allows your child to use the top slots when your child's shoulders are above them while forward facing, some parents are uncomfortable doing so.

What about the Graco Nautilus? It has 18-18.5 top slots and converts to a great booster. Because the Nautilus is an inch narrower (externally) than the Frontier, you would able to keep him in the middle (which is much safer than outboard) and keep him tethered. Then guests will be able to sit on the side comfortably.

 

[wendytthomas]

The Frontier requires a tether after 65 pounds harnessed. Why not just leave him untethered briefly in his Frontier when you move him over, rather than buy a new seat to leave him untethered in?

Wendy

 

[cookie123]

Have you considered boostering him for those rare occasions? No tether required and someone will be there to make sure he stays in place. Otherwise, I was going to suggest an Evenflo Secure Kid which are a narrower seat.

I like the Radian for forward facing personally and Matthew is content in it. But he's only 4.5 and weighs maybe 36 lbs. It fits him well and he is on the top slots now. Sadly ours has a 33 lbs rearfacing weight limit or he could rear face in it still.