Car Seats

Where can I find car seat ratings in an easy to read format? I would like to compare them before I buy…?

We are looking at the Britax line but I would also like to compare some others. The Evenflo Triumph looks so comfortable compared to the Britax.

I was wondering if I should splurge to get one that holds children up to 65lbs but when I look at the car seat, I don’t see how a kid that big could possibly sit comfortable in that small thing! Any advice? Does it convert into something else to hold bigger children or do they just fit in there just fine? Also, do you still use the 5pt harness system or do you use a Seat Belt in it when they get older. I don’t want to waste money if my child won’t be comfortable or won’t want to sit in something like that when he’s bigger.

Any suggestions or help would be appreciated!

Consumer Reports is not considered an accurate source of information for carseat ratings. I have gained my best car seat information from reading and asking questions at www.car-seat.org.

As for the 65 pound Britax seats (Marathon, Decathlon and Boulevard). Yes, they are worth the extra expense. The can be installed rear facing to 33 pounds (extended rear facing – past 20lbs/12 months is highly recommended) and forward face to 65 pounds or until the child’s shoulder’s are above the highest harness slots – for many kids this could mean until age 5. The 65 pound Britax seats are not 3-in-1 seats, they do not convert to a belt positioning booster once the child has outgrown the harness. There are very few seats on the market that can do both tasks well and none that can rear face, forward face and act as a booster well. They are safe and adequate for all tasks but personally I don’t just want safe and adequate for my children – I want safest and best. You will need a Booster Seat once your child grows out of any harnessed seat, including a 65 lb Britax seat.

My 2 year old is 28 pounds and still sitting rear facing in his Britax Marathon and will be until 33 pounds. My big 46 pound and 42+ inch 4 year old can fit very comfortably in a Marathon as well with plenty of room to grow. His regular seat is a Britax Regent (forward facing only to 80 pounds) but after an accident we had to replace with a Decathlon until our new Regent was in stock. We went on a 10+ hour road trip with him riding in the Decathlon and he was very comfortable.

There are many things that I discuss with my kids and allow them to have a say in the outcome – Car Safety is not one of them. It doesn’t matter if they do not “want” to remain harnessed or sit in a particular seat – safety trumps their desire. If they were uncomfortable I would do what I needed to help them be comfortable in the car but ultimately my concern is for their safety.

Good luck making a decision and kudos to you for taking your child’s safety seriously!

Evenflo Triumph 65 LX Convertible Car Seat Reviews

Bugaboo Car Seat Adaptor For Graco Car Seats $44.95 Bugaboo Car Seat Adaptor For Graco Car Seats

Bugaboo Donkey Mono Car Seat Adaptor For Graco Car Seats $44.95 Bugaboo Donkey Mono Car Seat Adaptor For Graco Car Seats

Bugaboo Donkey Twin Car Seat Adaptor For Graco Car Seats $69.95 Bugaboo Donkey Twin Car Seat Adaptor For Graco Car Seats

Uppa Baby Vista Car Seat Adaptor For Chicco Car Seats $39.99 Uppa Baby Vista Car Seat Adaptor For Chicco Car Seats

Bugaboo Car Seat Adaptor For Peg Perego Car Seats $44.95 Bugaboo Car Seat Adaptor For Peg Perego Car Seats

Uppa Baby Vista Car Seat Adaptor For Graco Car Seats $39.99 Uppa Baby Vista Car Seat Adaptor For Graco Car Seats

Graco Snugrider Stroller For Snug Ride Car Seats Snap And Go $79.99 Graco Snugrider Stroller For Snug Ride Car Seats Snap And Go

Go-Go Babyz Infant Cruizer For Graco Infant Car Seats $144.99 Go-Go Babyz Infant Cruizer For Graco Infant Car Seats

Phil and Teds Travel System For Chicco Car Seats For VibeVerve Strollers $34.99 Phil and Teds Travel System For Chicco Car Seats For Vibe/Verve Strollers

Mercedes C63 AMG With Leather Seats Diecast Car Model 1/18 Black Die Cast Car by Autoart $142.99 Brand new 118 scalediecast car model of Mercedes C63 AMG With Leather Seats die cast car…

Bugaboo Donkey Mono Car Seat Adaptor For Maxi Cosi Mico Car Seats $44.95 Bugaboo Donkey Mono Car Seat Adaptor For Maxi Cosi Mico Car Seats

BOB Infant Car Seat Adaptor For Chicco Car Seats For 2011 And Newer Strollers $55 BOB Infant Car Seat Adaptor For Chicco Car Seats For 2011 And Newer Strollers

Bugaboo Donkey Twin Car Seat Adaptor For Maxi Cosi Mico Car Seats $69.95 Bugaboo Donkey Twin Car Seat Adaptor For Maxi Cosi Mico Car Seats

Bugaboo Car Seat Adaptor For Cameleon Maxi Cosi Mico and Aton Car Seats $44.95 Bugaboo Car Seat Adaptor For Cameleon Maxi Cosi Mico and Aton Car Seats

BOB Infant Car Seat Adaptor For Graco Car Seats For 2011 And Newer Models $55 BOB Infant Car Seat Adaptor For Graco Car Seats For 2011 And Newer Models

BOB Infant Car Seat Adaptor For Peg Perego Car Seats For 2011 And Newer Models $55 BOB Infant Car Seat Adaptor For Peg Perego Car Seats For 2011 And Newer Models

Britax S840500 – Car Seat Travel Cart $79.99 The Britax car seat travel cart is a convenient alternative when traveling through airports with your car seat and child in tow. Car seats attach effortlessly using the car seat latch connectors, the same connectors that secure your car seat tightly to yo

Toddler Car Seat Slipcover $65 Dress Up Those Car Seats To Suit Your Taste These comfy and stylish upright toddler car seat covers fit most brands of car seat and will add a splash of fun to keeping your child safe Choose from different patterns and colors including leopard zebra cheetah tiger pony giraffe cow camouflage A selection of over 40 patterns are available please inquire for more details Gentle furry fabric Machine washable

Child’s Race Car Rocker $139.95 Rev Up That Engine Famous black n white checkered flags and a sporty race car adorn the seat back while bright red accents and fun logo stickers add that exciting touch The armrest features a gear shift for plenty of action and you can even hear the car racin around the track when your child rocks Just flip the switch to turn it off Includes understamp and photo greeting card

CLOSEOUT!! Baby Jogger Single Infant Car Seat Adaptor For Chicco $59.95 Fits All Car Seats

Britax S842900 B-Ready Universal Infant Car Seat Adaptor for Graco ,Chicco and Peg Perego Car Seats $69.95 Allows stroller to be used with infant car seats made by other major manufacturers. Designed to work with Chicco Key Fit, Chicco Key Fit 30, Graco Snugride 32, and Graco Snugride 35 attachment systems

Mercedes C63 AMG Diecast Car Model 1/18 Grey Die Cast Car With Leather Seats by Autoart $142.99 Brand new 118 scalediecast model of Mercedes C63 AMG Gray With Leather Seats…

Mercedes CL63 AMG Diecast Car Model 1/18 White With Leather Seats Die Cast Car by Autoart $129.99 Brand new 118 scalediecast car model of Mercedes CL63 AMG die cast car by…

Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Car Seats CACAO – IMUN00US35FG47PL57 $319.99 This premium car seat exceeds the most stringent Side Impact Protection safety test in the world, and attaches easily to all of Peg Perego’s strollers.

Britax Adventure Car Seat. $39.99 The Britax Adventure car seat is a lightweight high back booster seat with side impact protection. It is ergonomically designed for older children aged 4 years to 12 years. The adjustable head support provides full protection, allowing your child to travel in the car safely. Features:Group 2-3.Suitable for children from 4 years to 12 years.Suitable for children from 15kg to 36kg.Fits front and rear seats although recommended for rear seat usage.Only use in front seat if there is no active air bag.For use with 3 point seat belts.Forward facing.Side impact protection.Adjustable head support.Cup holder.Size H67, W44, D44cm.General information:Removable washable cover – machine washable at 30°C.Manufacturer’s helpline number 01264 386034.Manufacturer’s 2 year guarantee.

BabyStart Plastic Car Booster Seat. $7.93 This booster seat from BabyStart is ideal for those moving on from car seats. Use with 3 point seat belts to ensure your child sits in the correct position for maximum safety in the car.Group 2-3.Suitable for children aged 4 years to 12 years.Suitable for children from 15kg to 36kg.Fits front and rear seats.For use with 3 point seat belts.Size H21.5, W40, D38cm.Manufacturer’s helpline number 0116 284 4910.EAN/MPN/UPC/ISBN: 3507462290453.

Padded Stroller/Car Seat Liner $49 Travel in Comfort Your baby or toddler will look forward to a ride or stroll when seated on this cushion of pure Merino wool fleece This high quality liner has a soft quilted cotton back and poly fill These liners provide superior protection for all kinds of car seats Slits allow car seat or stroller straps to be threaded through and adjusted as your child grows The padded liner is reversible to the cotton side and hypoallergenic dust mite mold and mildew resistant High quality Japara cotton backing Machine Washable Reversible for year round use Provides superior protection from extreme heat or cold Hypoallergenic dust mite mold and mildew resistant

Child Safety Car Magnets(Pack of 72) $2.99 Child Safety Car Magnets Styles Include Slow Down and Protect Our Children Drive Carefully 6″ x 4″

Mercedes C63 AMG Diecast Car Model 1/18 Silver With Real Leather Seats Die Cast Car by Autoart $142.99 Brand new 118 scalediecast car model of Mercedes C63 AMG With Real leather…

Mercedes C63 AMG Diecast Car Model 1/18 White With Real Leather Seats Die Cast Car by Autoart $142.99 Brand new 118 scalediecast car model of Mercedes C63 AMG With Real Leather…

Car and Driver $11.97 Car and Driver is the definitive source of automotive reviews and tests. This magazine subscription covers domestic and import cars and trucks, offering the most in-depth road tests, performance ratings, and technical reports of any automotive magazine on the market. Each issue features vehicle spotlights, interviews with automotive leaders, and international coverage of championship car events.

Orchestra Seats $6.99 Orchestra Seats

Chicco 00069238000070 Child’s First Radio Control Car (Yellow) $30.6 The Child s First Radio Control Car is a great introduction to the big kids world of remote control cars for your child as young as 2 years old This brightly colored smiling car comes with a remote control that attaches to the car making a convenient c

Peg Perego Duette SW Stroller with two Car Seats and a Diaper Bag – Java $1340.96 Duette SW holds two children and drives like a dream, with large wheels, all-wheel suspension, rear brakes, adjustable seats and a steering wheel!

Koo-di Wetec Complete Car Seat Protector – Grey. $19.99 The Wetec Complete Seat Protector has elasticated binding which means the cover fits easily over most car seats. With an effective absorbent filling in the base of the cover.Designed with an effective absorbent filling in the base of the cover.Elasticated binding, the cover fits easily over most car seats.Made from a soft towelling fabric.Machine washable at 40C.Comfortable and effective way of protecting a child’s car seat from day to day spills.0845 680 9276.

The Child $15.99 The Child

Britax Prince Group 1 Car Seat. $59.99 The Britax Prince car seat is group 1, ideal for moving your child into a front facing seat. The comfortable padded seat is designed to let your child see out of the car window or nod off in the back. Side impact protection keeps them safer while travelling.Features:Group 1.Suitable for children from 9 months to 4 years.Suitable for children from 9kg to 18kg.Fits front and rear seats although recommended for rear seat usage.Only use in front seat if there is no active air bag.For use with 3 point seat belts.Forward facing.Side impact protection.Padded seat.Size H71, W45, D45cm.General information:This seat does not convert to a booster seat.Manufacturer’s helpline number 01264 386034.Weight 6kg.Manufacturer’s 2 year guarantee.

Quinny CV176BLK Zapp Xtra Multi-Model Car Seat Adapter $49.99 Zapp Xtra Car Seat Adapter for Multi-Models Car Seats.

Quinny CV177BLK Moodd Multi-Model Car Seat Adapter $49.99 Moodd Car Seat Adapter for Multi-Models Car Seats.

Quinny CV154BLK Buzz Multi-Model Car Seat Adapter $49.99 Buzz Car Seat Adapter for Multi-Models Car Seats.

BabyStart Group 1-2-3 Car Seat – Black. $47.99 This car seat from BabyStart is an ideal second car seat for your growing baby. Suitable from 9 months to 12 years, this forward facing car seat has an adjustable head rest and cushions for younger children, ensuring your child is safe and supported in the car.Features:Group 1-2-3.Suitable for children from 9 months to 12 years.Suitable for children from 9kg to 36kg.Fits front and rear seats although recommended for rear seat usage.For use with 3 point seat belts.Forward facing.Side impact protection.5 point harness.1 pull harness adjustment.Harness sleeves, quick release buckle and buckle pad.Seatbelt guide in headrest.Body support cushions for younger children.Adjustable head support.Size H71, W45, D50cm.General information:This seat does not convert to a booster seat.Removable washable cover – hand wash only.Manufacturer’s helpline number 0116 284 4910.EAN/MPN/UPC/ISBN: 3507462990339.

Britax Evolva Group 1-2-3 Felix Car Seat. $139.99 The Britax Evolva car seat is the winner of Mother ; Baby Magazine Best Buy ; Best Value. This forward facing seat will grow with your child from 9 months until they are tall enough to use an adult seatbelt. For extra safety in the car, this seat features side impact protection to give your child the most support in the event of a side on collision.Winner of Mother ; Baby Magazine Best Buy ; Best Value.Features:Group 1-2-3.Suitable for children from 9 months to 12 years.Suitable for children from 9kg to 36kg.Fits front and rear seats.For use with 3 point seat belts.Forward facing.Side impact protection.5 point harness.1 pull harness adjustment.Harness sleeves, quick release buckle and buckle pad.The weight of your child will determine the type of car seat you should use. Please read the Buying Guide for more information. All of our seats are approved to ECE.R44.03 standards.Adjustable head support.Cup holder.Size H61, W50, D52cm.General information:Removable washable cover – machine washable covers at 30°C.Weight 7.7kg.Manufacturer’s 2 year guarantee.EAN/MPN/UPC/ISBN: 5012124059722.

Italtrike 10003 Blue Walker, 2 seats – No Pedals $189.99 Modern European design fused with child compatibility the Pilot 100 Walker Trike for Two was created to help develop young toddlers Set in motion by using their feet two children can move this trike in similar ways as older children with bikes Its bas

Graco Nautilus Group 1-2-3 Car Seat. $129.99 This Graco car seat is group 1-2-3, supporting your child from 9 months to 12 years. Designed to be safe and comfortable, it has a padded seat, adjustable head support and a multi-recline feature, ideal for younger children. This seat converts to a booster suit when your child is older, giving you great value for money.Features:Group 1-2-3.Suitable for children from 9 months to 12 years.Suitable for children from 9kg to 36kg.Fits front and rear seats although recommended for rear seat usage.Only use in front seat if there is no active air bag.For use with 3 point seat belts.Forward facing.Side impact protection.5 point harness.Harness sleeves, quick release buckle and buckle pad.Multi-recline.Adjustable head support.Padded seat.Cup holder and armrests.Size H88, W50, D48cm.General information:Converts to a booster seat.Removable washable cover – machine washable at 30°C.Manufacturer’s helpline number 0844 412 1212.Weight 8.8kg.EAN/MPN/UPC/ISBN: 5021645845943.

Car Control Strap, 3/8, 11-13 $4.75 Small, 3/8″ wide, 11 “-13″ long Designed for use with the Sure-Fit Harness (above) to restrain your dog while you drive. Attach to the bottom ring of the harness and thread the seat belt through the loop end. Please note that neither product is “crash tested” (for a proven vehicle restraint system, look at the PetBuckle), but it will prevent your dog from joining you in the front seat at a sudden stop. Short adjustable length and a solid brass snap for added strength. (For use with shoulder belts we recommend the “locking clips” usually used with child safety seats.)

Car Control Strap, 1, 15-20 $6.75 X-Large, 1″ wide, 15 “-20″ long Designed for use with the Sure-Fit Harness (above) to restrain your dog while you drive. Attach to the bottom ring of the harness and thread the seat belt through the loop end. Please note that neither product is “crash tested” (for a proven vehicle restraint system, look at the PetBuckle), but it will prevent your dog from joining you in the front seat at a sudden stop. Short adjustable length and a solid brass snap for added strength. (For use with shoulder belts we recommend the “locking clips” usually used with child safety seats.)

Car Control Strap, 3/4, 13-16 $5.75 Medium/Large, 3/4″ wide, 13″-16″ long Designed for use with the Sure-Fit Harness (above) to restrain your dog while you drive. Attach to the bottom ring of the harness and thread the seat belt through the loop end. Please note that neither product is “crash tested” (for a proven vehicle restraint system, look at the PetBuckle), but it will prevent your dog from joining you in the front seat at a sudden stop. Short adjustable length and a solid brass snap for added strength. (For use with shoulder belts we recommend the “locking clips” usually used with child safety seats.)

Snoozer Pet Car Safety System Xsmall $129.99 492875 SNOOZER™ Pet Car Safety System For a smarter, safer way to travel with your precious canine cargo, the SNOOZER™ Pet Car Safety System offers comfort, quality and reliability. Tested to the same standard as child car seats, 30 lbs. at 30 MPH. System Includes: One (1) SNOOZER™ Lookout(R) Pet Car Seat Size Medium (if you want Small, see item #492874) One (1) Safety Harness in two sizes, XSmall (12-16″ girth) or Small (15-20″ girth) One (1) Pet Seatbelt Adaptor Features: . Easy to install . Keeps your dog secured in case of accident and off your lap while driving . Stays in position with seatbelt . Safety tether attaches to harness . Black quilted nylon with fleecy sherpa resting surface . Supportive foam base is comfortable . Elevates your dog so she can view her surroundings . May help reduce motion sickness in some dogs . Protects car seat from dirt and hair Item Specifications: Size: XSmall (17″L x 15″W x 19″H) fits dogs up to 18 lbs. Small (17″L x 22″W x 19″H) fits dogs up to 25 lbs. Color: Black

Snoozer Pet Car Safety System Small $129.99 492875 SNOOZER™ Pet Car Safety System For a smarter, safer way to travel with your precious canine cargo, the SNOOZER™ Pet Car Safety System offers comfort, quality and reliability. Tested to the same standard as child car seats, 30 lbs. at 30 MPH. System Includes: One (1) SNOOZER™ Lookout(R) Pet Car Seat Size Medium (if you want Small, see item #492874) One (1) Safety Harness in two sizes, XSmall (12-16″ girth) or Small (15-20″ girth) One (1) Pet Seatbelt Adaptor Features: . Easy to install . Keeps your dog secured in case of accident and off your lap while driving . Stays in position with seatbelt . Safety tether attaches to harness . Black quilted nylon with fleecy sherpa resting surface . Supportive foam base is comfortable . Elevates your dog so she can view her surroundings . May help reduce motion sickness in some dogs . Protects car seat from dirt and hair Item Specifications: Size: XSmall (17″L x 15″W x 19″H) fits dogs up to 18 lbs. Small (17″L x 22″W x 19″H) fits dogs up to 25 lbs. Color: Black

Toddler Bargains: Secrets to Saving 20% to 50% on Toddler Furniture, Clothing, Shoes, Travel Gear, Toys and More! $2 In 2004, an estimated 4 million toddlers will take their first steps, say the word no, and cost their parents in excess of $2,000 in food, clothing, daycare, and other necessities. Toddler Bargains is for people who want the best for their little ones but don’t want to pay top dollar. It lists bargains and deals on a wide range of child-related products and services, from bedroom decor to the latest toys to swimming lessons. Parents are given key information in chart form such as ratings of car booster seats, as well as toy, book, and CDROM recommendations by age. In addition, there is advice on kid-friendly destinations for family trips, safety news on a variety of items, and a list of the best bets for eating out with children. This edition has been extensively updated, with new information on websites, outlets, and freebies.