I've been researching the heck out of car seats and strollers these
days. Paige is now 2.5, but is still very small for her age (26in and
18lbs). She is still in her Chicco Keyfit in my car, but is outgrowing
it. I took her to our Children's Hospital where they have a car seat
clinic for kids who need special consideration. The OT/car seat tech
there highly recommended both the Britax and the Sunshine Kids Radian
XT. The Radian had a very impressive firm back, steel frame and a low
center of gravity. I chose the Britax Boulevard for the side impact
wings, but it was a tough choice. I feel that it will help when Paige
falls asleep (as well as being safe!) and it's weight limit is 80lbs.
I'm still waiting on it to come in. In the meantime, we purchased both
an Alpha Omega Elite (nice firm back) and the Britax Roundabout. We had
the AOE in my husbands 4Runner, but it was large and to get it reclined
back far enough, we had to use 3 pool noodles (done at the fire
station). Otherwise, Paige's head fell WAY too far forward when she
slept and I was worried about her airway. We gave the AOE to the
babysitter. The Roundabout is very nice and reclines well with 1 noodle.
The leg straps don't seem to fit quite right, however. The Roundabout
has the lower weight limit (40lbs) and her head is already within 3
inches of the top, but it should last long enough to get our money's
worth. Overall, we are really happy with it's firm back and comfort for
her. My husband likes that the Roundabout does not come up in between
his two front seats and the straps are easier to loosen and tighten.

Take Ethan to the store with you and try him out in the seats. Babiesrus
and Target have a lot of options. I have not seen the Sunshine Kids
brand in the stores, only online, but we did get to try it at the car
seat clinic. Others have recommended Recaro, but I could not blindly
order one without trying it as Paige's head is pretty large and I was
worried about a lack of space with the head cushion. I ordered the AOE
and Roundabout from Albeebaby.com. They have really good prices and free
shipping.

Good luck,
Lindsay

________________________________

From: parentsoflittlepeople2@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:parentsoflittlepeople2@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of nlisevich
Sent: Tuesday, July 07, 2009 8:48 PM
To: parentsoflittlepeople2@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Parents of Little People 2] Best car seat?





Hi again,

Since we're on the topic of car seats, what are your opinions on the
best car seat after the infant carrier for kids with bigger heads, lower
weight and reduced muscle tone? Ethan is 11 months old and not ready to
come out of the infant carrier yet, but we want to be prepared and have
a seat ready for him. I know the Britax Marathon was mentioned. Any
other recommendations? How about the nautilus? regeant? Those are names
I've heard tossed around as being good car seats, but I really have no
idea. Thanks!

Nicole






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]