Appropriate for a 4-year old at 28 lbs? Fits in '99 Honda Accord?I know the minimum requirements for this car seat is: at least 2 years old and 25 lbs, but just curious if anyone knows if there are any disadvantages to using this vs. a regular convertible carseat (eg. Britax Marathon/Roundabout/Advocate/Pavilion)? I have a petite 4-year old who is roughly 28 lbs and 37", which would be on the lower end of the recommended height/weight. Or would the Marathon/et al. provide better protection in the event of accidents?Right now, my daughter's Roundabout is in need of replacement (~7 years old), and I'm trying to decide if I should just purchase another convertible car seat (the rear-facing and forward-facing type) that has a weight limit of up to 65-70 lbs, or replace it with something like this convertible/booster type? Anyone have thoughts on this? Appropriate for a 4-year old at 28 lbs? Fits in '99 Honda Accord?I know the minimum requirements for this car seat is: at least 2 years old and 25 lbs, but just curious if anyone... » Read More Appropriate for a 4-year old at 28 lbs? Fits in '99 Honda Accord?I know the minimum requirements for this car seat is: at least 2 years old and 25 lbs, but just curious if anyone knows if there are any disadvantages to using this vs. a regular convertible carseat (eg. Britax Marathon/Roundabout/Advocate/Pavilion)? I have a petite 4-year old who is roughly 28 lbs and 37", which would be on the lower end of the recommended height/weight. Or would the Marathon/et al. provide better protection in the event of accidents?Right now, my daughter's Roundabout is in need of replacement (~7 years old), and I'm trying to decide if I should just purchase another convertible car seat (the rear-facing and forward-facing type) that has a weight limit of up to 65-70 lbs, or replace it with something like this convertible/booster type? Anyone have thoughts on this? « Show Less
33666
She will grow and now meets the criteria of the Britax, so replace the old one with a new one that she will grow into. My opinion.
33667
the only problem with the marathon for your child would be the height (I think 40in is the max, or when their head is above the cushion); the Fronteir has the adjustable head rest that can go low and then be bumped up as they grow---with side panels to reduce head movement
1583089
My daughter is very tall also, 100% for her age group. At 18 months and 35inches, she is at the next to the top shoulder strap. The manufacturer recommends turning it forward facing when they reach the top strap holder. I just asked our pediatrician at our 18 month check up what we should do when she reaches that point as I am sure it will be soon, and before she is 2 which is the law in CA. His response was to turn her around when she reaches the top strap even if it is before age 2 as she will then be big enough. That being said we bought this carseat for traveling. It is the smallest and lightest carseat we could find. She seems very comfortable in it. The bottom strap to attach it via car latches does not adjust on both sides which makes getting a perfectly tight fit impossible. It has good safety ratings but in comparison to the Britax carseat we use for every day, it really doesn't seem as safe or tighly secured in the car. Hope this helps.
185653
The front of the Instruction manual says age 3 or over, 30-100 pounds, 38-57 inches. There are car seat safety guidelines on different websites (highway patrol,consumer reports, etc) and car seats are still believed to be safer. We waited to switch over until our son was 40 pounds, over 40 inches and almost 4 years old. We are pleased with the booster and it is easy to use.
2105372
The weight is a minimum of 40 lbs. What I would personally be more concerned about is the tot being fidgety and getting OUT of the belt. I started mine when my daughter was 3.5, and we had to constantly be on top of her about sitting back, keeping her feet down, not stretching the seatbelt out. I would personally wait, and make sure that the child is old enough to sit still with out being told every ten minutes, otherwise you would be having to sit directly next to him/her. The size is great for us, we have it smooshed in between a baby seat and a booster in the back seat of a PRIUS, but it might be unstable for such a little one with nothing on one or both sides. The weight is a minimum of 40 lbs. What I would personally be more concerned about is the tot being fidgety and getting OUT of the belt. I started mine when my daughter was 3.5, and we had to constantly be on top of her about sitting back, keeping her feet down, not stretching the seatbelt out. I would personally wait, and make sure that the child is old enough to sit still with out being told every ten minutes, otherwise you would be having to sit directly next to him/her. The size is great for us, we have it smooshed in between a baby seat and a booster in the back seat of a... » Read More The weight is a minimum of 40 lbs. What I would personally be more concerned about is the tot being fidgety and getting OUT of the belt. I started mine when my daughter was 3.5, and we had to constantly be on top of her about sitting back, keeping her feet down, not stretching the seatbelt out. I would personally wait, and make sure that the child is old enough to sit still with out being told every ten minutes, otherwise you would be having to sit directly next to him/her. The size is great for us, we have it smooshed in between a baby seat and a booster in the back seat of a PRIUS, but it might be unstable for such a little one with nothing on one or both sides. « Show Less
1360651
No I d9nt helieve this would be safe for a 1 year old. And im not positive but I dont think he meets the weight requirement. My 3 year old daughter is 36 pounds and was just over the weight minimum. I dont think your nephew would meet the minimum height either. I highly recommend Britax Boulevard. That held my daughter until she was 33 pounds but had plenty of room for the straps to expand if she was heavier. She was getting to tall for it at 39 1/2 inches tall. My 8 month old is in the Boulevard now. He is 19 pounds and 28 inches tall. Fits him great. It can be put in the rear facing position for longer providing added safety. This one cant rear face.
1834578
For Safety 1st years the average is 6-8 years from the date of manufacture. I don't remember the window of time for this one specifically, but it will def get her through the years you would want a good carseat and solid booster! Most kids want the smaller less obvious boosters when they get close to reaching the age that they ALMOST don't need one anymore. And it can be used as five point harness seat for a LONG time. My son is almost 4 and still has LOTS of weight and height to go before he meets the recommended requirements for the booster option! I love the Alpha seats, all three of my kids have them :) For Safety 1st years the average is 6-8 years from the date of manufacture. I don't remember the window of time for this one specifically, but it will def get her through the years you would want a good carseat and solid booster! Most kids want the smaller less obvious boosters when they get close to reaching the age that they ALMOST don't need one anymore. And it can be used as five point harness seat for a LONG time. My son is almost 4 and still has LOTS of weight and height to go before he meets the recommended requirements for the booster option! I love the Alpha seats, all three of my... » Read More For Safety 1st years the average is 6-8 years from the date of manufacture. I don't remember the window of time for this one specifically, but it will def get her through the years you would want a good carseat and solid booster! Most kids want the smaller less obvious boosters when they get close to reaching the age that they ALMOST don't need one anymore. And it can be used as five point harness seat for a LONG time. My son is almost 4 and still has LOTS of weight and height to go before he meets the recommended requirements for the booster option! I love the Alpha seats, all three of my kids have them :) « Show Less
339542
Yes! We got this Britax for my husband's car when my daughter was 28 lbs. She is now 35 lbs and still fits perfectly. I like this one better than our other Britax for bigger kiddos because she is able to sit "up" a little better and see out the windows. (Our other Britax seems to cuddle her back down in the seat more - worked well when she was smaller.)
236402
Short answer: I don't think soWe put our son in there at about 30 months and 35 pounds. Our chicco keyfit 30 car seat worked pretty well up until then, and I think the official recommendation is to keep your kids in a rear facing car seat until 2 years or close to 30 lbs. When our son got in this it still seemed a bit big since the seatbel strap was located too high so it would slide into his neck (not bad, but you could tell it wasn't quite right). We bought the maxi cosi priori seat as an "in between" seat as our baby was outgrowing the car seat but wasn't ready for this seat. Note that I do highly recommend the Kobuk seat Short answer: I don't think soWe put our son in there at about 30 months and 35 pounds. Our chicco keyfit 30 car seat worked pretty well up until then, and I think the official recommendation is to keep your kids in a rear facing car seat until 2 years or close to 30 lbs. When our son got in this it still seemed a bit big since the seatbel strap was located too high so it would slide into his neck (not bad, but you could tell it wasn't quite right). We bought the maxi cosi priori seat as an "in between" seat as our baby was outgrowing the car seat but wasn't... » Read More Short answer: I don't think soWe put our son in there at about 30 months and 35 pounds. Our chicco keyfit 30 car seat worked pretty well up until then, and I think the official recommendation is to keep your kids in a rear facing car seat until 2 years or close to 30 lbs. When our son got in this it still seemed a bit big since the seatbel strap was located too high so it would slide into his neck (not bad, but you could tell it wasn't quite right). We bought the maxi cosi priori seat as an "in between" seat as our baby was outgrowing the car seat but wasn't ready for this seat. Note that I do highly recommend the Kobuk seat « Show Less
1759491
It depends on what kind of harness you want. I wanted my 4year old in a 5 point harness for as long as possible, so went with a seat that converts form a 5 point harness to a booster with seatbelt. The harness mode is good to 90lbs ( can't remember height limit) once over 90lbs you can remove the harness and use the seatbelt mode (there are guides to hold the seatbelt at the correct position). I am very happy with the seat, it is very well made and my son loves it.
101071
Get the maxi. The weight limit printed on the bottom of the mini says 40lbs. Your four-year-old, no matter how smaller, will soon hit that.Our 4.5yo is over 50lbs and still rides the mini, so the mini is quite resilient, but I don't think you lose much by future-proofing with the maxi.and our two-year-old has been riding the mini for several months now.
187192
It is suitable for children 40-120 pounds AND 38"-63" tall. Typically children can be at least 4 years old, but it is highly recommended to keep them in a 5-point harness booster seat instead (like the Britax Pioneer, Frontier or Pinnacle). We usually recommend this seat for children around 6 years old.
259265
answering my own question: i called britax customer service. they confirmed that the child needs to be 2 years old in addition to weighing 25 pounds--the reason is that he needs to develop the necessary bone density to prevent severe injuries in the case of impact while in this seat.
2020288
She may be a little short for this carseat. Even if it would fit her, I would highly recommend keeping her in a seat with a five point harness until she is at least 4. We started using this seat when our daughter was about 4 and a 1/2, and even then preferred the Britax seats with a five point harness because they keep her much more secure while in the seat.
1175452
We have a roundabout 50 which we bought when our son was 1 year old and outgrew the carrier. I would not recommend it for a newborn, even though its rated for 5 lbs and up. The lowest shoulder strap level seems like it would be too high for newbornw and it just doesn't snuggle around a tiny baby well. Plus its harder to install it reclined all the way at 45 degrees. I believe the Roundabout 55 comes with an insert to better position a newborn, so it might work ok. There are probably better convertible seats that provide a better fit for newborns, or just use the infant carrier style and sell if once your baby outgrows it. We have a roundabout 50 which we bought when our son was 1 year old and outgrew the carrier. I would not recommend it for a newborn, even though its rated for 5 lbs and up. The lowest shoulder strap level seems like it would be too high for newbornw and it just doesn't snuggle around a tiny baby well. Plus its harder to install it reclined all the way at 45 degrees. I believe the Roundabout 55 comes with an insert to better position a newborn, so it might work ok. There are probably better convertible seats that provide a better fit for newborns, or just use the infant carrier style and... » Read More We have a roundabout 50 which we bought when our son was 1 year old and outgrew the carrier. I would not recommend it for a newborn, even though its rated for 5 lbs and up. The lowest shoulder strap level seems like it would be too high for newbornw and it just doesn't snuggle around a tiny baby well. Plus its harder to install it reclined all the way at 45 degrees. I believe the Roundabout 55 comes with an insert to better position a newborn, so it might work ok. There are probably better convertible seats that provide a better fit for newborns, or just use the infant carrier style and sell if once your baby outgrows it. « Show Less
264160
Thanks for your reply. I bought the Boulevard end of June and started using the carseat beginning of July. I love it! My daughter is 9 mos now, 28.5 in. and 20 lbs. She does very well in the seat and her head does not tilt forward when she sleeps like it always did in her Graco Snugride (which I also liked, except for the head dangle). I'm also not sure if her head will tilt forward once I turn her forward facing. I will try to keep her rear facing as long as possible.
1907161
It's not really age as much as it is size. Children up to 90 pounds and 58 inches tall can use it in car seat mode. Then as a booster seat, it can be used to 62 inches tall and 120 pounds. It depends on each child's size, but it will likely be for many years. My 11 year old nephew, who is tall for his age, would still meet the requirements to be able to use it.
915009
I wouldn't recommend moving her up to the Britax Parkway SGL just yet. My son was 4.5 and in the 85th percentile for height and barely 40 pounds when I moved him up to the Parkway SGL. After a while some kids find the Marathon uncomfortable, but at 2.5 I would suggest perhaps trying the Britax Frontier, which has a bit more room in the 5-point harness than the Britax, so thte straps might be a bit more tolerable for your little one. And once she is ready for a booster, the Frontier will easily convert.