With two kids, we have a grand total of four car seats and/or car seat bases in our cars.
Olivia is currenlty in a "convertible" car seat in my car - but at 30 lbs and 40 inches tall, she's outgrown the seat. Emma is to the point where she needs to be in the rear-facing convertible car seat (rather than the infant carrier).
So, the other day we decided to buy a new seat for Olivia. We purchased a booster seat -- it's for ages 3 and up and 30 lbs and up and uses the 'adult' seat belt for the restraint. It appeared to be a good idea.
Then, I saw this story on Good Morning America. This family thought their son was safe in his booster seat. He wasn't.
And so, the booster seat was returned today. We are buying a car seat that has a 5-point harness system that is good up to 65 lbs. (Most are only good up to 40 lbs - or 40 inches, as in the case of Olivia's current seat). There are several good options out there for 5-point harness seats with a higher weight allowance. (Some are much more expensive than others, but can you really put a value on your kid's safety?).
We will - I'm quite sure - be purchasing a second new seat for Olivia for our other car - but the seat she is in now in that car is still OK as far as height and weight go.
And, Emma will be rear-facing for quite a while (she must be until she is a year old and weighs 20 lbs. -- but she will likely be rear-facing until she is closer to 25 lbs or more).
It might seem odd that I'm just now realizing these things about car seats, but after reading the Miller's story (go here), if you are a parent you too might reconsider the car seats you are using.
We recently moved our daughter out of her up to 40 lb seat too. We got the Evenflo Generations Booster and it has the 5 point harness and when they get older you can use the seat belt. I think it goes up to 100 lbs. I really like it. We had the Evenflo Triumph and the booster has some similar features that I liked.
ReplyDeleteI had seen a story on this and it freaked me out. We're sticking with the 5 point harness as long as we can.
I think I bought the most expensive car seat b/c of its reviews and high weight limit. I figured the extra money was worth my child being alive. (though I realize not all families can afford to do that). I say, if you can, its worth it!!!!
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