"cheaper" carseats
We bought two convertiable car seats so we could have one in each car, for mine we choose the Trumph 5 which retails for around $170 and for DH car (which wouldn't be used much) a Century 21 retailed for under $100 (can't remember exact price but wasn't a bunch, well I loved the Trumph 5 at first but now the staps are so screwed up I just can adjust them. Howver our "cheap" Century 21 is going great, I recently swiched the seats because I was tired of the strap problem of the Trumph 5. My question is their any reason I should be leary of using a "cheaper costing" car seat?
Deanna
I have this one 1500 STE Convertible Car Seat which retails for only about $40 but consumer reports lists this one as the second most reccomended seat (for older front facing infant/child) next the the britnax.
^_^:
From what I read, all carseats have to meet the same safety standards before they can be sold. When you buy a more expensive one, you are paying for extras like easy recline and adjustments, etc. The thing that makes carseats dangerous is misuse. So, if you find the cheaper seat easier to use properly, using it is probably the safer chioce.
^_^:
The only thing I am picky about is having a 5-point harness system. The 3-point harness systems are safe, but not as safe, so I will pay extra for the 5. Otherwise, I have noticed the main differences between seats are how they look and how much cushy padding they have.
^_^:
The issue of straps twisting can be a major source of angst. I spend too much time every time I strap DD into her Cosco Alpha Omega, trying to untwist all the straps. They could cut her in an accident if twisted.
Also being able to put the seat in properly and easily is very important, especially if the seat will be removed from time to time.
IMO, these things are worth paying extra for if you can. But if not, as someone else said, they should all have the same safety rating. The problem is: is the seat "user friendly" enough that you will have it installed and used correctly so that it DOES meet the safety standards.
^_^:
Thanks the seat is a five point harness ans so far no twisting with the straps and it install fairly easily (we don't move it anyways) the only big drawback is the "cover" cannot be removed :angry. Anyone know if I could get a seperate cover the could be removed and washed?
Deanna
^_^:
I was reading consumer reposrts once about carsearts. I forget what they were rated on the the wimnner hands down was about $75 and the super expensive Britax ones were something like 3rd because they were so complicated with all the extras etc. . . The one we use was $35 and I couldn't be happier with it (and we have owned a lot of carseats so I really have somehting to compare it to). Granted that was a sale price but still, it was rear facing to 35 pounds, has recline in the forward facing position, was super easy to instal and the straps never twist. came with all the hooking it in parts (does anyone else think it is much easier to use the seatbelt than the latch crap?). The seat isn't padded at all but she doesn't seem to mind. It has a puzzle lock. or as my friend calls it "the rubicks cube lock", which is supposed to be good but I forget why. Anyway, I really don't think there is much of a difference as far as keeping your child safe. comfortable, probably, but I can't afford comfort anywhere else so why pay more for it here. I think with some of the really upscale ones you are paying for the name and the prestige of owning one.
^_^:
We will be upgrading 2 ds's car seats in 2 weeks. I have several Evenflo seats, I think I have a Titan about $90 on sale and another Evenflo, similar price. I do have the Century one that CR continues to rate high. I noticed that one is too small for 4yo ds with how the staps are. I replaced it's chect clip with a Century replacement and since then have had NO problems with it as a forward facing seat. Rear facing it was a PITA. (but my cover comes off)
What I have found, is the chest clip is very important. If it is the kind that just slides together, then the straps tend to get twisted worse. Plus, my kids can undo that part. The ones that go together like puzzles are safer for my kids since they can't move them.
If I could afford to spend $1000 in seats in 2 weeks I would, just to say I did. But that in no way means the seat is the best one for MY vehicles. I have been very happy with my lower priced but high rating seats that fit well. I don't remember what one we tested first- it was what I went to the store to purchase but it didn't fit well.
I hope to get 2 more seats in the toddler booster w/5 pt harness style. I thought about moving the boys to the seats with regular seatbelt guides, but I am not ready. Close, but not there yet. :)
^_^:
Here's how I see it: If you're using the seat correctly (straps aren't twisted, everything is adjusted correctly, etc.), then it doesn't matter what type of seat you have. We started with an Evenflo something, but I always had to completely remove it from the car in order to adjust the tightness of the straps even though you were supposed to be able to do it with the seat installed. I would get it out, adjust the straps, and then I would have to reinstall it in order to test it and see if it was correct (I tried testing it on the driveway, but it always was different once I installed it). I swear, I must have thrown that seat across our front lawn at least three times because I got so mad at it. The straps were always twisted and I couldn't get them to stay flat when I buckled ds into the seat. Then I had to use the toddler settings on the straps even though they were still going through the infant slots. It was just a nightmare. I went and looked at Britax seats, and they were so user-friendly compared to that d*** Evenflo seat that I bought one and have loved it ever since. I'm pretty technically competent, but the Britax seat we have is so nice, I love it every time I use it. It's worth every penny I spent on it. I had it checked at an inspection, and it was installed 100% correct (I was pretty proud of myself).
Now if the story was the opposite of that (Britax bad, Evenflo good), I would use the Evenflo. I wouldn't even think twice.
^_^:
IMO the best car seat is the USED correctly car seat!
As long as you've got the straps good a tight and the seat is in the car correctly, dont fret about it being cheaper! When straps twist that is a pain to get them to work correctly. Does that seat have a way to teather it? I didn't teather mine for awhile and then realy read the book on how to do it and boy it makes a big difference! even rear facing :)
^_^:
We have an Evenflo Triumph 5 and we love it. I am surprised that you bought it for $170. We paid $120 for ours. We haven't had problems with the straps twisting either. Well I should say that they would twist a little but if I held down the release and pulled the straps out all the way they untwisted. The only car seats that I know of that have removable covers are the Britax.
^_^:
We have an Evenflo Triumph 5 and we love it. I am surprised that you bought it for $170. We paid $120 for ours. We haven't had problems with the straps twisting either. Well I should say that they would twist a little but if I held down the release and pulled the straps out all the way they untwisted. The only car seats that I know of that have removable covers are the Britax.
It might have been $120 I really don't remember the total amount. We only payed about $40 for the century.
Deanna
^_^:
Every carseat we have ever had has removable covers. What would you do when your kid peed thier pants or threw up in the car seat (seems to happen to us a lot) They haven't always been easy to get off or get bac on but they have always come off (and meant to) and gone back on they way they were supposed to..
^_^:
I believe the Britax is actually safer because it meets both European and American safety standards. American safety standards are lower so it is easier for a seat to pass the AMerican standard.
I have also read that the Britax is safe because it is manufactured by the same company that makes airline seats and the plastic they use is stronger and made to hold up better. American car seats are made by toy/stroller manufacturers so the plastic they use is not as strong.
The other posters were correct in saying the 5 point harness is safer than the 3-point. Tethered (latch system) seats are also safer than a non-tethered seat. The other posters are also correct in saying that the seat should fit both the child and car properly and be used properly.
I had a Britax Roundabout and then switched to the Marathon at around age 3. They both installed very solidly and feel safe/secure and are easy to use once in. I think they are the kind of carseat that you leave in the car though because installation can take a little time. If you need a seat that you can switch from one car to another quickly, it's not either of those.
More Topical:
Deanna
I have this one 1500 STE Convertible Car Seat which retails for only about $40 but consumer reports lists this one as the second most reccomended seat (for older front facing infant/child) next the the britnax.
^_^:
From what I read, all carseats have to meet the same safety standards before they can be sold. When you buy a more expensive one, you are paying for extras like easy recline and adjustments, etc. The thing that makes carseats dangerous is misuse. So, if you find the cheaper seat easier to use properly, using it is probably the safer chioce.
^_^:
The only thing I am picky about is having a 5-point harness system. The 3-point harness systems are safe, but not as safe, so I will pay extra for the 5. Otherwise, I have noticed the main differences between seats are how they look and how much cushy padding they have.
^_^:
The issue of straps twisting can be a major source of angst. I spend too much time every time I strap DD into her Cosco Alpha Omega, trying to untwist all the straps. They could cut her in an accident if twisted.
Also being able to put the seat in properly and easily is very important, especially if the seat will be removed from time to time.
IMO, these things are worth paying extra for if you can. But if not, as someone else said, they should all have the same safety rating. The problem is: is the seat "user friendly" enough that you will have it installed and used correctly so that it DOES meet the safety standards.
^_^:
Thanks the seat is a five point harness ans so far no twisting with the straps and it install fairly easily (we don't move it anyways) the only big drawback is the "cover" cannot be removed :angry. Anyone know if I could get a seperate cover the could be removed and washed?
Deanna
^_^:
I was reading consumer reposrts once about carsearts. I forget what they were rated on the the wimnner hands down was about $75 and the super expensive Britax ones were something like 3rd because they were so complicated with all the extras etc. . . The one we use was $35 and I couldn't be happier with it (and we have owned a lot of carseats so I really have somehting to compare it to). Granted that was a sale price but still, it was rear facing to 35 pounds, has recline in the forward facing position, was super easy to instal and the straps never twist. came with all the hooking it in parts (does anyone else think it is much easier to use the seatbelt than the latch crap?). The seat isn't padded at all but she doesn't seem to mind. It has a puzzle lock. or as my friend calls it "the rubicks cube lock", which is supposed to be good but I forget why. Anyway, I really don't think there is much of a difference as far as keeping your child safe. comfortable, probably, but I can't afford comfort anywhere else so why pay more for it here. I think with some of the really upscale ones you are paying for the name and the prestige of owning one.
^_^:
We will be upgrading 2 ds's car seats in 2 weeks. I have several Evenflo seats, I think I have a Titan about $90 on sale and another Evenflo, similar price. I do have the Century one that CR continues to rate high. I noticed that one is too small for 4yo ds with how the staps are. I replaced it's chect clip with a Century replacement and since then have had NO problems with it as a forward facing seat. Rear facing it was a PITA. (but my cover comes off)
What I have found, is the chest clip is very important. If it is the kind that just slides together, then the straps tend to get twisted worse. Plus, my kids can undo that part. The ones that go together like puzzles are safer for my kids since they can't move them.
If I could afford to spend $1000 in seats in 2 weeks I would, just to say I did. But that in no way means the seat is the best one for MY vehicles. I have been very happy with my lower priced but high rating seats that fit well. I don't remember what one we tested first- it was what I went to the store to purchase but it didn't fit well.
I hope to get 2 more seats in the toddler booster w/5 pt harness style. I thought about moving the boys to the seats with regular seatbelt guides, but I am not ready. Close, but not there yet. :)
^_^:
Here's how I see it: If you're using the seat correctly (straps aren't twisted, everything is adjusted correctly, etc.), then it doesn't matter what type of seat you have. We started with an Evenflo something, but I always had to completely remove it from the car in order to adjust the tightness of the straps even though you were supposed to be able to do it with the seat installed. I would get it out, adjust the straps, and then I would have to reinstall it in order to test it and see if it was correct (I tried testing it on the driveway, but it always was different once I installed it). I swear, I must have thrown that seat across our front lawn at least three times because I got so mad at it. The straps were always twisted and I couldn't get them to stay flat when I buckled ds into the seat. Then I had to use the toddler settings on the straps even though they were still going through the infant slots. It was just a nightmare. I went and looked at Britax seats, and they were so user-friendly compared to that d*** Evenflo seat that I bought one and have loved it ever since. I'm pretty technically competent, but the Britax seat we have is so nice, I love it every time I use it. It's worth every penny I spent on it. I had it checked at an inspection, and it was installed 100% correct (I was pretty proud of myself).
Now if the story was the opposite of that (Britax bad, Evenflo good), I would use the Evenflo. I wouldn't even think twice.
^_^:
IMO the best car seat is the USED correctly car seat!
As long as you've got the straps good a tight and the seat is in the car correctly, dont fret about it being cheaper! When straps twist that is a pain to get them to work correctly. Does that seat have a way to teather it? I didn't teather mine for awhile and then realy read the book on how to do it and boy it makes a big difference! even rear facing :)
^_^:
We have an Evenflo Triumph 5 and we love it. I am surprised that you bought it for $170. We paid $120 for ours. We haven't had problems with the straps twisting either. Well I should say that they would twist a little but if I held down the release and pulled the straps out all the way they untwisted. The only car seats that I know of that have removable covers are the Britax.
^_^:
We have an Evenflo Triumph 5 and we love it. I am surprised that you bought it for $170. We paid $120 for ours. We haven't had problems with the straps twisting either. Well I should say that they would twist a little but if I held down the release and pulled the straps out all the way they untwisted. The only car seats that I know of that have removable covers are the Britax.
It might have been $120 I really don't remember the total amount. We only payed about $40 for the century.
Deanna
^_^:
Every carseat we have ever had has removable covers. What would you do when your kid peed thier pants or threw up in the car seat (seems to happen to us a lot) They haven't always been easy to get off or get bac on but they have always come off (and meant to) and gone back on they way they were supposed to..
^_^:
I believe the Britax is actually safer because it meets both European and American safety standards. American safety standards are lower so it is easier for a seat to pass the AMerican standard.
I have also read that the Britax is safe because it is manufactured by the same company that makes airline seats and the plastic they use is stronger and made to hold up better. American car seats are made by toy/stroller manufacturers so the plastic they use is not as strong.
The other posters were correct in saying the 5 point harness is safer than the 3-point. Tethered (latch system) seats are also safer than a non-tethered seat. The other posters are also correct in saying that the seat should fit both the child and car properly and be used properly.
I had a Britax Roundabout and then switched to the Marathon at around age 3. They both installed very solidly and feel safe/secure and are easy to use once in. I think they are the kind of carseat that you leave in the car though because installation can take a little time. If you need a seat that you can switch from one car to another quickly, it's not either of those.
More Topical: