I need to buy another car seat for my husband's new car but I'm not sure if I can forgo the car seat and jump into the booster seat market. My daughter is two, she weighs 30 lbs. and is about 35" tall. Although I had been under the impression that boosters were for kids 3 and up, I've seen many booster seats with lower weight requirements of 30 lbs. and up, which my daughter falls into. So would it be safe for me to use a booster? If so, any suggestions on good transitional ones?

Thanks!

Jeanne

I found a link from the NHTSA for you:

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps/ParentGuide2005/pages/WhenDoYou.htm

Basically, you don't want to use a booster seat until you can't use a child safety seat at all anymore, and their readiness for the booster has more to do with maturity than size. A lot of forward facing 5-point harnesses can convert to a booster, so if you buy one now you can get some bang for your buck that way. I have a Recaro YoungSport, and we love it, but there are definitely cheaper options.

Thanks for the link. Now it's time for me to do some quick research. I'm happy with my Evenflo Triumph but I don't think I want another one.

Jeanne

That's actually the one I was just looking at. I guess my confusion is that it's called a "booster" but it's actually a convertible seat/booster.

Thanks to both of you for your help and suggestions!

Now I need to go back to my cave so I can troll the Internet for safety, convenience, and pricing research. :)

Jeanne

I have to say, the best thing about shopping for my last car seat was that I found a store that has a safety seat tech who will fit several seats into your car to see which one is best for you. I spent an afternoon there and quickly found out that a lot of my research was useless without having my car and the seat together to see if they were even compatible. I really wanted the Safety First Apex, but it wasn't a good fit in my car. And then, when you buy it, your seat has already been perfectly installed by a tech, so you don't have to make another appointment. The store I went to was Right Start, and I saw that there is one in Jersey.

http://www.rightstart.com/global/locator/state~state~NJ.html

Maybe give them a call and see if they offer the same service.

Thanks. I actually looked up that store yesterday when I was reading through reviews and came across your Recaro. I'd never heard of it. It's a bit far for me (an hour away) but it still might be worth it. I'll try calling them to find out if they offer that same one-on-one service. Somehow I doubt they're as helpful, or as willing to finagle with straps and buckles outside, on the East Coast. :)

Jeanne

After 2 years with a Boulevard, I'm ready for my grandson to have a view. I researched the Regent. Now Britax is coming out with a similar seat, but adding the side impact protection, i.e., Blinders, at the headrest. Of course safety is our #1 concern, but is it really safer???