child car seat

[tmpenner]

We are looking for a convertible children's car seat. Must be rear facing yet for awhile, then front facing, and finally a booster. Any recommendations on which ones fit the best in an extended cab? Most user friendly, best fit, safest. Any opinions? We have sometime yet as she hasn't outgrown the current seat. Just trying to save some shopping time! TIA.

Matt

Happiness is having a wife that would rather drive a cummins for a family vehicle than a minivan!

 

[sdalton]

A big concern will be whether it fits in your car. Most will not fit in the back seat of our trucks. place each one where you will use it, then narrow it down. These things are so expensive, it you have relatives or friends, check with them to see if they still have theirs. The better ones usually cost the most, as far as child seats go. Also, get one that you can throw in the washer. Leather ones look good but dont clean up well.

 

[bighammer]

After owning a few seats I have a thought.



Look for a seat that has one item to buckle. Some have a bar that goes over the kid with the attached straps. Other type is a "T" that buckles into the seat with the shoulder straps attached. Both have a single buckle that comes over the head and goes into the seat to make it very easy once it's adjusted.



We had one that had a loose belt between the legs, then each separate shoulder strap had to be worked over the arm and shoulder then buckled separately into that. The one-piece single buckle-into-the-seat design is SO much easier. (Esp. when the kiddo is in a foul mood--One hand on throat, one hand buckles )

 

[sdalton]

I agree with the one point buckle. But, just try to convince the wifey that a 5 point safety harness isnt essential.

 

[BNH4221]

Hey TM,



I have the Alpha-Omega from - I think - Cosco. When rear facing it fit rather poorly. Never could get it cranked in real tight. When the boy hit 20 lbs and I turned it around it was like a different seat. In real tight and the shoulder straps loosen and tighten nicely. It is convertible so I can use it from birth to whenever he doesn' t need a seat anymore. Pricey at $130 or so but only have to buy one seat.

I have it parked on the passenger outboard position. Have to move the front seat forward for the boys leg room. Not much room in the middle position.

The belt buckle is a pain in the rumpus. 3 piece puzzle to fit together. RRRRRRRRRRRRRR

BTW, I did the TSB for the child seat anchor. Don't waste your time. Get the part and install it yourself. It is just a bracket that bolts into the seat belt anchor behind the seat. Could'a saved 50 bucks.



Best,



Steve

98 QV 12v

 

[me4osu]

Whatever you get, go ahead and pony up for a new one. If you buy used, you don't know if it has been in a wreck or not. Once they are in a wreck you are supposed to throw them away.



We have used Coscos mainly, but Fisher-Price makes some nice ones too.

 

[bighammer]

Since my truck was a regular cab, I shortened up the gearshift by 6 or 7 inches to clear the car seat in the center. It was easier to have him in the middle and ma ridin' shotgun.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

Whatever seat you end up getting do yourself a favor and pick up one of these - http://www.mighty-tite.com/ . It makes installing a car seat properly a million times easier! It's a ratchet device that you slip onto the belt. It would take me 10-15 minutes to install a car seat PROPERLY before getting them - now that we have em it takes less than a minute and the seat isn't goin anywhere. Everyone I've recommended them to and has bought one wouldn't live without it.