Car Seat Confusion!

[SukSingh]

Hello

My son is 8 months old and his weight is now around 18lbs. He is a tall fellow and legs are begining to stick out of the end of the rear facing baby seat he has.
So i think it is time i bought a new one. Any ideas which ones are good? I have seen Eddie Bauer seat in Sears which I like.
Any opinions on whether or not it is a good idea for a forward facing seat to have arm rests?

I want to buy a seat which will last some time and want to avoid buying a new seat every couple of years.

Thanks

[Toronto]

I myself am a father of a larger than average baby. He just turned 5 months old and is about 19 lbs and his feet are also starting to stick out of his first car seat. I went out and purchased a 3 in 1 car seat that acts as a rear facing, forward facing and booster seat. I paid $149 for mine and will be installing it this weekend. I'm not sure about the arm rests. Mine does not have any.

[mart242]

I have 2 eddie bauers from sears. They are ok. If the baby pukes it's a PITA to remove the cover and wash it but other than that, the seat is fine.

[llbgal]

You need a convertible car seat. You may want to check an unbiased report like Consumer Reports for safety stats.

If you live in Ontario you will still be required to keep your child rear facing.

From the MTO site:
When the child outgrows the maximum height and weight of his/her infant seat, you may require a convertible rear-facing seat until your child is ready to be facing forward. The law requires using a rear-facing car seat until:

* the baby is at least 9 kilograms (20 lb.)
* the baby can pull him/herself to a standing position
* the baby is one year old.

The law is a minimum requirement. It’s best to keep your child rear-facing until they are at least one year old or until they have reached either the maximum height or weight limits of the rear-facing seat.

[SukSingh]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, he is not 20lbs yet or 1 year old, but he is able to pull himself up already. So it looks like I satisfy that one. However I would rather play safe and just get the convertiable one and keep him rear facing for the mean time.

[llbgal]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, he is not 20lbs yet or 1 year old, but he is able to pull himself up already. So it looks like I satisfy that one. However I would rather play safe and just get the convertiable one and keep him rear facing for the mean time.

I believe you need to satisfy ALL 3 criteria. You may find your son has more leg room in a conertible car seat (rear-facing) versus the infant car seat (aka "the bucket"!)

[zorbo]

I believe you need to satisfy ALL 3 criteria. You may find your son has more leg room in a conertible car seat (rear-facing) versus the infant car seat (aka "the bucket"!)

I'm not sure if you have to satisfy all 3. According to the MTO site (next line down from the 3 criteria)

"By law your child can ride facing forward when they are over 9 kg (20 lb.) or more."

MTO Site (http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/carseat/choose.htm)

But I'm curious to what other people interpretation is, as I'm in the same situation. My 6 month old is already over 20 pounds, and showing no signs of slowing the growth down.

[ai_c]

I'm not sure if you have to satisfy all 3. According to the MTO site (next line down from the 3 criteria)

"By law your child can ride facing forward when they are over 9 kg (20 lb.) or more."

MTO Site (http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/carseat/choose.htm)

But I'm curious to what other people interpretation is, as I'm in the same situation. My 6 month old is already over 20 pounds, and showing no signs of slowing the growth down.


on the site you mentioned, if you look at the infant section and last paragraph and last sentence,

It’s best to keep your child rear-facing until they are at least one year old or until they have reached either the maximum height or weight limits of the rear-facing seat.

[llbgal]

on the site you mentioned, if you look at the infant section and last paragraph and last sentence,

It’s best to keep your child rear-facing until they are at least one year old or until they have reached either the maximum height or weight limits of the rear-facing seat.

The main reason for keeping your child rear-facing is safety "they need to be turned backward until the child can hold his or her head up and the neck and spine are strong (usually at around 12 months)."

It may not technically be the law to turn them forward facing... however, I can tell you from experience that once a seat is forward facing it is way more upright as opposed to the approx. 45 degree angle you get with rear-facing. If your child has outgrown the weight restrictions of the "bucket" (infant carrier) the safest thing would be to move into a convertible car seat (which is rear facing and then later forward facing).

[crikey]

I would keep the child rear facing as long as possible for the reasons mentioned about the neck and spine being strong enough.

And I've always used Britax childseats. If child is still in infant-only childseat, it may be time to look at convertible childseats.

[jccc]

We have a britax roundabout and an Eddie Bauer convertible from Sears. The Britax was $299 and the Eddie Bauer was $199 but if I could do it again I would get another Britax in a heartbeat instead of the Eddie Bauer.

I don't know how they did it, but somehow the Britax straps never get twisted around or anything, while when I'm putting my daughter into the EB it seems like I'm constantly trying to straighten out the straps.

The Britax is also A LOT easier to clean than the EB. The cover is one peice and just slips off. Another thing that drives my husband crazy about the EB is that it has some metal parts that vibrate when the car is driving.

[Kranberry]

Britax is good, I was going to get a Britax Marathon so I could keep baby in 5 point restraint longer. But because I want to go on a plane with the car seat I ended up with the Sunshine Kids Radian. The Radian is 17" in width, which by chance is the average width of an airplane seat. The Britax is I believe around 18.5-19". So it would be a tight fit and encroaching on the seat next to you.

If I wasn't thinking of airplane travel with my little one, I'd probably get the Britax, just cuz of the funky colours. Cow print...mooooo...

[Jonavin]

Dearborn has $30 off on Radian car seat (reg. $269). Is this a good deal or can I get a better deal if I wait?

http://www.dearbornbaby.com/newproducts.html

[zorbo]

Dearborn has $30 off on Radian car seat (reg. $269). Is this a good deal or can I get a better deal if I wait?

http://www.dearbornbaby.com/newproducts.html

I just bought the Radian from CanadianTire for $199.99. I would recomend getting it there.

[hesp]

i got the Britax Marathon. Its pricey but worth it. Excellent reviews all around

[crikey]

Britax is good, I was going to get a Britax Marathon so I could keep baby in 5 point restraint longer. But because I want to go on a plane with the car seat I ended up with the Sunshine Kids Radian. The Radian is 17" in width, which by chance is the average width of an airplane seat. The Britax is I believe around 18.5-19". So it would be a tight fit and encroaching on the seat next to you.

If I wasn't thinking of airplane travel with my little one, I'd probably get the Britax, just cuz of the funky colours. Cow print...mooooo...

I have to say that after seeing the Sunshine Kids Radian 80, I think that it's a much better childseat than the Britax that I currently own. I'm now compelled to get a pair for my twins. Thanks for sharing.

[crikey]

I just bought the Radian from CanadianTire for $199.99. I would recomend getting it there.

Do you know if this is the Radian 80 or the Radian 65?

[crikey]

Do you know if this is the Radian 80 or the Radian 65?

It seems Canada can only get the version for 48lbs maximum. Radian 80 is only available in the US. >:(

[Kranberry]

I just bought the Radian from CanadianTire for $199.99. I would recomend getting it there.

The $199.99 model and the one at Dearborn are two different models. The one at Dearborn is known as the premium model.

It seems Canada can only get the version for 48lbs maximum. Radian 80 is only available in the US. >:(

The 48lbs that is sold at Crappy tire is the Radian 65 model. The Radion 80 model is sold at Dearborn under the title premium.

Although both models are still only valid up to 48lbs, that is due to the laws and testing in Canada.

[crikey]

The $199.99 model and the one at Dearborn are two different models. The one at Dearborn is known as the premium model.


The 48lbs that is sold at Crappy tire is the Radian 65 model. The Radion 80 model is sold at Dearborn under the title premium.

Although both models are still only valid up to 48lbs, that is due to the laws and testing in Canada.

Thanks for clarifying that. The $200 one seems sufficient for our needs. Although for just $40 more, the Radian Premium seems to be a better value.

[Jonavin]

The $199.99 model and the one at Dearborn are two different models. The one at Dearborn is known as the premium model.



The 48lbs that is sold at Crappy tire is the Radian 65 model. The Radion 80 model is sold at Dearborn under the title premium.

Although both models are still only valid up to 48lbs, that is due to the laws and testing in Canada.

That's what I thought. So is the DearBorn deal any good? My baby isn't even born yet, and she'll be in an infant seat at first. Should I just wait until I need it in 6 to 9 month or buy it now?

[jm1]

Thanks for clarifying that. The $200 one seems sufficient for our needs. Although for just $40 more, the Radian Premium seems to be a better value.

I've been doing some research, and the only difference between the Radian (Can.)/Radian65 (U.S.) and Radian Premium (Can.)/Radian80 (U.S.) is that the Premium/Radian80 includes additional pads for newborns/premmies so they fit more snug. Also, the Premier/Radian80 has one fabric choice of a "supercool" nylon/poly fabric that would likely be easier to clean than the standard suede fabric.

If you're using this from the start instead of an infant car seat, then the extra padding might be useful, although you can always buy "head huggers" from Jolly Jumper and other brands that you can use in a car seat, swing, etc. for about $10-$15.

Also, many parents say that by the time the kid gets to be over 65 lbs (the U.S. limit) or even earlier, they want out of the "baby" car seat, and a simple booster is all they'll be happy with. I see those convertible car seats that go up to 100 lbs, but realistically, what kid that old wants to use a full car seat?

I'm pretty set on buying the Radian from CdnTire soon. I figure the price premium for the Premier isn't worth it for us, and it'll be a lot easier to return it to CdnTire, compared to smaller stores with more restrictive return policies, if it doesn't fit well in our cars. However, DearBorn and other stores might let you borrow their display model and fit it into your car at their parking lot.

[crikey]

I've been doing some research, and the only difference between the Radian (Can.)/Radian65 (U.S.) and Radian Premium (Can.)/Radian80 (U.S.) is that the Premium/Radian80 includes additional pads for newborns/premmies so they fit more snug. Also, the Premier/Radian80 has one fabric choice of a "supercool" nylon/poly fabric that would likely be easier to clean than the standard suede fabric.

If you're using this from the start instead of an infant car seat, then the extra padding might be useful, although you can always buy "head huggers" from Jolly Jumper and other brands that you can use in a car seat, swing, etc. for about $10-$15.

Also, many parents say that by the time the kid gets to be over 65 lbs (the U.S. limit) or even earlier, they want out of the "baby" car seat, and a simple booster is all they'll be happy with. I see those convertible car seats that go up to 100 lbs, but realistically, what kid that old wants to use a full car seat?

I'm pretty set on buying the Radian from CdnTire soon. I figure the price premium for the Premier isn't worth it for us, and it'll be a lot easier to return it to CdnTire, compared to smaller stores with more restrictive return policies, if it doesn't fit well in our cars. However, DearBorn and other stores might let you borrow their display model and fit it into your car at their parking lot.

Yeah, I have to agree. Thanks for doing the research.

[Jonavin]

I've been doing some research, and the only difference between the Radian (Can.)/Radian65 (U.S.) and Radian Premium (Can.)/Radian80 (U.S.) is that the Premium/Radian80 includes additional pads for newborns/premmies so they fit more snug. Also, the Premier/Radian80 has one fabric choice of a "supercool" nylon/poly fabric that would likely be easier to clean than the standard suede fabric.

If you're using this from the start instead of an infant car seat, then the extra padding might be useful, although you can always buy "head huggers" from Jolly Jumper and other brands that you can use in a car seat, swing, etc. for about $10-$15.

Also, many parents say that by the time the kid gets to be over 65 lbs (the U.S. limit) or even earlier, they want out of the "baby" car seat, and a simple booster is all they'll be happy with. I see those convertible car seats that go up to 100 lbs, but realistically, what kid that old wants to use a full car seat?

I'm pretty set on buying the Radian from CdnTire soon. I figure the price premium for the Premier isn't worth it for us, and it'll be a lot easier to return it to CdnTire, compared to smaller stores with more restrictive return policies, if it doesn't fit well in our cars. However, DearBorn and other stores might let you borrow their display model and fit it into your car at their parking lot.

Thanks. That's exactly the information I was looking for.
Any chance of CTC putting it on sale? :D

[Cartman1979]

HI, I just got Radian Premier - Plush black/grey - very pleased with it - very cool seat. Now I feel better about my child's safety..Also planning to go to Russia soon for vacation - will take the car seat with me on the plane, will use it during the trip. Got also free bag for the seat. Bought it at Macleens in Toronto fro 270$. I think it is a good price, good investment to keep your presious one safe. YOu can always sell it in future...:!:

[Jonavin]

I just picked up a Radian Premium for $199.99 at DearBorn (regular $269.99). They're having a sale, so you get the Premium for the same price as the regular one at Canadian Tires.

http://bp2.blogger.com/_Fr0Y-JEHhBI/RqAGYIa0w8I/AAAAAAAAAEw/lw19GHOUu9I/s1600-h/blog_carseat.gif
http://bp2.blogger.com/_Fr0Y-JEHhBI/RqAGYIa0w8I/AAAAAAAAAEw/lw19GHOUu9I/s1600-h/blog_carseat.gif

Also, if anybody is looking for the Britax Marathon, it is also on sale there for $279 (regular $349).

[JeeZues]

I just picked up a Radian Premium for $199.99 at DearBorn (regular $269.99). They're having a sale, so you get the Premium for the same price as the regular one at Canadian Tires.

http://bp2.blogger.com/_Fr0Y-JEHhBI/RqAGYIa0w8I/AAAAAAAAAEw/lw19GHOUu9I/s1600-h/blog_carseat.gif
http://bp2.blogger.com/_Fr0Y-JEHhBI/RqAGYIa0w8I/AAAAAAAAAEw/lw19GHOUu9I/s1600-h/blog_carseat.gif

Also, if anybody is looking for the Britax Marathon, it is also on sale there for $279 (regular $349).

Sweet. I already bought the one from CT and I like it, so my sister wants to buy the same. For the same price she'll get extra padding...
Thanks ;)

[sil]

I just picked up a Radian Premium for $199.99 at DearBorn (regular $269.99). They're having a sale, so you get the Premium for the same price as the regular one at Canadian Tires.

http://bp2.blogger.com/_Fr0Y-JEHhBI/RqAGYIa0w8I/AAAAAAAAAEw/lw19GHOUu9I/s1600-h/blog_carseat.gif
http://bp2.blogger.com/_Fr0Y-JEHhBI/RqAGYIa0w8I/AAAAAAAAAEw/lw19GHOUu9I/s1600-h/blog_carseat.gif

Also, if anybody is looking for the Britax Marathon, it is also on sale there for $279 (regular $349).

can you see if your radian is re-stickered to show the 65lb. limit or does it still have the old 48lb. limit?

[Kranberry]

can you see if your radian is re-stickered to show the 65lb. limit or does it still have the old 48lb. limit?

I'm wondering, is it a change in car seat or just a change in sticker (i.e. is my old radian able to be up to 65lb or have they modified the seat). I know we got a new safelatch thingy in the mail.

[JeeZues]

I'm wondering, is it a change in car seat or just a change in sticker (i.e. is my old radian able to be up to 65lb or have they modified the seat). I know we got a new safelatch thingy in the mail.

I bought my radian from CT maybe ~4 months ago. I'm not sure what that safelatch is? Can you please provide more info...
Thanks

[Jonavin]

I bought my radian from CT maybe ~4 months ago. I'm not sure what that safelatch is? Can you please provide more info...
Thanks

There's a recall on the latch.

http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/childsafety/notices/TP14566P/2007p02/menu.htm


The one I bought does have the new latch, but unfortunately it doesn't have the new 65lb sticker. This makes it not suck a hot deal.

[sil]

I'm wondering, is it a change in car seat or just a change in sticker (i.e. is my old radian able to be up to 65lb or have they modified the seat). I know we got a new safelatch thingy in the mail.

as far as i can tell from posts on car-seat.org, the seat itself is identical just that it has now been tested and passed up to 65lbs. Unfortunately from what I can tell old seats cannot be re-stickered and it seems even retailers with old inventory cannot resticker their old stock (ie. CT)

[Kranberry]

as far as i can tell from posts on car-seat.org, the seat itself is identical just that it has now been tested and passed up to 65lbs. Unfortunately from what I can tell old seats cannot be re-stickered and it seems even retailers with old inventory cannot resticker their old stock (ie. CT)

That sucks. It'd be great if you could order a sticker for the seat, because then I could use my Radian Premier until he's 65lbs rather than have to get a booster when he reaches 48lbs.

[jm1]

I think 48 lbs = age 6 or 7 for most boys. At that age, they would probably prefer a booster since they'll probably be getting in and out by themselves, rather than being lifted into a seat. I'll probably get one with built-in cup/juice box holders.

That sucks. It'd be great if you could order a sticker for the seat, because then I could use my Radian Premier until he's 65lbs rather than have to get a booster when he reaches 48lbs.