How do you pick between the Britax models?

The only one that has the side impact safety thing is the Boulevard model. I had been really checking out the Marathon models, but now I'm confused again. I also found a Fisher Price car seat that is supposedly made by Britax, anyone have any comments on that?


Thanks Ladies!
Jessica

 

We had to pick based on what would fit in our car, and we ended up with the Britax Roundabouts. We like them a lot. It is super easy to adjust the straps, so we don't have to remember which side to put DS on or which side to put DD on (since he is now 3 lbs heavier than her). They seem really comfy too. We have a Honda CRV, so it is on the smaller side for an SUV.

I had wanted to get a seat with a higher forward-facing weight limit, but in the rear-facing position I would have had to be hugging the steering wheel. So pick out a couple different ones that you like, then go to the store and try them out in your car. That will help you decide.

 

We chose the Roundabouts too b/c at the time, they were the safest on the market. We really like them too!!!

 

We made our decision to get the Roundabouts based on the fact that I wan't to get something with the next generation safety standards when the girls got older. I didn't want to be using the same seats at 4-5 years that we had been using at 6 months old.

 

I've been looking at these models too and I feel like you...confused. I'm thinking of the Marathon, Boulevard, or Regent. The Roundabouts only go to 40 lbs. The others go to 65 lbs and I've had problems with car seats fitting properly for my daughter since she's a little on the chunky side. So, I've been comparing the models and interested in what others say.

 

I'm currently shopping for convertibles for our girls and the techs on a carseat board I posted on all say if you're going to buy Britax to get the Marathon, Decathlon, or Boulevard.
I currently have the Roundabout for 2 yr old dd and they say it is too overpriced for what it does. Like what the pp mentioned about the 40 lb weight limit. My dd is a little over 2 and weighs 32 lbs, so I"m unsure how long it will last her.

Anyway, I'm going to have to get 3 across in carseats and they told me to check out the Fisher Price Safe Voyage Deluxe. It is the one made by Britax, but without a few of the "extras" and less money. It is being discontinued and you can find them for $129 online now.

I'll go copy/paste the info. on the car seats for you from them.

Goodluck!!

 

Here's that info. Hope it helps someone else out. I thought it was a lot of good info. and recommendations!!!!


Convertible Seats

Britax Marathon, Decathalon, or Boulevard:

17 in top slots, rf 5-33lbs, ff up to 65lbs in 5 point harness.
Awesome seats, allow for rf tethering, have lockoffs to replace locking clips, very easy installs, many bells and whistles that make them easier to use correctly every time, lasts most kids to age 5-6y/o.
Does not fit newborns well.
$220+



Sunshine Kids Radian:
18 in top slots, rf 5-33lbs, ff up to 65lbs in 5 point harness.
Great seat, only second to Britax because it has some compatibility issues in some vehicles when installed with seatbelt. Best to do a test fit in your vehicle.
Great for 3 across situations
Really good seat otherwise, allows for rf tethering, lasts most kids to 6-7y/o.
$175+
www.skjp.com has the manual avaliable for viewing.
These have longer life spans- thinking 8yrs rather than 6yrs


Recaro Como/Signo:
Recaro makes seats for Nascar and has made carseats for the European market and a few for the US market for years.
It's a convertible seat that will rearface to 35lb, forward face to 70lbs, and has 19" top slots.
Bottom slots of 9" so not ideal for newborns.
The outside width of the seat at its widest point is approx. 19 ½â€ to 20â€.
The Como ($249) & the Signo are basically the same shell - the biggest difference is that the Signo has an infinitely adjustable harness (where the como has to be re-threaded) and the Signo's latch straps are on a bar - similar to Britax (on all their models) - so you don't have to re-thread the latch belt if you're going from rear facing to forward facing.
The shoulder area is tight. MAYBE OK for a thin/narrow shoulder child.


Fisher Price Safe Voyage Deluxe (FPSVD):
17 inch top slots
5-33lbs rf, ff up to 55lbs in a 5 point harness.
Made by Britax, sold under the FP name- basically a stripped down Britax Marathon.
Great seat, awesome price $129 (regular 199$), and will last most kids to age 5-6 y/o.
Does not fit newborns well.
DISCONTINUED DUE TO POOR SALES- DOM can vary from 2006-2007



Triumph ADVANCE:
Harness to 35 lbs rear facing and 50 lbs forward facing.
Max harness height of 17".
The new Triumph has the infinate harness adjuster too.. so no rethreading the harness!
Much nicer than the old Triumph! Much taller shell than the old Triumph too!
Priced at 150$
new seat available at BRU & walmart.


Compass True Fit (AVAILIBLE 1st Quarter 2008)
RF 5-35 lbs, FF to 65lbs,
10†bottom slots, 18†top slots. 3 crotch positions
Removable headrest (to 22lbs) to fit smaller cars. Cover removable without unhooking the harness,
lockoffs for RF & FF
infinitely adjustable harness, everything adjusts by sliding something.
Covered in EPP Foam.
Projected price $179. Can pre-order from www.amazon.com or www.goores.com



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Lower cost options...
for primary or secondary cars... they are still GREAT seats

Cosco Scenera:

$40 (stay away from the one with the overhead shield!)
5pt harness version: Very basic no frill seat. Minimal padding, but it's rare for a LO to complain about it.
35lb rf limit with a taller shell!
40lb ff limit however most kids outgrow it in torso height at about 3-3.5yo due to the low 15in top slots. It just doesnt offer enough torso grow room to get most kids to 40lbs.
Readily avaliable at walmart/target/kmart.
Usually requires 1-3 chunks of pool noodle to get a good recline.

Safety First Uptown:
35rf/ 40ff/ tall
16.5in top slots so this is the ONLY rf/ff 40lb limit convertable that will likely get a kid to 40lbs.
EPP foam, velvety plush cover, super cushy. Very easy to use seat.
Around $100 at albeebaby.com, Target.com, and in store at walmart.
a & Uptown on carseat.org. Side by side pictures.

The Graco Comfortsport, Evenflo seats, and the Alpha Omega 3in 1 types are very small seats that are usually outgrown the same time as the 40$ Scenera. You dont get much for you money. While they are safe there are just other options that offer more for the same cost.