Where can I find a great booster (car) seat comparsion?

Hey expert moms with more on-line time than me? I'm need to get car seat boosters for my girls. and I'm looking for some sort of matrix that compares, cost, size (width mostly, I need to peferable leave room for a third (adult) passenger in the back) size of child (want to be able to use them for as long as possible, and my girls are just 30 lbs now), and of course safety rating.

Thanks!

Also which one do you have and why do you like it?

 

I am not an expert, but www.carseat.org MIGHT be helpful......

 

Are you looking for a combination harnessed seat/booster?

There are maybe only one or two seatbelt-positioning boosters that are rated for 30 pounds, and experts will tell you that kids are ready for them at 4 years old and 40 pounds at a *minimum.* Please feel free to ignore me, but I would be very hesitant to put a 30-pound child in a booster.

My older one is in a Recaro Young Sport, which is a great seat -- Recaro manufactures race car seats. You use the harness until the child hits 40 pounds, and then you remove it and use the seat belt with it.

Nadia just now is hitting 40 pounds (and she's 45 inches tall), so we have to convert the seat. I wish I had bought something that harnesses to a higher weight, although she is fairly mature now and will sit upright in a seat belt.

Check out the car seat board on babybargains.com -- lots and lots of great info and comparisons.

 

It very much depends on the size of your children, their weights and their lengths. Every child is different but it's recommended to keep your children in a 5-point harnass until at least age 4 AND 40lbs. The longer the better, so seats that accomodate that are preferred. Plenty of options, but it all depends on them (and your wallet; however, safety first).

ETA: looking quickly at your childrens' sizes and age. I would go for a harnassed option, e.g. Radian 65, up to 65lbs, high top slots, so suits most children up to age 6-8 (in harnass) and it's a very narrow seat. My oldest is in one. She's a little over 4, 95% for height and weight (about 43" and 43lbs at age 4) and still has plenty of room to grow). Though installation issues in some cars (not mine). Also Graco Nautilus, harnassed up to 65lbs and then converts into a booster. Cheaper than Radian, not sure about the width (Radian is great with that).

Very much agree with Becca, a 30lbs child does not belong in a booster.

 

look into the Graco Nautilus. It will harness higher weights, but also converts to a typical booster later.