Car Seats

[hotkeys]

Here is a link to a review of convertible seats for infants.
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Does anyone have any opinions on these?

Gracias,
Hotkeys

[Tigriz]

We used a Graco travel system for Alex's first four months, then he got too long for it and we currently use a Britax Boulevard convertible car seat. It's very nice, and Britax is the one brand recommended the most by Consumer Reports.

[kelkat]

I was told recently that some states are passing laws to keep children in rear facing seats until they are a certain weight. Also, there are laws being passed that require children under a certain weight to be in booster seats. Does anyone beside me feel like this is going too far? I remember sleeping in the rear window of my parents car when we went on long trips (there were three children - one in the window, the oldest, biggest brother on the seat, and the baby in the floor). It sure did make traveling easier.

[Tigriz]

I think a child should be as secure as possible whenever in a car, especially with the reckless way a lot of people drive these days. You have to remember, car safety isn't so much that parents aren't good drivers, it's to protect kids from the other crazy drivers on the road.

[harleysneak]

Sorry, but I don't think this is going too far either. When it comes to my daughter, I want to do everything I can to protect her and there are those irresponsible people out there who need these laws or they won't think about protecting their child.

[Melos]

I have very fond memories of laying out on the back seat of the car - and playing in the back of the station wagon - on long road trips. Roads are busier now, and I think people are more stressed.
Here in NJ, a kid has to be in a booster seat until 8 years old or 80 pounds, whichever comes first. My 8 year old son is only 61 pounds and has chosen to stay IN his booster seat because its the only way he can see out the window.

[Sister]

I think it's a bummer that my baby will have to be rear-facing for that much longer, but I'm going to do it.

Oh, and when it comes to buying car seats, spare no expense! Get the nicest, most expensive one you can!!! We have always bought the bare bones ones and even though they are "safe" certain important features like how they buckle will drive you utterly mad.

[Melos]

I will respectfully disagree with Sister's assessment of cheap car seats. We never spent more than $40 on any of ours and never had any problem.

My kids did not sit backward until they were one (which was the rule here at the time). They were too tall before then. They both turned around at about 8-10 months.

[Green Diva]

I kept my girls rear facing until they were 18 months old. It was fine. They don't know any different do they? It's us parents who want to see them facing front! LOL...

[Melos]

Where did your 18 month old put her legs? My boys had their legs propped up on the back of the seats by 10 months old or were horribly squashed in their backwards seat. They were both tall enough to fit in the seats securely.