Need the best possible/cheap seat for DS

[2queens&1princenmyhouse]

We were vacuuming the van today and I pulled DS's Britax Regent out. I thought I'd check the man. date to see how much longer we had on it. I was thinking a year or more, but just to be safe... It expires mid-July. Well, glad I checked, but sooooooo can't afford a new seat right now. So, since you ladies are "the" car seat people, I thought you might have some recs.


Age: 4.5
Weight: 48.6 pounds
Height: 43 inches

I'd like harnessed b/c he falls asleep in his seat frequently, but most everything I've seen locally, he's too big for (either height or weight) or it's too costly. I'd like a Frontier 85, but I just don't see it happening. We've had over $4000 in unexpected necessary expenses in the past few months and have only $100 in savings... and I'm taking a $1200/month pay cut starting June 1st. So, any recs?

[smashncakes]

Graco Nautilus would probably work well for you, they run about $130-$140, you can get them at walmart, babiesrus, target, etc.

[2queens&1princenmyhouse]

I had looked at it at Wal-Mart, but couldn't find a height range for it on the box. I just found on the Graco website that it caps out at 52." That should work then. And, here I was all worried about it. Now I just have to go plop him in one to make sure that his wide rear end will fit in it! I'm really going to miss our Regent!

[jaelynsmommy61607]

Originally Posted by 2queens&1princenmyhouse I had looked at it at Wal-Mart, but couldn't find a height range for it on the box. I just found on the Graco website that it caps out at 52." That should work then. And, here I was all worried about it. Now I just have to go plop him in one to make sure that his wide rear end will fit in it! I'm really going to miss our Regent!

That's a guideline. He can use it until his shoulders are even with the top slots. It all depends on his build. Also look at the secure kid 300.

[Nerissa]

My 5.5 year old, 48in, 48lbs is still harnussed in his Natualis. he is just about to outgrow it hight wise but the harnus straps are still above his shoulders so hhe a little bit yet.. Then he will be able to use it a HHB and then a no back booster.

[2queens&1princenmyhouse]

Originally Posted by Nerissa My 5.5 year old, 48in, 48lbs is still harnussed in his Natualis. he is just about to outgrow it hight wise but the harnus straps are still above his shoulders so hhe a little bit yet.. Then he will be able to use it a HHB and then a no back booster.

The ILs have a HBB, and I'm not super happy about that, mostly b/c he falls asleep so often when he's in the car. DH is pitching a fit that we're buying another expensive carseat when he 4.5 yo. He wanted to know if we paid this much attention to the girls when they were that age. We didn't, but we didn't know any better. Now that I know, I can't just ignore it. DH wants to continue to use the Regent until tax time next year. I need to go see what I can sell to fund this little venture.

[jjordan]

Since money is a factor, I'd go with an Evenflo securekid 300, $120 now on Amazon, a little less than a Nautilus.

[2queens&1princenmyhouse]

I need to see if our local WM has the securekid. I need to see how he looks in it. The specs online say it tops out at 43", so I would want to be sure he has enough room. My luck he'd grow three inches and get too tall for the harness straps.

[safghf]

I might get flamed for this, but I would continue to use the Britax for another year. I believe 100% they are one of if not the best available. I have just done tons of carseat research for my 11 month old and looked into the expiration dates extensively. We have a Britax Boulevard and just purchased the Diono Radian RXT.
Basically all the engineers willing to talk about the dates say the plastic, unless put under extreme stress (in the sun constantly, etc) should be fine for 10 years. They just stop testing between 5-7 years at most companies. If your child fits, you've never had an accident, and cared for the seat properly I believe it would be fine.
I say all of this knowing not everyone will recommend this or agree and you have to do what is best for your and your child. I just believe that for your needs moving him into a cheaper option for this short period doesn't make sense when you are already in a top rate option. Best of luck!

[mommabritt]

I believe that the dates are there for a reason-- in the safest interest of the child using be seat. If the manufacturer felt it was likely they'd last 10 years it seems to me they would extend the testing and prove it. Now, I don't to 'extensive research' but I know some. I just don't feel comfortable going against the manufacturers recommendations when it comes to a product that I am trusting with my child's life.

He would be safer in a hbb than an expired harnessed seat. Have you checked the actual harness manufacture dates? My old Britax ones had a separate date than the seat itself.

And good for you for the 'now I know better, so I do better' attitude.