Which harness to booster seat?

daniella2727

Need recommendations and features to consider for a harness (5 point) to booster seat.   This is for my 3 year old who I am going to move out of the convertible seat so that her 1 year old sister can have it 9 (rear facing). I need to purchase something ASAP as her sister is at the height requirement for her infant seat.

I learned in a store recently many of them don't use the latch system - I prefer ones that DO. Also, this seat will get taken in and out between two cars a lot so weight and ease of instillation are important. Not sure what other features to consider. 

kmc84

How tall is DD1 and how much does she weigh? What is your buget? Is she just 3, or almost 4?

daniella2727

I don't know her height, but she is shorter than most, always in 30%. weight is 32-34 lbs. She JUST turned 3. Budget isn't a concern - features of easy to install (in and out of car), latch system etc more important as well as safety ranking.

CitrusSwallowtail

I was going to get the britax frontier, but got the Graco nautilus 3 in 1 instead due to it getting great ratings and being significantly cheaper. My 3.5 year old really likes it so far. We just switched from the convertible a few days ago.

JENandJEH

I replied to your post on the 24+ board but I am pretty sure that every seat on the market will have the LATCH hooks, especially the top tether.  

We had the Nautilus for my oldest and it was a good seat.  Lasted him until he was 6 and he still had room to grow but we decided to booster train.  Never used it in booster mode because it as nasty after 4 straight years of use so I don't know how it fits as a booster.  

Check out the group Car Seats for the Little on Facebook.  A bunch of CPSTs post there and can answer questions and help you find the best seat for your child based on height/weight/percentiles and answer questions about seat features.  They also can explain the new LATCH limits and at what point you HAVE to install with the seat belt due to child's weight+car seat weight.  They are very informative but can be blunt and straight to the point.  A wonderful resource though and they know every seat on the market.  

LittleFish1

Bear in mind, my DD is much younger than your oldest. At your 3 year olds height/weight, you could get another convertible & use it for quite a while still. My understanding (based on reading posts & responses on Car Seats For the Littles) is that it's safest to RF for as long as possible. Do not know how fast weight gain occurs in 3 year olds, but a cnvertible would still RF for a little more time, and FF for a lot more time if pick a seat with that intention. Then your youngest can move into the new convertible if/when she approaches the limits of your current convertible.

Copied and pasting info on long lasting convertible seats from CSFTLs reviews (selected these for RF weight & height maximums as well as FF maximums and length of time before seat expires):

Graco Size4Me/MySize/Headwise
Rear facing to 40 lbs / head to 1” from the 28” red adjuster.
Forward facing to 70 lbs with 17.5” top harness slots
7 year expiration.
Pros : Tallest available rear facing seat, easy to install, no
re-thread harness, recline for forward facing mode, fits
average sized newborns, dual LATCH straps, two crotch
buckle positions, recline for forward facing (under 40 lbs
only).
Cons : Some parents have experienced issues with
tightening and loosening the harness properly.

Safety 1st Elite Air
Rear facing to 40 lbs / 43″ / head to the top of the 28.5″
shell.
Forward facing to 80 lbs with 17.5″ top harness slots.
Booster 40-100 lbs with 18.5″ top belt guide.
8 year expiration
Pros : Easy to install, fits average newborns, no re-thread
harness, push button LATCH connectors, 3 crotch strap
positions, multiple recline positions, long lasting in all 3
modes, provides a good booster fit in most vehicles.
Cons : Requires most reclined position if the child is
under 22 lbs, regardless of age, seat is very wide and
large front to back (especially in the most reclined
position), cannot use LATCH in booster mode, does not
have strap covers and strap material can be twisty.

Clek Foon
Rear facing 14 to 50 lbs, 43” or head 1” from the top of the
fully extended 26” headrest
Forward facing to 65 lbs with 17” top harness slots
9 year expiration
Pros : Highest rear facing weight limit available, water-
resistant fabric, rigid LATCH connectors for forward
facing, narrow enough for 3-across, anti rebound bar,
does not fit newborns and young infants (minimum
requirements: 14 lbs and sitting unassisted).
Cons : Sits very high up in the vehicle, can be difficult to
assemble, crotch buckle is uncomfortable for some kids,
high price.

LittleFish1

oopp! forgot to include address of the source! The copy & pasted info came from: csftl .org/ recommended - seats /

LittleApple

I moved my girls out of the convertible at 3 and into the Brutax Frontier.  The new Frontier 90 has premium latch connectors, AND a super easy click tight seat belt install.  You just feed the seat belt through, click the seat closed and you're done!  No tightening needed!

It will last for a very long time.

https://www.britaxusa.com/uploads/videos/f90/britax_90 full video_youtube v2-iphone.mp4

MelCfromMN

Another good resource is the carseatblog.com, they compare all of the popular seats. I am going to get the Britax Frontier when I find a good sale. From what I've read, it is the easiest to install. Keep in mind, you can only use the Latch until the seat weight and kid weight add up to 65, after that, you have to use the belt (I do think there are a couple of exceptions to this, can't think off the top of my head right now). If you want to keep your kiddo rear facing a bit longer though, they have some good options out there that will take your kid nearly past the high back booster stage (Diono Radian, Graco clones, and Chicco Nextfit). Also note, all car seats have the same safety "rating". You mostly pay for ease of install and bells and whistles (cup holders, comfort padding, rethreading options). Good luck!

drpayne

I would buy another convertible and keep your oldest in one (RF) until she outgrows it.  My 3 year old is bigger than a lot of 5 year olds and I have no plans to move him to a booster.  I kept him RF as long as the seat allowed (40 lbs).  That's safest. 

daniella2727

my toddler is forward facing and she is 3. So I do not need a convertible to ensure she is rear facing. I didn't know if a convertible seat, forward facing, provided any more safety for a 3 year old, 36 lbs than a harness to booster type seat.

BlueJewelM

I recently posted a thread asking about Graco Nautilus vs Britax Frontier. I ordered both and liked the Frontier FAR better. I'm super happy with my decision and my son (also 3) loves his new seat.

headgear03

a harness to booster is fine given her age. Like others have said there is latch limits on all car seats . Theres a law about it bow since the car manufactures cant guarantee the safty of the latch anchors past 65 lbs . The Britax frontier will keep her harnessed the longest, The nautilus is heavy and takes up allot of space but works well. the harmony defender is a great cheap option . There are no safty ratings all seats are just as safe as the next when used properly . The ratings youll find are consumer ratings and those seats are rated based on consumer opinions . Many companies will claim to have tested there seats above the government tests however there tests are not regulated so we have no way of knowing what there results truly are.

cavalier79

My older daughter turned 3 in February. I just purchased a britax frontier 90 for her. The install is so easy that it wouldn't be a problem moving it from car to car. I don't use the latch tho. I use the seatbelt installation because it's so easy. That's really one of the selling points for me, as well as it will last her a long time being harnessed.