Is a car seat safer than a booster seat?

Mr.&MrsS

We got into a minor car accident yesterday (no one was hurt, thankfully. And thankfully it wasnt our fault.). Even though it was minor our car insurance is going to get their car insurance to buy us two new car seats. I will get the same seat we have now for Nolan. But for Brady, should I get him another car seat or a booster seat? Our car seat holds kids up to 50 pounds, but what I see about booster seats is that as long as your child is over 30 pounds you can use those. What is the difference? Is a car seat safer? Obviously, I just want to do what is safest...I just wasnt sure what the difference was. Thanks!

Quizzle

Car seats are safer. The recommendation is they stay in the car seat until they no longer fit.

alchris

I'd definitely get a new car seat.  I think the minimum for a booster is 4 years and 40 lbs., but of course car seats are recommended for much longer after that.

You'll want a 5-point harness for as a long as possible.

I'm so sorry to hear about the accident, and I'm so glad everyone is OK!

I just found this -- hope it helps!

Mrs.LisaP

Car seat! Hands down is the safest. My older DD is 6 1/2 and is still in a 5 point harness carseat! She has a britax regent. I plan on keeping her harnessed until she turns 7, then moving her to a booster. She weighs around 48-49 pounds now.

alchris

Mrs.LisaP:

Car seat! Hands down is the safest. My older DD is 6 1/2 and is still in a 5 point harness carseat! She has a britax regent. I plan on keeping her harnessed until she turns 7, then moving her to a booster. She weighs around 48-49 pounds now.

You sound like me!  My DD is almost 3 and she's still rear-facing in her convertible seat.  She'll definitely still be in a 5-point harness in early elementary school too.

Mr.&MrsS

alchris:

I'd definitely get a new car seat.  I think the minimum for a booster is 4 years and 40 lbs., but of course car seats are recommended for much longer after that.

You'll want a 5-point harness for as a long as possible.

I'm so sorry to hear about the accident, and I'm so glad everyone is OK!

I just found this -- hope it helps!

Thanks for the link!! Maybe when we get Brady a new car seat, I will look for one that holds more than 50 pounds. Either way, he is only 31 pounds now...so it will be a long while before he is over 50 pounds.

alchris

Mr.&MrsS:

alchris:

I'd definitely get a new car seat.  I think the minimum for a booster is 4 years and 40 lbs., but of course car seats are recommended for much longer after that.

You'll want a 5-point harness for as a long as possible.

I'm so sorry to hear about the accident, and I'm so glad everyone is OK!

I just found this -- hope it helps!

Thanks for the link!! Maybe when we get Brady a new car seat, I will look for one that holds more than 50 pounds. Either way, he is only 31 pounds now...so it will be a long while before he is over 50 pounds.

I think that makes a lot of sense in your situation.  He's only 3 or so lbs. more than Kira, and I'm still planning on anything bigger than her Marathon being at least a couple years down the road!  But again, as long as insurance is buying, you might as well look ahead as long as you're not sacrificing anything now (other than maybe space in the car ).  The key is looking for "5-point harness."  There are plenty to choose from!  Good luck deciding!

howleyshell

Late to respond but check out the Graco Nautilus.

Stays 5 point up to 60 lbs

Then the back comes of and it converts to a seat-belt booster.

It's the last car seat you'll need. 

 

3-in-1 multi-mode Car Seat for longer use 20 pounds to 100 poundsExtended 5-point harness for children 20-65 poundsConverts to High-back belt positioning booster for child 30 pounds to 100 poundsConverts to backless booster for child 40 pounds to 100 poundsSteel reinforced frame for durability