XP Convertible Carseats

KLL22 · July 2013

Hello ladies! My DD is almost 3 months so I hope you don't mind me asking this here!

I have a very tall and thin DD. She is already 26 inches (even though DH and I are both very short) and only about 12 pounds. I have noticed her infant seat is starting to get a little snug. I have adjusted the length of the straps twice already. My seat says it goes up to 30" and 30 pounds so I'm not sure why it is already so small especially since shes a skinny little girl. When did you ladies switch to a convertible or have you yet? I don't want to switch to early for safety reasons, but she looks so uncomfortable. What would you guys do? Thanks!

nanabanana06 · July 2013

Convertible car seats are just as safe as infant carriers. Infant seats are only for convenience, not for safety. I switched my son into his new car seat at about 5 months. I'm a big fan of extended RF since that's what the new recs are. The AAP and physics say that RF as long as possible is the safest. The minimum to FF is 2 years of age, but it's best to do it once they get to the height and weight limits of their RF seat. So, in order to keep them RF longest you need a seat that will accomidate that. The seats that will do this are: Diono Radian RXT or r120, Clek Foonf, Graco Size4me, or the Chicco Nextfit. I personally think the Radian is the best all around seat, but that the Clek has superior RF limits and engineering. I have 3 Radians and Foonf in both me and DH's car.

KLL22 · July 2013

Nana_Osaki06:
Convertible car seats are just as safe as infant carriers. Infant seats are only for convenience, not for safety. I switched my son into his new car seat at about 5 months. I'm a big fan of extended RF since that's what the new recs are. The AAP and physics say that RF as long as possible is the safest. The minimum to FF is 2 years of age, but it's best to do it once they get to the height and weight limits of their RF seat. So, in order to keep them RF longest you need a seat that will accomidate that. The seats that will do this are: Diono Radian RXT or r120, Clek Foonf, Graco Size4me, or the Chicco Nextfit. I personally think the Radian is the best all around seat, but that the Clek has superior RF limits and engineering. I have 3 Radians and Foonf in both me and DH's car.

I was wondering if infants were more for convenience or not. Personally, I find them to be more of a hassle especially because my DD likes to be worn instead of being in her seat. I hate lugging it up 2 flights of stairs! I plan on RF until DD is at least 2 years old or maybe a little bit longer depending on her weight and also for my piece of mind. I was looking into getting a Radian based on reviews and the fact they can accommodate extended RF. Thanks for your input!

nanabanana06 · July 2013

KLL22:
Nana_Osaki06:
Convertible car seats are just as safe as infant carriers. Infant seats are only for convenience, not for safety. I switched my son into his new car seat at about 5 months. I'm a big fan of extended RF since that's what the new recs are. The AAP and physics say that RF as long as possible is the safest. The minimum to FF is 2 years of age, but it's best to do it once they get to the height and weight limits of their RF seat. So, in order to keep them RF longest you need a seat that will accomidate that. The seats that will do this are: Diono Radian RXT or r120, Clek Foonf, Graco Size4me, or the Chicco Nextfit. I personally think the Radian is the best all around seat, but that the Clek has superior RF limits and engineering. I have 3 Radians and Foonf in both me and DH's car.
I was wondering if infants were more for convenience or not. Personally, I find them to be more of a hassle especially because my DD likes to be worn instead of being in her seat. I hate lugging it up 2 flights of stairs! I plan on RF until DD is at least 2 years old or maybe a little bit longer depending on her weight and also for my piece of mind. I was looking into getting a Radian based on reviews and the fact they can accommodate extended RF. Thanks for your input!

No problem! We only used the baby bucket cuz we had a winter baby. However, I prefer to baby wear as well. We RF till 4 since that is when the spine is done fusing and the risk of internal decapitation in a crash is lessened. Then we'll to the 5 point harness until that is maxed out. I'm hoping to keep both kids in the harness till 7. Since I personally don't find many kids before then mature enough to sit still and keep the seat belt in the right position.

KLL22 · July 2013

Nana_Osaki06:
KLL22:
Nana_Osaki06:
Convertible car seats are just as safe as infant carriers. Infant seats are only for convenience, not for safety. I switched my son into his new car seat at about 5 months. I'm a big fan of extended RF since that's what the new recs are. The AAP and physics say that RF as long as possible is the safest. The minimum to FF is 2 years of age, but it's best to do it once they get to the height and weight limits of their RF seat. So, in order to keep them RF longest you need a seat that will accomidate that. The seats that will do this are: Diono Radian RXT or r120, Clek Foonf, Graco Size4me, or the Chicco Nextfit. I personally think the Radian is the best all around seat, but that the Clek has superior RF limits and engineering. I have 3 Radians and Foonf in both me and DH's car.
I was wondering if infants were more for convenience or not. Personally, I find them to be more of a hassle especially because my DD likes to be worn instead of being in her seat. I hate lugging it up 2 flights of stairs! I plan on RF until DD is at least 2 years old or maybe a little bit longer depending on her weight and also for my piece of mind. I was looking into getting a Radian based on reviews and the fact they can accommodate extended RF. Thanks for your input!
No problem! We only used the baby bucket cuz we had a winter baby. However, I prefer to baby wear as well. We RF till 4 since that is when the spine is done fusing and the risk of internal decapitation in a crash is lessened. Then we'll to the 5 point harness until that is maxed out. I'm hoping to keep both kids in the harness till 7. Since I personally don't find many kids before then mature enough to sit still and keep the seat belt in the right position.

Interesting! That is really good to know! My mom extendedly RF until her kids were 3 and that was wayyyy before the new recommondation! I think we were in boosters till about 7 or 8 mostly because she didn't trust us staying buckled. That's what I plan on doing too especially with that new information!

nanabanana06 · July 2013

KLL22:
Nana_Osaki06:
KLL22:
Nana_Osaki06:
Convertible car seats are just as safe as infant carriers. Infant seats are only for convenience, not for safety. I switched my son into his new car seat at about 5 months. I'm a big fan of extended RF since that's what the new recs are. The AAP and physics say that RF as long as possible is the safest. The minimum to FF is 2 years of age, but it's best to do it once they get to the height and weight limits of their RF seat. So, in order to keep them RF longest you need a seat that will accomidate that. The seats that will do this are: Diono Radian RXT or r120, Clek Foonf, Graco Size4me, or the Chicco Nextfit. I personally think the Radian is the best all around seat, but that the Clek has superior RF limits and engineering. I have 3 Radians and Foonf in both me and DH's car.
I was wondering if infants were more for convenience or not. Personally, I find them to be more of a hassle especially because my DD likes to be worn instead of being in her seat. I hate lugging it up 2 flights of stairs! I plan on RF until DD is at least 2 years old or maybe a little bit longer depending on her weight and also for my piece of mind. I was looking into getting a Radian based on reviews and the fact they can accommodate extended RF. Thanks for your input!
No problem! We only used the baby bucket cuz we had a winter baby. However, I prefer to baby wear as well. We RF till 4 since that is when the spine is done fusing and the risk of internal decapitation in a crash is lessened. Then we'll to the 5 point harness until that is maxed out. I'm hoping to keep both kids in the harness till 7. Since I personally don't find many kids before then mature enough to sit still and keep the seat belt in the right position.
Interesting! That is really good to know! My mom extendedly RF until her kids were 3 and that was wayyyy before the new recommondation! I think we were in boosters till about 7 or 8 mostly because she didn't trust us staying buckled. That's what I plan on doing too especially with that new information!

NP. I am a huge car seat nerd. DH thinks the booster laws are a little strict (4'9" and 8-12 years old), but he'll deal.

KLL22 · July 2013

Nana_Osaki06:
KLL22:
Nana_Osaki06:
KLL22:
Nana_Osaki06:
Convertible car seats are just as safe as infant carriers. Infant seats are only for convenience, not for safety. I switched my son into his new car seat at about 5 months. I'm a big fan of extended RF since that's what the new recs are. The AAP and physics say that RF as long as possible is the safest. The minimum to FF is 2 years of age, but it's best to do it once they get to the height and weight limits of their RF seat. So, in order to keep them RF longest you need a seat that will accomidate that. The seats that will do this are: Diono Radian RXT or r120, Clek Foonf, Graco Size4me, or the Chicco Nextfit. I personally think the Radian is the best all around seat, but that the Clek has superior RF limits and engineering. I have 3 Radians and Foonf in both me and DH's car.
I was wondering if infants were more for convenience or not. Personally, I find them to be more of a hassle especially because my DD likes to be worn instead of being in her seat. I hate lugging it up 2 flights of stairs! I plan on RF until DD is at least 2 years old or maybe a little bit longer depending on her weight and also for my piece of mind. I was looking into getting a Radian based on reviews and the fact they can accommodate extended RF. Thanks for your input!
No problem! We only used the baby bucket cuz we had a winter baby. However, I prefer to baby wear as well. We RF till 4 since that is when the spine is done fusing and the risk of internal decapitation in a crash is lessened. Then we'll to the 5 point harness until that is maxed out. I'm hoping to keep both kids in the harness till 7. Since I personally don't find many kids before then mature enough to sit still and keep the seat belt in the right position.
Interesting! That is really good to know! My mom extendedly RF until her kids were 3 and that was wayyyy before the new recommondation! I think we were in boosters till about 7 or 8 mostly because she didn't trust us staying buckled. That's what I plan on doing too especially with that new information!
NP. I am a huge car seat nerd. DH thinks the booster laws are a little strict (4'9" and 8-12 years old), but he'll deal.

Glad my DH isn't the only one. He also doesn't understand why the seats I'm looking into are over 200$ when you can "get the same thing" for only 40$. Safety doesn't matter as long as the price is cheap right?? -__-

nanabanana06 · July 2013

KLL22:
Nana_Osaki06:
KLL22:
Nana_Osaki06:
KLL22:
Nana_Osaki06:
Convertible car seats are just as safe as infant carriers. Infant seats are only for convenience, not for safety. I switched my son into his new car seat at about 5 months. I'm a big fan of extended RF since that's what the new recs are. The AAP and physics say that RF as long as possible is the safest. The minimum to FF is 2 years of age, but it's best to do it once they get to the height and weight limits of their RF seat. So, in order to keep them RF longest you need a seat that will accomidate that. The seats that will do this are: Diono Radian RXT or r120, Clek Foonf, Graco Size4me, or the Chicco Nextfit. I personally think the Radian is the best all around seat, but that the Clek has superior RF limits and engineering. I have 3 Radians and Foonf in both me and DH's car.
I was wondering if infants were more for convenience or not. Personally, I find them to be more of a hassle especially because my DD likes to be worn instead of being in her seat. I hate lugging it up 2 flights of stairs! I plan on RF until DD is at least 2 years old or maybe a little bit longer depending on her weight and also for my piece of mind. I was looking into getting a Radian based on reviews and the fact they can accommodate extended RF. Thanks for your input!
No problem! We only used the baby bucket cuz we had a winter baby. However, I prefer to baby wear as well. We RF till 4 since that is when the spine is done fusing and the risk of internal decapitation in a crash is lessened. Then we'll to the 5 point harness until that is maxed out. I'm hoping to keep both kids in the harness till 7. Since I personally don't find many kids before then mature enough to sit still and keep the seat belt in the right position.
Interesting! That is really good to know! My mom extendedly RF until her kids were 3 and that was wayyyy before the new recommondation! I think we were in boosters till about 7 or 8 mostly because she didn't trust us staying buckled. That's what I plan on doing too especially with that new information!
NP. I am a huge car seat nerd. DH thinks the booster laws are a little strict (4'9" and 8-12 years old), but he'll deal.
Glad my DH isn't the only one. He also doesn't understand why the seats I'm looking into are over 200$ when you can "get the same thing" for only 40$. Safety doesn't matter as long as the price is cheap right?? -__-

LOL, sounds like my DH. He came around eventually though. Which is why I convinced him into my Foonf (it was 400$ on sale). Guys don't get it. They will eventually though.

penguingrrl · July 2013

Nana_Osaki06:
KLL22:
Nana_Osaki06:
Convertible car seats are just as safe as infant carriers. Infant seats are only for convenience, not for safety. I switched my son into his new car seat at about 5 months. I'm a big fan of extended RF since that's what the new recs are. The AAP and physics say that RF as long as possible is the safest. The minimum to FF is 2 years of age, but it's best to do it once they get to the height and weight limits of their RF seat. So, in order to keep them RF longest you need a seat that will accomidate that. The seats that will do this are: Diono Radian RXT or r120, Clek Foonf, Graco Size4me, or the Chicco Nextfit. I personally think the Radian is the best all around seat, but that the Clek has superior RF limits and engineering. I have 3 Radians and Foonf in both me and DH's car.
I was wondering if infants were more for convenience or not. Personally, I find them to be more of a hassle especially because my DD likes to be worn instead of being in her seat. I hate lugging it up 2 flights of stairs! I plan on RF until DD is at least 2 years old or maybe a little bit longer depending on her weight and also for my piece of mind. I was looking into getting a Radian based on reviews and the fact they can accommodate extended RF. Thanks for your input!
No problem! We only used the baby bucket cuz we had a winter baby. However, I prefer to baby wear as well. We RF till 4 since that is when the spine is done fusing and the risk of internal decapitation in a crash is lessened. Then we'll to the 5 point harness until that is maxed out. I'm hoping to keep both kids in the harness till 7. Since I personally don't find many kids before then mature enough to sit still and keep the seat belt in the right position.

I'm so jealous! My daughter is almost 6 and her torso is too long for even the frontier, so she's been boostered for a while. Her sister has started booster training as she's too tall for her radian forward facing already at almost 4 (1 week away). My kids are ridiculously tall and long-torsoed.

But neither has ever sat incorrectly in a booster. I'm very lucky to have extremely mellow car riders who listen to the rules and sit well.

I personally prefer the Swedish method, where you RF as long as humanly possible then don't use a forward harness. I worry about neck and head safety when the torso is so rigidly restricted. We have not had the option to RF to booster age because my kids are so tall and long-torsoed (neither made it to 3 RF because they were too tall in the radian and the clek and headwise weren't on the market yet) but we kept them until the minute they hit 1" from the top of the seat.

We will do the same for Andrew. I'm much more worried about extended RF than extended harnessing with my kids. But, the kid we carpool with (who I adore, she's a great kid) would still be harnessed at over 6 if she were my kid because she's wiggly and reaches for things and does everything else she shouldn't while I'm driving (I pull over and put the car in park until she's behaving every time). If he is as wiggly a car rider as she is he'll be harnessed longer. Thankfully there are more options available for tall kids than there used to be.

nanabanana06 · July 2013

penguingrrl:
I'm so jealous! My daughter is almost 6 and her torso is too long for even the frontier, so she's been boostered for a while. Her sister has started booster training as she's too tall for her radian forward facing already at almost 4 (1 week away). My kids are ridiculously tall and long-torsoed.
But neither has ever sat incorrectly in a booster. I'm very lucky to have extremely mellow car riders who listen to the rules and sit well.
I personally prefer the Swedish method, where you RF as long as humanly possible then don't use a forward harness. I worry about neck and head safety when the torso is so rigidly restricted. We have not had the option to RF to booster age because my kids are so tall and long-torsoed (neither made it to 3 RF because they were too tall in the radian and the clek and headwise weren't on the market yet) but we kept them until the minute they hit 1" from the top of the seat.
We will do the same for Andrew. I'm much more worried about extended RF than extended harnessing with my kids. But, the kid we carpool with (who I adore, she's a great kid) would still be harnessed at over 6 if she were my kid because she's wiggly and reaches for things and does everything else she shouldn't while I'm driving (I pull over and put the car in park until she's behaving every time). If he is as wiggly a car rider as she is he'll be harnessed longer. Thankfully there are more options available for tall kids than there used to be.

Oh, I totally get what your saying there. Rosie has very short genes on her side. She's only maybe a pound heavier and half an inch taller than when she was 2. I'm really hoping that the Radian will be her one and only seat/booster. Cade on the other hand is my chunky monkey and in the 90th percentiles. We'll see for him on that whole age 4 thing. As for boosters we'll see how Rosie and Cade are when they turn 4 or 5. Personally there is no difference safety wise between the 5 point and seat belt. However, the seat belt requires maturity. Which is why I say most kids wouldn't be mature enough for the belt positioning booster. I've seen some really well mannered 4 and 5 year olds that may be able to do it. We'll see.

=Lee=B · July 2013

We were out trying them out yesterday with our now 4month old. We had narrowed it down to the Diono Radian RXT and the Safety 1st Air protect complete. After trying our daughter in both we are leaning to the Radian RXT. We just hope it fits the car when we buy.

We are now waiting for a good sale then will buy. We don't need it right away so will wait for a sale. I don't think my daughter will last in her current bucket for more than 2-3more months due to height.

We don't carry her in the bucket as I always pop her in her carrier so it's really no more convenient for us than a convertible.

ally2011 · July 2013

We use the britax boulevard in my husbands car and infant carrier in mine. We will be switching to a britax boulevard in mine soon as well. I know they are all safe, but the britax feels more sturdy to me.

ally2011 · July 2013

KLL22:
Nana_Osaki06:
Convertible car seats are just as safe as infant carriers. Infant seats are only for convenience, not for safety. I switched my son into his new car seat at about 5 months. I'm a big fan of extended RF since that's what the new recs are. The AAP and physics say that RF as long as possible is the safest. The minimum to FF is 2 years of age, but it's best to do it once they get to the height and weight limits of their RF seat. So, in order to keep them RF longest you need a seat that will accomidate that. The seats that will do this are: Diono Radian RXT or r120, Clek Foonf, Graco Size4me, or the Chicco Nextfit. I personally think the Radian is the best all around seat, but that the Clek has superior RF limits and engineering. I have 3 Radians and Foonf in both me and DH's car.
I was wondering if infants were more for convenience or not. Personally, I find them to be more of a hassle especially because my DD likes to be worn instead of being in her seat. I hate lugging it up 2 flights of stairs! I plan on RF until DD is at least 2 years old or maybe a little bit longer depending on her weight and also for my piece of mind. I was looking into getting a Radian based on reviews and the fact they can accommodate extended RF. Thanks for your input!

I mostly leave my infant carrier in the car and treat it like a convertible even if she is asleep when we get home (I just get her out). The exception is the grocery store and Target. I didn't want to get used to the convenience as I wanted to baby wear and use the convertible ASAP.

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