Best convertible car seat to move between vehicles?

nikhubbard67 · January 2014

We are looking for a convertible carseat that our parents can share when picking up our son (15 months) on days when we can't make it to daycare. We each have a carseat for our cars, but need something lighter, easy to install, and a low to mid range price for the other cars. This would only be used maybe once a week max. The main cars that would use it are a Ford Edge and a 4 door Infiniti (don't remember the model, but it is sportier). I would prefer not to have to buy 4 carseats seats; esp. because I am expecting #2 and have to buy more for that child soon... Thanks in advance!

myatala · January 2014

The more often a car seat is moved and reinstalled, the greater the risk it may not be installed securely every time. Plus the seat that can be properly installed in one vehicle may not work well in another. It would be better to have separate seats. They don't all need to be expensive seats.

nanabanana06 · January 2014

Do not muy a Cosco Scenera. Those are terrible seats and only good as vacation seats when you don't want to take your real seat. Look into a Graco MyRide. It's easy to install and a decent seat. It will last you a lot longer than a Scenera, but it's not an ERF seat. If you want an ERF then get a Graco Headwise/MySize/Size4Me using a BRU coupon or right now at their trade in event.

Beth.1212 · January 2014

I like how easy my Chicco Nextfit is to install. (The only thing I don't like is how hard the harness is to adjust. I blame the shoulder pads, which are lined with rubber or something similar.)

ASmallWonder · January 2014

Nana_Osaki06 said:

Do not muy a Cosco Scenera. Those are terrible seats and only good as vacation seats when you don't want to take your real seat. Look into a Graco MyRide. It's easy to install and a decent seat. It will last you a lot longer than a Scenera, but it's not an ERF seat. If you want an ERF then get a Graco Headwise/MySize/Size4Me using a BRU coupon or right now at their trade in event.

There's nothing at all wrong with Sceneras except some people struggle with installing RFing. The MyRide is a bulky seat and for less money they could get an Evenflo Sureride or a Safety First Guide 65, both of which will last longer than the MyRide.

ASmallWonder · January 2014

LalaMama81 said:

Do not muy a Cosco Scenera. Those are terrible seats and only good as vacation seats when you don't want to take your real seat. Look into a Graco MyRide. It's easy to install and a decent seat. It will last you a lot longer than a Scenera, but it's not an ERF seat. If you want an ERF then get a Graco Headwise/MySize/Size4Me using a BRU coupon or right now at their trade in event.
Look. I don't love my scenera but it's perfect for traveling and a backup seat, which is what she needs. It's equally safe and cheap. It's pointless to buy a pricey seat that will barely get used. I think buying 2 sceneras is better than 1 of something else because it won't have to he moved around. No, it won't last as long rf,that is true.

I agree. Installing a car seat isn't something someone should do infrequently or quickly so unless I was really sure they were proficient at it, I'd want one for each car that were permanently installed. My son has a Scenera in DH's car because he probably rides in it a few times a year. That seat is perfectly fine for infrequent use but I'm someone who finds it a PITA to install.

nanabanana06 · January 2014

Sceneras are so tiny. The shell is outgrown really quickly. I wouldn't want my kid FF before 2 in a car he'll be in once a week. Sure, if it was for that Grandma that takes him once every other month, I might be ok with it. It all depends on what your comfortable with when it comes to the safety of your kids. To me RFing is more important than a cheap seat. More so in a car they'll be in once a week or more.

ASmallWonder · January 2014

Nana_Osaki06 said:

Sceneras are so tiny. The shell is outgrown really quickly. I wouldn't want my kid FF before 2 in a car he'll be in once a week. Sure, if it was for that Grandma that takes him once every other month, I might be ok with it. It all depends on what your comfortable with when it comes to the safety of your kids. To me RFing is more important than a cheap seat. More so in a car they'll be in once a week or more.

But you don't even know how big this child is

My son rear faced to two in that seat. Also, if we're talking about an inexpensive seat that rear faces for longer than the Scenera, the MyRide isn't the best choice. The Guide 65 does the same as the MyRide but for less money and the Sureride rear faces for longer, also for less money.

nanabanana06 · January 2014

elmoali said:

Nana_Osaki06 said:

Sceneras are so tiny. The shell is outgrown really quickly. I wouldn't want my kid FF before 2 in a car he'll be in once a week. Sure, if it was for that Grandma that takes him once every other month, I might be ok with it. It all depends on what your comfortable with when it comes to the safety of your kids. To me RFing is more important than a cheap seat. More so in a car they'll be in once a week or more.

But you don't even know how big this child is My son rear faced to two in that seat. Also, if we're talking about an inexpensive seat that rear faces for longer than the Scenera, the MyRide isn't the best choice. The Guide 65 does the same as the MyRide but for less money and the Sureride rear faces for longer, also for less money.

You are correct on those seats. The MyRide was the only one that came to mind. :P. I know it depends on the kid, but that seat is pretty much outgrown RF and FF about the same time. Sure it's 40$, but there are slightly more expensive seats that will last longer. Plus once a week is not occasional. Heck my kids sometimes only go in my car once a week.

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nanabanana06 · January 2014

LalaMama81 said:

Nana_Osaki06 said:

elmoali said:

Nana_Osaki06 said:

Sceneras are so tiny. The shell is outgrown really quickly. I wouldn't want my kid FF before 2 in a car he'll be in once a week. Sure, if it was for that Grandma that takes him once every other month, I might be ok with it. It all depends on what your comfortable with when it comes to the safety of your kids. To me RFing is more important than a cheap seat. More so in a car they'll be in once a week or more.

But you don't even know how big this child is My son rear faced to two in that seat. Also, if we're talking about an inexpensive seat that rear faces for longer than the Scenera, the MyRide isn't the best choice. The Guide 65 does the same as the MyRide but for less money and the Sureride rear faces for longer, also for less money.

You are correct on those seats. The MyRide was the only one that came to mind. :P. I know it depends on the kid, but that seat is pretty much outgrown RF and FF about the same time. Sure it's 40$, but there are slightly more expensive seats that will last longer. Plus once a week is not occasional. Heck my kids sometimes only go in my car once a week.

See, it's all perspective. We are in and out of our car at least twice a day on week days and at least once a day on weekends - if not more. So, at a minimum 12 times a week - so once a week seems practically occasional!

But in reality it's not. That's a lot of time spent in that seat. Plus any extra time other than that day of the week. I know in many cases people use their seats a ton so it doesn't seem like a lot, but I SAH and we only go out once or twice a week regularly. I still make sure they have good long lasting car seats for those trips. All the grandparents also have their own sets of seats since they take the kids once a week as well. They have the same seats we do since it's important that they are safe and for the younger one RFing. It's all about perspective and priorities. The Scenera is a fine seat for some who rarely takes the kids anywhere or as a toss away seat for a vacation (I've done this one) and you don't want to check a car seat.

ASmallWonder · January 2014

LalaMama81 said:
Ironically the 2 people you are arguing with tend to be more anal, so to speak, about car seat usage. So, in one way you're preaching to the choir. We just disagree about what a safe and economical solution is.

LOL exactly

nikhubbard67 · January 2014

Thanks for the help ladies. My son has been in the 100% height since he was born and is a bigger toddler so size is a concern. I was looking into the combi cocorro at the recommendation of others before this post, but my fear is the size too. I will not be buying more than 1 since this will be used so occasionally. The 1 day a week MAX is the max...most of the time he stays at daycare until we get him. If we got them a car seat they would just take it out when they need room for others anyway. Oh and to answer the "how would they get it"...there is a room in our daycare where we can leave car seats for the emergency days.

ASmallWonder · January 2014

nikhubbard67 said:

Thanks for the help ladies. My son has been in the 100% height since he was born and is a bigger toddler so size is a concern. I was looking into the combi cocorro at the recommendation of others before this post, but my fear is the size too. I will not be buying more than 1 since this will be used so occasionally. The 1 day a week MAX is the max...most of the time he stays at daycare until we get him. If we got them a car seat they would just take it out when they need room for others anyway. Oh and to answer the "how would they get it"...there is a room in our daycare where we can leave car seats for the emergency days.

Ok so a tall boy! In that case you're definitely going to want to look at the Graco Size4Me/MySize/Headwise/Fit4Me. These are essentially the same seat but are sold under different exclusive names at different stores. They have the tallest shells on the market. Your next best option is a Chicco NextFit which is also a good long lasting seat and is said to have a really easy install. That might end up being a better option because it's more compact front to back and you said one of the cars is sportier, which I'm reading as smaller

LittleApple · January 2014

I also think the Gracosize4me/mysize/headwise will be your best bet.

singingirl96 · January 2014

I would highly recommend the Evenflo Symphony 65 because it has 2 latches to easily attach to seat hooks (they snap in place) and they release easily with a press of a button. They cinch in place and you can have in installed correctly in just about a minute or two. We like it so much we bought 2. They are about $200 at BRU but if you use a coupon you can get it for $160, so not too bad

https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=21198526&mr:keyword=&mr:trackingCode=F4D70267-7315-E311-A497-90E2BA285E75&mr:match=&mr:adType=pla&mr:filter=56909800606&cagpspn=plab_15899371&mr:referralID=NA&mr:ad=35201212966&mr:device=c&camp=PLAPPC-_-PID15899371&KPID=15899371

minervacullen · January 2014

LittleApple said:
I also think the Gracosize4me/mysize/headwise will be your best bet.

This. It's super easy to install and you just move the headrest to adjust. We only have one and when we takes DHs car it takes maybe 2 minutes to switch it.

JENandJEH · January 2014

singingirl96 said:

I would highly recommend the Evenflo Symphony 65 because it has 2 latches to easily attach to seat hooks (they snap in place) and they release easily with a press of a button. They cinch in place and you can have in installed correctly in just about a minute or two. We like it so much we bought 2. They are about $200 at BRU but if you use a coupon you can get it for $160, so not too bad
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=21198526&mr:keyword=&mr:trackingCode=F4D70267-7315-E311-A497-90E2BA285E75&mr:match=&mr:adType=pla&mr:filter=56909800606&cagpspn=plab_15899371&mr:referralID=NA&mr:ad=35201212966&mr:device=c&camp=PLAPPC-_-PID15899371&KPID=15899371

With your son being that tall, I would avoid the Evenflo seat mentioned here. It's outgrown fairly quickly rear-facing because it can only be used in the lowest 2 headrest positions while rear-facing.

The Graco seats mentioned above would be your best bet and it's pretty easy to install. The Graco is a better choice price-wise compared to the Chicco if it's only going to be used rarely. I love our Chicco Nextfit but wouldn't pay that just to use it once a week.

singingirl96 · January 2014

JENandJEH said:

singingirl96 said:

I would highly recommend the Evenflo Symphony 65 because it has 2 latches to easily attach to seat hooks (they snap in place) and they release easily with a press of a button. They cinch in place and you can have in installed correctly in just about a minute or two. We like it so much we bought 2. They are about $200 at BRU but if you use a coupon you can get it for $160, so not too bad
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=21198526&mr:keyword=&mr:trackingCode=F4D70267-7315-E311-A497-90E2BA285E75&mr:match=&mr:adType=pla&mr:filter=56909800606&cagpspn=plab_15899371&mr:referralID=NA&mr:ad=35201212966&mr:device=c&camp=PLAPPC-_-PID15899371&KPID=15899371

With your son being that tall, I would avoid the Evenflo seat mentioned here. It's outgrown fairly quickly rear-facing because it can only be used in the lowest 2 headrest positions while rear-facing.

The Graco seats mentioned above would be your best bet and it's pretty easy to install. The Graco is a better choice price-wise compared to the Chicco if it's only going to be used rarely. I love our Chicco Nextfit but wouldn't pay that just to use it once a week.

Bologna!

First of all there was no mention that her son is rear facing, also, there is no way that a 15 month old would need the headrest to be higher than the lowest setting unless he is freakishly tall.

OP, my suggestion to you is to go to a place like BRU and make a choice for yourself.

JENandJEH · January 2014

singingirl96 said:

JENandJEH said:

singingirl96 said:

I would highly recommend the Evenflo Symphony 65 because it has 2 latches to easily attach to seat hooks (they snap in place) and they release easily with a press of a button. They cinch in place and you can have in installed correctly in just about a minute or two. We like it so much we bought 2. They are about $200 at BRU but if you use a coupon you can get it for $160, so not too bad
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=21198526&mr:keyword=&mr:trackingCode=F4D70267-7315-E311-A497-90E2BA285E75&mr:match=&mr:adType=pla&mr:filter=56909800606&cagpspn=plab_15899371&mr:referralID=NA&mr:ad=35201212966&mr:device=c&camp=PLAPPC-_-PID15899371&KPID=15899371

With your son being that tall, I would avoid the Evenflo seat mentioned here. It's outgrown fairly quickly rear-facing because it can only be used in the lowest 2 headrest positions while rear-facing.

The Graco seats mentioned above would be your best bet and it's pretty easy to install. The Graco is a better choice price-wise compared to the Chicco if it's only going to be used rarely. I love our Chicco Nextfit but wouldn't pay that just to use it once a week.

Bologna!

First of all there was no mention that her son is rear facing, also, there is no way that a 15 month old would need the headrest to be higher than the lowest setting unless he is freakishly tall.

OP, my suggestion to you is to go to a place like BRU and make a choice for yourself.

I'm quite sorry if my post offended you, but I was stating a fact. That seat is not recommended by many car seat techs because it's outgrown early. Whether the OP stated her son was rear-facing or not, I think it's fair to assume that a 15 month old is rear-facing seeing as how it is recommended to rear-face to a minimum of 2 years. I don't think I was the only one in this post to assume that he is rear-facing. Also, children are built differently...some have long legs and short torsos and may not outgrow this seat early but if there is a child with a long torso and short legs, it is quite possible that they will outgrow the seat rear-facing by needing to move the head rest up to the 3rd click. There is also a 37" standing limit for rear-facing so even if a child is still on one of the lowest two settings (likely carries their height in their legs) then it is outgrown and cannot be used rear-facing anymore.

I'm not saying it's not a good seat...it's fine for shorter children. We own one, I bought it before I learned that it doesn't last as long rear-facing as others on the market. You're absolutely correct that it's easy to install but it's no easier than the Chicco or the Graco which also have LATCH connectors and release with the push of a button.

And yes, going to BRU to try out seats is great advice, but the OP asked for suggestions which is what she was given. Again, sorry if you were offended that I recommended against the Evenflo but the fact is that it is not the best choice for a child who is 100% for height.

Meery82 · January 2014

OP, we have a few Chicco Nextfits and really like them. Super easy to install. They are expensive, but you can cut the price down a little with sales and/or coupons. I bought one of ours from Albeebaby.com. It has the cheapest price I could find, online and in store.

smileybabyboy · January 2014

Try this site for recommendations https://csftl.org/recommended-seats/

We have 2 chicco nextfits and love them. They are so easy to install although they are quite heavy and expensive.

myatala · January 2014

We have the Graco MySize 70 as our everyday seat and like PPs said it's good for tall kids and pretty easy to install. It also fits in our tiny car!

ashaw512 · February 2014

I have a saftey first alpha 4 in one convertible seat. It reclines and easy to install also lightweight. I actually don't mind changing it from car to car because it so easy.my daughter really loves it to. Its not expensive either, its sold at toysrus.

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