@smpic2287 go ahead and give your opinion as a STM+ mom that the Cosco sucks because the cupholder always falls off and the padding is thin and the latch system is not the ez click type. Or that the Britax is amazing because the clicktight feature makes it so easy to install. Or, "I love the advocate because it has extra side impact protection and that puts me at ease." But to say definitively, that one seat is safer than another, or one brand of seats is the only safe choice, or one seat isn't as safe just because it's cheap, is not an opinion....because that is not actually an opinion, it is wrong information. They do not release crash test results and they are simply a pass/fail. It is literally impossible for you to say one seat is safer than another just because you're a STM and have experience. I am big into carseat safety and this is an area that irks me. Also, it just is not right to allow some people to BUY safety for their child while others who cannot afford to have to just accept less safety for their child. That is not how it works. Period.
@zande2016@blaf322 "But to say definitively, that one seat is safer than another, or one brand of seats is the only safe choice, or one seat isn't as safe just because it's cheap, is not an opinion....because that is not actually an opinion, it is wrong information." But no one said this ! You are putting words in people's mouth! I haven't seen a single mom on here say my seat is 100% the safest option no question. I don't even have either of the seats that you mentioned, but out of the 3 brands I do have, I do think one *seems* in my opinion* safer. That doesn't make me right or wrong- it's just my opinion on those specific seats I have tried and I would have appreciated that information as a FTM. No one here has to take my opinion or anyone else's opinion as definite.
I also said in one of my previous posts, that I don't think my inexpensive seats aren't safe. Maybe someone else said this, but it wasn't me. I do think they are perfectly safe or I obviously wouldn't put my children in them. I use them in my husbands car all the time and every time we travel, which I think they are great for. But to your point - the cup holders do suck, the padding isn't nearly as thick as the more expensive seat, the headrests aren't comfortable for my infant and the latches are all but impossible to get out (My husband refuses to even attempt them) But the seat is still 100% safe and I would have no problem recommending it if that's what price range someone was looking to spend.
As a FTM I will admit to being wholly ignorant of the strength of opinions attached to car seats. But I appreciate seeing everyone’s takes on favorites and preferred features. I figure most FTM are using this forum as one of MANY places we’ll get advice so nobody’s opinion here is actually going to influence my decision as much as checking them out myself, etc. I assume (perhaps erroneously) most FTM are the same. When I read that someone feels one seat is “safer” I’m attaching that to THEIR experience, because of course a seat is going to seem safer if it is easier for you to use, adjust, feel confident in its proper usage, etc. But I don’t take that to mean any one seat is categorically safer than another.
"the Maxi-Cosi would do a better job of protecting my kids than the Evenflo."
@smpic2287 those quotes were taken out of what you posted as your opinion. Saying the words "I think" in front of those quotes doesn't change the fact that you're saying the $$$$ buys the safest carseat.
@modoodles - right, I said those things are MY opinion, if you look at the full post instead of just a piece. I don't think anyone on this form thinks that MY opinion is the be all end all of car seat safety information. I was trying to give my experience, which I though would be helpful to FTMs, based on car seats I have used. Also in all of my other posts, I have clearly stated people need to do what is right for themselves, their kids, their cars.
So ill leave it at that. I recommend the Maxi-Cosi. I ALSO recommend the Evenflo Triumph. Both work , both are safe, and I will continue using both for my children.
@smpic2287 I don’t know who said it and didn’t feel like going back to check, but someone said britax seats are the only safe convertible seats. I didn’t say it was you but I was just responding to your last comment where you said some seats were safer than others in your opinion. I just don’t agree that anyone’s opinion can determine safety. Like I said, you have literally no objective way of testing that.
@smpic2287 I needed a break from this board and in particular this thread - hence the slow reply. We had the GLC, and when the lease came up recently, we up-sized up to the 3-row GLS. I love the extra storage - but feel like I’m driving a tank & I keep driving off curbs. I found this site https://thecarseatlady.com/ super helpful to understand all the configuration options and limitations by make and model; it literally helped us rule out certain cars + provided into on which car seat were better suited for cars based on latching systems and various 2nd and 3rd row configurations / proportions.
My first car seat was a Graco and since then I've bought about 6 different Britax seats. I have used the Roundabout, a couple of convertible seats and now I'm doing a five point harness, which has turned into a booster with a back for my 6 year old son.
I don't recall the exact style of car seat and I don't think it matters all that much but one thing that really tipped the scales for Britax for me was when I read that the seats have a steel frame. There are cheaper versions of the Britax--I think the roundabout was one. Some of the convertibles are enormous and not conducive to multiple seats in one row.
I think it is really convenient to use the infant seats that click into the stroller frame with newborns.
One thing I've learned from many expensive purchasing mistakes is that a lot of the "all-in-one" or "grow with your baby" items (e.g. strollers, crib/changer/dresser some car seats) are a waste of money. It's better to buy the best and most appropriate item you need for your child at the time.
Re: Product Spotlight: Car Seats
"the Maxi-Cosi would do a better job of protecting my kids than the Evenflo."
@smpic2287 those quotes were taken out of what you posted as your opinion. Saying the words "I think" in front of those quotes doesn't change the fact that you're saying the $$$$ buys the safest carseat.
We had the GLC, and when the lease came up recently, we up-sized up to the 3-row GLS. I love the extra storage - but feel like I’m driving a tank & I keep driving off curbs.
I found this site https://thecarseatlady.com/ super helpful to understand all the configuration options and limitations by make and model; it literally helped us rule out certain cars + provided into on which car seat were better suited for cars based on latching systems and various 2nd and 3rd row configurations / proportions.
I don't recall the exact style of car seat and I don't think it matters all that much but one thing that really tipped the scales for Britax for me was when I read that the seats have a steel frame. There are cheaper versions of the Britax--I think the roundabout was one. Some of the convertibles are enormous and not conducive to multiple seats in one row.
I think it is really convenient to use the infant seats that click into the stroller frame with newborns.
One thing I've learned from many expensive purchasing mistakes is that a lot of the "all-in-one" or "grow with your baby" items (e.g. strollers, crib/changer/dresser some car seats) are a waste of money. It's better to buy the best and most appropriate item you need for your child at the time.
Natural MC 10/01/14