which child gets a new car seat?

[twead]

We want to move DS2 into a convertible and out of the 'bucket' car seat.  Should we get him the new seat or move him into DS1's seat and then he get the new seat?

Here's the particulars: DS1 is 3yo, 33lbs and almost 3'2" tall.  He has been siting in a Britax Boulevard since he was 5months.  We all love this seat.

DS2 is 6mo, about 20lb and 2'+ in length.  (I'm estimating because the new pediatrician didn't give me stats at our last well baby.)  We would probably buy another Boulevard unless there was a good reason to buy something else.

Do you think the Britax will last DS1 until it expires in 4/14?  It says it is good until 65 lbs.  I have a hard time imagining a kid that big in this seat.

If you need more info, let me know.

Tanya

[DahliaRW]

I would buy the older child a seat that will last them longer.  Is your 3yo rfing or ffing?

If ffing, I'd look at the nautilus or frontier 85 (you could also do the maestro).  If rfing I'd get a seat with a higher rfing limit and higher harness height than the blvd, a complete air or radian.

When your ds2 outgrows the blvd or it expires, you can pass down whatever seat you buy for ds2, and buy your ds2 a dedicated booster.

[MacKinnon]

Children typically outgrow the Boulevard/Marathon by height, not weight. My daughter was about 4.5 when she outgrew it by height, my son is 4, 38" tall and now on the top slots in the Marathon, he'll probably be closer to 5 or later when he outgrows it. In my experience about 5 is typical for children of average height to outgrow them (obviously there is a huge window here based on height, torso heights, etc.). Assuming your 3 year old is forward facing, I would pass down the Boulevard to the baby and get a new forward facing combo seat (one that harnesses then converts to a booster) like the Britax Frontier, Graco Nautilus, Recaro ProSport, etc.. We will be doing this when my DD2 needs a convertible. IMO, there is no reason to buy another convertible seat when one will only be used forward facing.