small, portable carseat recommendations?

[Adasmommy]

We're going to have the car seat in a Motorhome, and need to be able to remove the entire seat (ie not leave a base attached) when we're parked.  Frequently.  So are there some that are easier to put in and out?  Space is also a consideration so smaller is good. 

We usually get a convertible because we don't carry car seats so no need to buy two.  Right now my one year old is in a convertible.  The new car seat could either be for our newborn (coming Spring) or newborn could go in convertible that we already have and one year old could go in the new seat.  I mention this in case there is one that fits my specs that is only appropriate for a certain age.  I've got kids in every age!

Thanks for any ideas!

[chickabiddy]

In most motorhomes, the only safe place to install a carseat is the front passenger seat.  Where do you plan to install these carseats? 

[Adasmommy]

Dinette benches and/or front passenger seat are the only options.  We haven't figured out how to arrange everyone yet.

[an_aurora]

The only safe place to install a car seat is in the front seat (and for a rear facing seat, the air bag MUST be able to turn off with a key).  Other than that, you don't have any safe options.  

The dinette benches aren't acceptable places to put car seats because the seatbelts are generally not securely attached--they are usually simply bolted to plywood or thin metal, neither of which would hold in a crash.  Seatbelts in motor homes are not regulated beyond the front seats, so really anything goes, and the other belts don't have to actually be crashworthy.

[Adasmommy]

Thanks, I'm aware of the seat belt situation in motorhomes.  We'll make sure to find a safe way to install the seats.  Now I just need to find a seat that's an easy install.  Anyone?  Or are they all pretty much the same? 

[chickabiddy]

Again, there is no safe way to install a carseat except in the front passenger seat with the airbag physically disabled, which obviously won't work for both kids at the same time.

[chel]

so does that mean child restraints are not required?  i guess along the lines of not using seatbelts on city buses.

[chickabiddy]

No, it means there is no safe way to transport more than one child in a motorhome.  I do believe that many states' laws exempt motorhomes from carseat laws, but that doesn't mean it's safe.  Busses are safe without seatbelts/carseats.  RVs and motorhomes are not.

[an_aurora]

Originally Posted by Adasmommy 

Thanks, I'm aware of the seat belt situation in motorhomes.  We'll make sure to find a safe way to install the seats.  Now I just need to find a seat that's an easy install.  Anyone?  Or are they all pretty much the same? 

I didn't recommend any seats because there is no safe way to put more than one child in the motorhome.  

Originally Posted by chel 

so does that mean child restraints are not required?  i guess along the lines of not using seatbelts on city buses.

Motor homes and city buses are very, very different--what makes a bus safe is that they have seats placed closely together, which creates a phenomenon knowns as "compartmentalization"--think eggs in a carton versus a shoe box. 

Originally Posted by chickabiddy 

No, it means there is no safe way to transport more than one child in a motorhome.  I do believe that many states' laws exempt motorhomes from carseat laws, but that doesn't mean it's safe.  Busses are safe without seatbelts/carseats.  RVs and motorhomes are not.

[TiredX2]

Adasmommy--- how big is your one year old?  You mention multiple children--- how big are they?  I ask because it might give a better idea of how large the infant will be at birth and what your carseat needs are going further (I currently know a 28 lb 4 year old and have known a 55 lb 2.5 year old---- they would have VERY different carseat needs!).  What carseat do you have right now and how does your one year old fit in it (if it is a smaller seat, its probably better to get one for your one year old to go into OR some convertables don't fit newborns well, so you would be better off with a car seat for the new one).

Do you have a price range in mind?

[Adasmommy]

My first was 8lbs8oz at birth, 20 lbs at a year, and around 44lbs now at six years.  The next was 9 lbs at birth and is probably around 24 lbs now at one year.  She's in the same Graco convertible carseat she's been in from birth and fits fine.

I had another thought.  I've never had a vehicle with LATCH.  When you use the anchors is this in addition to the seatbelt or instead of?  Is it easier or faster to use the LATCH system or the seat belt through the carseat method?

Thanks for the help!

[KempsMama]

LATCH is used instead of seatbelts, never in addition to.  The ease of use depends on the vehicle and the carseat in my experience.  I found the LATCH easier when I had a Evenflo Titan Elite, but can get a better install with the belt with my Graco My Ride.