overwhelmed please help

[new2this]

I have a Chevy Cruze so small car and we need a second car seat. 

Right now we have the infant carrier (that I am using in my car in the center) and a Safety 1st Avenue  going into DH's truck (that I am not to big on, was a gift). 

. 

I need something perferably to go outboard so she is easier to get in and out. However right now center is just fine since its just her but hoping to add another soon. 

At a min we are RF till 2 but prefer to go to seat limits. Cost isn't much of an issue but of course don't want to spend a whole lot either. I have to be able to convince DH that spending the money on a radian or like in that price will outweigh a cheaper one. Besides the rf limit that part we agree on.

I have looked at Radians, Complete Air, MyRide, Evenflo Triumph (i think it was) as well as Britax. 

My beef with the Avenue is its just so hard to tighten when RF and the whole to RF has to be level with the ground annoys me is because is that before being latched and buckled or after a solid install is done?

Her stats as of now are 15.3 lbs, 25 1/4 inches. 5 months.

So please hit me with suggestions. 

[WindyCityMom]

Hi! :)

First off, for an older baby with good head support, or a toddler or child, they can be as upright as 30 degrees (the level to ground indicator makes the seat 45 degrees).  So you can get her a bit more upright.

Are you installing with seatbelt or LATCH?  Maybe someone can chime in with help with that matter.  

As far as seats, I'd nix the Complete Air because of issues I have had with numerous ones in the past.  The harness isn't that easy to adjust either.  I'd personally choose a Radian (again, can be installed more upright!) or a MyRide.  If you have a child on the taller side, choose the Radian.  

ALSO!  What is your daughter's seated torso height? A lot of seats have bottom slots that are far too high to fit a young baby (and be at or below their shoulders as is required for rear-facing).  I know for a fact that the MyRide and Radian will be no issue- they fit newborns very well so your DD would be fine in them.  I DO know that the Britax seats and the Complete Air would not be a good choice for a young baby.

[new2this]

No idea what her seated torso is. I would have look. I know she fits good in the Avenue and she is on the second slot(I believe, have to look) and it is below her shoulders. And she does have good head control. Either or as far method of install. I would prefer latch but whatever would give me a good install. With her infant we did seat belt because we never put the base back in after we took it out after a trip. 

[Farmer'sWife]

In my experience the Evenflo Triumph Advance (I think the new ones are Triumph 65) fits well in small cars.  If you have tightening issues you might like the harness adjustment knob on the side of it, although it sometimes gets smooshed up against the car's seat in some cars.  If at all possible I think the best thing to do is go to a BRU or similar store and try a few seats out in your car.  That's really the best way to see what you like and what works in your car.