Forward facing harness above 40 pounds?

[Mom2M]

I've been looking for a ff car seat that is for 40 pounds + but the ones I found are all pretty expensive. Could anyone suggest a seat that is good that is not too expensive?
Thanks

[leighi123]

graco nautilus, or the maestro.   How old/heavy/tall is your child?

[DahliaRW]

Yup, the Nautilus and Maestro are your most economical bets.  And they have nice, tall harness slots too.

[Mom2M]

Thanks. I was hoping there would be something else but I guess I'm dreaming, lol. I do have a Nautilus for my car and love it but DD outgrew FF harness in her Dad's car and we currently have no seat for that one.
At first I was thinking that I could get one of those sceneras that I read about here that are so inexpensive but found out that each one had a 40 pound limit

DD is 5 1/2 and about 44 pounds. I know she might be ok with a HBB and she's definitely mature enough behavior wise but I just feel safer with her harnessed, I hate to give that up.

[DahliaRW]

There is absolutely no data suggesting a harness is safer OR a booster is safer for a child who is old enough and can sit properly in a booster.  In fact, the Swedes think ffing harnessing is more dangerous than a booster.  It really is a parental decision.  But, at 5 if she sits well a hbb in your second vehicle would be an entirely appropriate choice.  It also would be a very economical one.

[Mom2M]

OK, I've been looking at reviews for booster seats and wonder what you all think of recaro boosters? I searched and couldn't find anything recent.
Thanks

[alegna]

Last I looked at the recaro they were way overpriced for what they were.  Do you mean their ff harnessed seat?  Or just their boosters?

-Angela

[leighi123]

If she can sit properly in a booster and it fits her well, its just as safe.   A booster in your secondary car would be perfect for booster training.  

For an inexpensive one that is good for that size, I'd go with a turbobooster

[Mom2M]

Something like this http://www.amazon.com/Recaro-Booster-Midnight-Desert-Micofiber/dp/B000UCHS62/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1297172372&sr=1-1
I have been reading way too many reviews. lol
I like the way the turbo booster looks but a lot of reviews said it is flimsy. This sounded more comfortable but then people are saying it is too tight. My DD is not above average in size but she's not super skinny.
So I guess I'm trying to find one that is cushioned.
I really appreciate your feedback.

[Mom2M]

OK scratch the Recaro!
This one looks great! http://www.amazon.com/Britax-Parkway-Slide-Guard-Pink/dp/B002XCLIJK/ref=sr_1_52?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1297184666&sr=1-52
I have to admit that I've always been a little put off by Britax because I don't like how high their prices are but this seems to be really comfortable plus it has this slide guard thing.
What do you all think? Is it worth it? The price isn't that much higher and I'd like this to be the last car seat for her.

[leighi123]

How much do you want to spend?   

[leighi123]

Originally Posted by Mom2M 

OK scratch the Recaro!
This one looks great! http://www.amazon.com/Britax-Parkway-Slide-Guard-Pink/dp/B002XCLIJK/ref=sr_1_52?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1297184666&sr=1-52
I have to admit that I've always been a little put off by Britax because I don't like how high their prices are but this seems to be really comfortable plus it has this slide guard thing.
What do you all think? Is it worth it? The price isn't that much higher and I'd like this to be the last car seat for her.

Its a really nice seat.  The crotch thing is optional, and there is no evidnence that it makes a difference in safety, but its nice for giving the feeling of a 5pt more that one without.    The other one I was thinking was this:

http://www.amazon.com/Sunshine-Kids-Monterey-Booster-Seat/dp/B000YJ7G0O

[Drummer's Wife]

I agree with the techs (and others) that once they can sit properly (and age 5+) a booster is just as safe as a harnessed seat.  That said, I do like the Nautilus we have for our almost 4 yr old - over 40 lbs kid.  He also rides in an Apex 65, but it's not as nice or easy to use.  I just wouldn't invest in one for an older child, b/c it's unnecessary. 

[Mom2M]

Originally Posted by leighi123 

Originally Posted by Mom2M 

OK scratch the Recaro!
This one looks great! http://www.amazon.com/Britax-Parkway-Slide-Guard-Pink/dp/B002XCLIJK/ref=sr_1_52?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1297184666&sr=1-52
I have to admit that I've always been a little put off by Britax because I don't like how high their prices are but this seems to be really comfortable plus it has this slide guard thing.
What do you all think? Is it worth it? The price isn't that much higher and I'd like this to be the last car seat for her.

Its a really nice seat.  The crotch thing is optional, and there is no evidnence that it makes a difference in safety, but its nice for giving the feeling of a 5pt more that one without.    The other one I was thinking was this:

http://www.amazon.com/Sunshine-Kids-Monterey-Booster-Seat/dp/B000YJ7G0O

That one looks really good also, thanks! I'm going to try to find the seats in a store so I can bring her there to try them. These are the top contenders now!