anyone have time to help me pick a carseat?

[coharmony]

I'm sorry for an obnoxious post if this is one but I really am no good at these things and would really just be happy for someone to tell me what to get. So if you enjoy this kind of thing than I'm totally open to and appreciative of your advice! My situation is this: I have a 2000 Subaru Outback, baby is due in June, I want to start him in a Convertible (he'll be large), and I really don't have a whole ton of money to spend. I really do appreciate any ideas.

[Bebe's Mom]

I have a Recaro convertible, and it is great! I got it on Amazon for $150..which was half the usual price.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002IGTU14/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0015EA532&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0E9ZHBH6V324C4C3MRHC

This is similar to the one I got. It is listed at $279, but you may be able to find it for less.

[alegna]

I tend to think the recaros are way overpriced for what you get.  They also are VERY limited in leg space for toddlers.

Seats I would consider would include:

true fit, comfort air, graco my ride, radian (only if it fits in your car)

good luck!

-Angela

[mama2soren]

The True Fit and the My Ride both fit newborns very well.  Other tall seats like the Complete Air are great seats, but are usually much too big for newborns (the lowest harness setting is too high for little ones).  BRU has the My Ride, so you could try that in your car.  If you wanted to try the True Fit, you'll probably have to order it from online, as not many stores carry it.  Try ordering from Diapers.com or Amazon, since both have free return shipping if you dislike the seat.

[chickabiddy]

I would not recommend a Recaro convertible under any circumstances, and especially not for a newborn.  A newborn will not be able to fit safely in the seat.  When rear-facing, as a newborn MUST be, the straps must be below the child's shoulders.  Recaro convertibles have high bottom straps and typically babies aren't big enough to have shoulders above the straps until they are about 12-15 pounds.  (They also don't fit big kids well at all, but since you can't use it for a newborn and you need to, it should be off the list.)

The Complete Air also doesn't fit newborns.

I'd look at the Compass TrueFit, Graco MyRide, or Evenflo Triumph65.  Of those, my personal preference is the MyRide, but all will be suitable.

[an_aurora]

I agree--the MyRide, True Fit or Evenflo Triumph Advance/Momentum or the new Britax 70 line would be my recommendations.

[Bebe's Mom]

Originally Posted by chickabiddy 

I would not recommend a Recaro convertible under any circumstances, and especially not for a newborn.  A newborn will not be able to fit safely in the seat.  When rear-facing, as a newborn MUST be, the straps must be below the child's shoulders.  Recaro convertibles have high bottom straps and typically babies aren't big enough to have shoulders above the straps until they are about 12-15 pounds.  (They also don't fit big kids well at all, but since you can't use it for a newborn and you need to, it should be off the list.)

The Complete Air also doesn't fit newborns.

I'd look at the Compass TrueFit, Graco MyRide, or Evenflo Triumph65.  Of those, my personal preference is the MyRide, but all will be suitable.

The Recaros straps are adjustable. I don't really understand what you mean about that. My DD has been in the Recaro since we took her home from the hospital, and she fit just fine in the seat...

[an_aurora]

Originally Posted by Bebe's Mom 

The Recaros straps are adjustable. I don't really understand what you mean about that. My DD has been in the Recaro since we took her home from the hospital, and she fit just fine in the seat...

The issue is that the bottom strap slot is 10" high, and it's an extremely rare baby that has a 10" torso.  Since for RF the shoulders need to be at or above the shoulders, the Recaro seats are not an appropriate option for 99.9% of newborns. 

[Bebe's Mom]

Are you talking about the part where you snap in the harness, the part that comes up between the legs?

[an_aurora]

I'm talking about the bottom slots for the shoulders--the holes in the shell that the straps come through and go up and over the shoulders.

[Bebe's Mom]

Oh, ok...I didn't understand what you meant.

[coharmony]

thanks ladies! Lots of food for thought. All opinions welcome.