Carseat Pros--I need your opinions!

[EmmaJean]

I know there are several carseat "pros" here so I need some advice. My DS's carseat is three years old, although not used full-time until this last year. The past couple months I've noticed spots on the plastic that look like more-than-normal "wear and tear". I'd love it if you could check out my PICS and tell me what you think of all the grey spots. They are everywhere the plastic meets plastic. The last pic is of the part that holds the spare locking clip, it's not even a very "integral" part of the seat but I'm thinking it might be a sign that this seat needs to be tossed. I'm going to a carseat clinic in 2 wks and am borrowing a friend's seat until mine gets the "OK" from a pro. I actually want to put DS in a booster, but he's barely 35 lb, even though he's four yo. I need an expert's opinion on that too....geez carseats are so complicated....

Any advice??? Is this "wear" I'm seeing ok or is it time for a new one? I expected this seat to last about six years.....

THANKS!!!

[willowsmama]

I could easily be wrong but that really looks like stress marks to me. My dd's seat was FULL of those after dh's accident......and no one was in the seat at the time of the accident.

Personally, I wouldn't use it. I'veheard the carseat board on Parentsplace is really good. And i wouldn't put a 35lb 4yo in a booster. I think it would be pretty hard to find one he fits in well and a 5 point is safer.

[EmmaJean]

So at what weight would you put a 35 lb 4yo in a booster?? That's what I want to know!

[willowsmama]

Most of the boosters I've seen are for 40 lbs. and up.

I hear you on carseat issues though. My AO's are getting replaced soon( hopefully!) with a Britax Husky and Marathon most likely. Dh & I are still um, negotiating.lol

[Tofu the Geek]

If you are going to get a new seat, get one of the booster seats that ALSO have a 5 point harness. That way you can keep your child in the 5 point harness until he is larger, then remove the harness straps and use the seat as a booster. That way you won't have to spend money on both a child car seat AND a booster seat. Most major car seat manufacturers make these seats.

[EmmaJean]

that's a good idea! I've seen a lot of those. I'd love to buy a britax but they are just way too pricey. I'm borrowing my friend's and love it, but need to give it back after I get the verdict from the carseat inspector.

[FreeThinkinMama]

We got a graco high back booster with a 5 point harness at walmart for around $50 I think. Once they're bigger you can take off the 5 point harness and just use it as a booster like someone else mentioned.

[dallaschildren]

Call the manufacturer of the seat and send them those pictures. Make them tell you in writing their decision. Document EVERYTHING. Defective seats are made. And manufacturers would rather send you a new seat if there is even a remote possibility you have a lemon, than see you in court armed with a multi-million dollar liability lawsuit because your seat was defective and failed.

Dallaschildren
CPS tech and momma to 2 sons in seats

[Tofu the Geek]

Does your current car seat have an "expiry date" on it? In Canada, car seats have a date on them that tells you when they should no longer be used. If your outside of this date, you know it's time for a new one. If not, then I think contacting the manufacturer is a great idea!

[alegna]

My dd will be in a 5 pt harness AT LEAST until she outgrows her Wizard (65 lbs) and then I might put her in a Husky (which goes to 80lbs)

-Angela

[Throkmorton]

My first car seat had stress marks after a year, and the co. said it was normal. It was because the plastic was basically black and any pressure (like installing it with a knee in the seat) will put stress on it. Of course, mine didn't have quite as many marks as yours.

But... Email them the pictures. Ask them what they think. If you want a new seat, the Graco Ultra Cargo, Evenflo Bolero and Evenflo Generations get decent reviews, and convert to a booster after 40 lbs.

[fireflies~for~me]

I'm going with a Recaro Young Sport-a 5 point and booster combo...I figure the 250 bucks will last thru several kids!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Drummer's Wife]

I agree with contacting the manufacturer, not sure if the stress marks are normal or not.

At 35 lbs I would definitely keep him in a 5 point harness. It could be a while until he gains 5 lbs. You could buy one that is a harnessed seat until 40 lbs and a belt positioner booster afterwards.

If you have the money and the room in your car I would suggest a Britax Husky. Only seat that is harnessed to 80 lbs. I've seen pictures of 8 yr olds in that seat and they fit well so it lasts a long time and is the safest option.