Have you ever started out shopping for one thing and ended up looking at something totally different? That happened to me this week. I was looking for kids bedding because I am so over Avin's precious moments theme and somehow I ended up checking out baby gear. I drooled over strollers for awhile and ultimately ended up checking out carseats because I realized that Avin is less than 2 pounds from outgrowing the carseat in my husband's car. When I mentioned getting a new carseat to my husband he said "Why? We both have one in our car.". He didn't know that their are weight limits to certain carseat types! That inspired me to share some Friday Facts about carseat safety! Did you know that carseats have expiration dates? They are typically good for about 5 years from date of manufacture, after that they "expire" because of age and use. You can visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website for a wealth of information ranging from the different types of carseats to installation instructions and other FAQs. Rules for carseat usage vary from state to state so if you are from Missouri you can visit the MoDot website for the latest laws concerning carseat usage. If you are not from Missouri I encourage you to google your state to make sure you are up-to-date.
I am very excited to announce that I will be doing a review in the next few weeks on the Cosco Scenera Convertible Car Seat in Triton Black and Green - 22160TRI provided by CSN stores. Stay tuned to see my reaction!
6 comments:
I just picked up the Missouri Car Seat Law book today at the doctor's office and in order to take children out of the rear facing position they must be 20 lbs AND 1 year of age. The reason it's also 1 year of age is because of the way their neck develops and how their necks could respond in an accident if forward facing before it is developed enough to take the impact. Kortney has the Graco Alano car seat and it goes up to 22 lbs; so I am planning on keeping her in it until she reaches that weight limit. (Which may be a while still.) So make sure before you put our sweet little Avin in it; that it is able to be installed rear facing (as most convertibles are these days anyway). I've been on the hunt for a new a car seat as well. Most will say that Britax is the best way (and most expensive) way to go, because they are made in Europe where their car seat laws are stricter than ours. I've been doing tons of research on car seats lately as well...as you can tell. Don't forgot to let me know what you find out in your hunt as I will do the same for you. Gotta keep those sweet babies safe :-).
And now, while states have not changed the laws, even pediatricians are recommending that babies stay rear facing until TWO years of age. Mine recommends keeping them rear facing for even longer than that as long as the child isn't too big to sit rear facing comfortably. Our toddler is a tiny wee thing, and she is still rear facing at 2 years and 8 months.
We found a screaming deal on the Britax Marathons - they ended up being about the same price as the majority of other convertibles when it came down to it. I have to say that I LOVE them. They are so easy to install. They are bomber. And the girls love them too. Our baby at 8 months will finally tolerate riding in the car now that she has her Britax. And our toddler says she loves her new seat every time we get in the car. And again - BOTH are rear facing in them.
Ashley,
I have read that the Britax is THE best because unlike American carseats that are tested at city driving speeds (think 35-40 mph) the Britax tests at interstate speeds (think 70 mph). I would LOVE to have a Britax but my budget just can't handle upwards of $150. We currently use a Costco Convertible for Avin and have since birth and like it. My biggest complaint is adjusting the harness when he grows or wears bulky clothing. We'll see how the new Costco measures up, it seems to be fancier with a cup holder and things.
Heidi,
Are you holding out on me? Where did you find your screaming deal? The minimum I've found any Britax was $150 and most were closer to $300. Please share!!!!
Yes, please tell us where we can find a great deal on the Britax?
I have been doing so much research in car seats, and my husband has no idea why! He is like, "we have one for her, and she can use it until she is over 20lbs." okay that's fine... but then we will need another! and maybe another!!!!
Its amazing the amount of information and research you need to do before purchasing a car seat!
I'd love to know about a deal on Britax because I REALLY want one!!
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