The First Years True Fit Convertible Car Seat

The First Years True Fit Convertible Car SeatThe First Years True Fit Convertible Car Seat is all about comfort for the baby. From the minute you see the seat, you can touch the plush cover that looks as though it will envelope your baby in a little cocoon, which is exactly what it does. The seat just wraps softly around your child and keeps her securely in place while making sure it feels as though she is in a little bubble of protection that is soft and cozy.

The First Years True Fit Convertible Car Seat is available from many Amazon sellers at a discount.

Features of this car seat include:

  • Works for newborn babies all the way up to children who weigh 65 pounds.
  • Deep side wings for added impact protection and comfort.
  • Removable headrest for when the child gets larger.
  • Wide inside dimensions to accommodate growing children.
  • Easy to remove inner pad for cleaning.
  • EPP foam liner for impact protection.
  • Multi-position buckle for your child’s comfort and safety.
  • Easy to adjust straps to change the location as your child grows.
  • Detachable base for easy removal even with the baby inside.

I knew I wanted a seat that detached from the base so that I would have a small portable “bed” when I went out to run errands. After careful consideration of many convertible car seat reviews, it appeared that The First Years True Fit matched this demand. I can’t say this was the best convertible car seat I’ve ever used in terms of ease of installation, but once I got it secured into place it has been so easy to use. I can click the seat in and out with no problem and I love not having to disturb the baby as I get the First Years True Fit in and out of the car. She sleeps right through everything.

The comfortable inside was something that drew me to this brand. I know many parents worry about cleanliness and overlook comfort. This seat is simple to clean as the liner just detaches in one simple motion. You can have the First Years True Fit Liner washed and back in the seat in no time. I truly believe the baby sleeps better because she is comfortable. Many of the other seats have harder cushions and no softness. I think this causes them discomfort that makes them fussy whereas my daughter always seems happy.

Safety-wise, the First Years True Fit lives up to the highest safety standards with extensive crash testing and impact reduction systems that keep the baby safe no matter what the crash circumstances. I find the straps very easy to use on this car seat and I have rarely had any trouble with getting them tangled. The help line was available when I needed to put the base in the car and they knew exactly how to talk me through the process.

The one thing I can think of missing on the First Years True Fit is a crotch buckle pad. With all the plush area, you would think a pad would be put in that area to ensure the comfort of the child. I think it is likely overlooked because the small children have the padding of a diaper, but as the kid gets older and you turn the seat around, they no longer have any padding between the buckle of the five-point harness and their crotch. This makes the placement a little uncomfortable. The inserts also make this a perfect seat for your child. You know the baby is secure but you can remove them as the child gets older so the seat always fits like a glove. This was very important as we wanted one seat that would takes us through all of childhood.

Click here to read the reviews left by many other people on Amazon who have used the First Years True Fit Convertible Car Seat.

 

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Maxi Cosi Priori Convertible Car Seat

Maxi Cosi Priori Convertible Car SeatThe Maxi Cosi Priori Convertible Car Seat draws you in from the moment you lay eyes on it, with its distinctive lily pink décor and soft, plush cushioning. The Maxi Cosi Priori works for children up to 40 pounds and is therefore ideal for parents who have children and are planning for more. Parents can use the seat for the child’s younger years and then move to a larger booster as they reach toddler age. The Maxi Cosi Priori is often considered among convertible car seat reviews as the best convertible car seat with respect to its design, however looks are not enough to make a good quality car seat. Indeed, the Maxi Cosi Priori has a number of safety features which intend to keep your child as safe as possible in the car.

Buy the Maxi Cosi Priori on Amazon for below the recommended list price, click here to choose from five different colours.

The Maxi Cosi Priori has the following features:

  • Detachable base for ease of use.
  • Choice of colored covers that are easy to remove for cleaning.
  • Side impact foam to secure the carriage safety.
  • Trigger last for easy installation of the seat each time with a “clicking” security sound.
  • Reclining system so you can adjust for the comfort of your child
  • Five harness heights to ensure the comfort of your child as they grow.
  • Cradling encasement perfect for small children.
  • Steel frame for protection.

The Maxi-Cosi Priori Convertible Car Seat has been perfect for our child. It is easy to use with or without the base, which makes it great for taking on long trips as it easily clips into airline seats and then can work in the car when we land. I clip the seat onto the stroller all the time, which also helps in the airport. I did have to double-check the latching system underneath to make sure it worked with the stroller I wanted. It is not foolproof, but as long as you check, you can find one that fits.

Compared to other car seats, the Maxi Cosi Priori Convertible Car Seat is much lighter coming in at under 20 pounds. This might not seem like a big deal when you are throwing a five pound baby in it, but every little bit counts as the child gets bigger. Being able to carry the car seat and the baby is important and the lighter weight allows you to keep doing that longer. The Maxi Cosi Priori Convertible car seat designers thought about your comfort as well as baby’s when they designed the weight but kept the safety features up to standards.

This bubble is a secure little haven for your baby so you never have to worry about an accident. The steel bars make it secure and it will stay in place during impact as long as you have installed it correctly. I found the base easier to use than most and I love that even as our kid got bigger he could not seem to rock or move the seat. I have seen other seats that can be man-handled by older children and the Maxi Cosi Priori is not one of them. This helps me have confidence in the safety of the overall system.

The latch system is very easy to use and adjust as the child grows. This was another major concern of mine as I wanted to make sure our kid would be comfortable as he grew. I didn’t want to find myself with a seat that didn’t work as he got older. We will still have to transition to a proper booster as he gets over 40 pounds, but that means the seat works so well for smaller children you can’t complain. I have seen little babies just swimming in the seats meant to be boosters all the way up to 100 pounds and I feel much more secure with the baby in a small seat, just his size. Something which I have seen mentioned on one or two convertible car seat reviews online, and probably the greatest disadvantage of the Maxi Cosi Priori, is that you will have to buy a new car seat as your child grows to over 40 lbs. As I mentioned above, I am not too bothered about having to do this, but many parents pressed for cash would prefer to buy one car seat which will serve them for many years. The problem with this is that the car seat needs to be bigger and can often smother a newborn. For this reason, the Maxi Cosi Priori is the best convertible car seat for my own personal preferences, however for those who would prefer separate car seats for newborns and older children, I would recommend to instead check out other convertible car seat reviews rather than get the Maxi Cosi Priori. It all depends on your own personal situation.

Some other Maxi Cosi Priori Convertible Car Seat reviews on Amazon that have helped people can be found by visiting this link.

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Sunshine Kids Radian 65

Sunshine Kids Radian 65It took me a long time reading a wide selection of convertible car seat reviews to decide on a car seat, but Sunshine Kids Radian 65 stood out as an item that might be more useful for the long term. The overall design makes it much more like a booster than the smaller, curved car seats that are really only made for babies. When the Sunshine Kids Radian is facing backwards, the tilt of the seat makes it cradle the baby, but as you kid gets older, you will find this is a much better booster than others.

Get Sunshine Kids Radian 65 now on Amazon at a 25% discount while supplies last!

Features:

  • Rear and forward facing with a five-point harness.
  • Steel frame for impact protection.
  • Absorbing energy harness system to protect child from injury.
  • Fits sleekly in a vehicle, you can put three across in a back seat.
  • Fold-up bottom for easy storage.
  • Energy-absorbing EPS foam helps dissipate impact forces in the case of an accident.
  • Quick adjust strap to aid in getting the child secured in the seat.

I debated long and hard about what type of seat to get and I kept coming back to the Sunshine Kids Radian due to the look and feel of the seat. We knew we were only having one child so we really wanted a seat that would last for a long time. So while many of the “baby” seats are considered convertible, this seat really fit the bill. From the first time we used it we could see how it would last for the duration of our child needing a car seat whereas all the others seemed as though they would become too small and confining. It’s very difficult to find the best convertible car seat when there are so many different choices available, for example the Sunshine Kids Radian 65 is completely different from any other convertible car seat in the sense that it is designed specifically to accommodate younger and older children alike. In many cases, with other car seats, parents may be forced to purchase two car seats: one for a newborn and another for when the child gets older. With the Sunshine Kids Radian, there is no need to do this.

It was a little rough when my son was a baby because this seat does not come with a clip-out base in order to take the baby with you. At first this was a bit frustrating, but it wasn’t long before he had grown out of that phase and we wouldn’t be using the feature anyway. The Sunshine Kids Radian works so well for larger children that I can’t imagine being in the smaller seat as I think he would be cramped. This is a real booster seat that allows our son to feel as though he is just sitting in the car not over confined to a baby carriage.

The Radian 65 is also easier to sit with. It is not as bulky as many other seats so you can put people on either side without the baby seat taking up the space of adults. This was important to us as we wanted the option during road trips to be in the back seat with our son. This made the trips much easier as we were able to entertain him while he was young and now that he is turned around, he feels engaged with the rest of the car. The strapping system is easy to use and incredibly safe. The straps do not cinch down in an uncomfortable manner and even though our child has gotten very tall he still fits really well.

Adjusting the shoulder strap height took a little doing. It was not as simple as we thought it would be, but once we got the hang of it, we found it easy to do. The only other thing the seat could really use is an armrest. It is probably excluded on the Sunshine Kids Radian 65 because of the desire to make the seats fit three across but it would be an added comfort item for the older child. Overall we have been extremely pleased with our choice and would choose the same seat if we had it to do all over again. It really depends on what you want: If you would prefer to have a newborn specific car seat, then read some convertible car seat reviews and find a seat which specializes in newborns only. Thereafter you will have to buy a seat which will accommodate an older child. The Sunshine Kids Radian 65 is useful for those who cannot or do not want to buy two car seats.

Click here to read more interesting reviews for the Sunshine Kids Radian 65 on Amazon.

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Graco Comfort Sport Convertible Car Seat

Graco Comfort Sport Convertible Car SeatThe Graco ComfortSport Convertible car seat is a one of the best convertible car seats for newborns and for small children but does not convert for older children. If you plan to have more children, this might be the right choice for you as you can move the older child to another car seat and put the new baby in this one. That being said, since it is specifically for children 40 pounds and less, the seat tends to fit the small babies better than some of the other car seats that are meant for newborns all the way to 70 or 100-pound children. As you can imagine, the child changes dramatically as they get larger.

Get the Graco ComfortSport Convertible Car Seat on Amazon now with free super saving shipping available. Click here to buy.

These are some of the features of Graco Comfort Sport:

  • Works for children up to 40 pounds.
  • Rigorous crash testing ensures the safety of the child.
  • EPS energy absorbing foam helps keep the cage of the car seat safe from infiltration during a crash.
  • Removable head support allows great head support for younger children and keeps the head safe while driving or during impact.
  • Built in level to make sure you install the base properly so the seat will sit level with the vehicle.
  • Easy clip in and clip out detachable base. This allows you to remove the seat without comprising the integrity of the clip-in.
  • Available in various prints for your own style. Easy to remove cushioning allows for easy cleaning.
  • High profile so children can see out of the window when they get to an age where that is interesting.

The Graco ComfortSport Convertible car seat is a great beginning car seat. I first had another car seat that allowed a child up to 100 pounds but I felt like the baby was just lost in the seat itself. While I trust the safety ratings in all the convertible car seat reviews I had read, it seemed as though the baby was just lost in the vastness of the car seat. The Graco Comfort Sport offers a snug fit for the smaller baby. The padding seems to be very comfortable as the baby never cries when I put him in, though sometimes he does want out. The quick-release lever makes it so that the straps loosen easily, so I can get him out quickly when he is done with being in the seat.

I found the base of the Graco ComfortSport Convertible car seat rather easy to install but still difficult. Getting the level correct was the hardest part, but I believe it is worth it so that the seat sits properly in the car. The center buckle is a bit difficult to latch, but that also means as my kid gets older I don’t have to worry about him clipping out on his own. With the entire seat moving in and out of the car easily, I find I don’t have to remove the baby as often which means he can sleep easily as I run errands or go from place to place.

It is definitely worth it to get an additional base as that is the biggest pain when it comes to installing the seat properly. Having returned previous seats, I can honestly say, this was one of the easiest bases I dealt with but still seems to take quite a bit of effort. I have gotten every stain out of the cushioning and love that it cleans so well. When baby is sick, I tend to clean the cover every few days to help eliminate germs. I love the price of the Graco Comfort Sport. So many companies charge and play on the “safety” angle, but this has passed all the relevant safety tests and I feel my child is very safe every time I put him in the car. However, although this is the best convertible car seat in terms of price, you must remember that it does not convert for older children over 40 pounds so at that point you would have to buy another seat. I would say, if anything, that’s the major disadvantage of this seat but it is balanced out by the fact that this seat doesn’t swallow up the newborn child as other convertible car seats tend to do.

Click here to read more reviews on Amazon for the Graco ComfortSport Convertible car seat.

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Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat

Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 Car SeatThe Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 car seat reviews available online truly really stand out over and above the many other car seats available, primarily owing to its 3-in-1 capabilities and extremely competitive price. There are some of the higher end car seats that always end up on the top of the “best convertible car seat” lists but new parents with all the costs of a new child on the way need to fully consider what they are really getting for the price being spent. Even on a budget, it’s not wise to skimp on safety but at the same time many parents need to find a more economic option than the super price “Cadillac” versions and the Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat fits the bill perfectly.

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The basic features that elevate the Graco Nautilus to be among the best are:

  • Fits a child up to 100 pounds making it perfect for all the new age requirements going into effect in many different states.
  • Extendable five-point harness for older children so you needn’t worry about them fitting as they get older.
  • Converts to a high-back belt position for the booster usage.
  • Can be used as a backless booster where allowed.
  • Steel reinforced frame so the seat secures to the car tightly without having to worry about it knocking loose.
  • Crash cells and foam keep the cage of the car seat safe no matter what type of impact you encounter.
  • Removable seat cover for easy cleaning.
  • Adjustable head rest for the comfort and safety of the child no matter what their size.
  • Easy release five-point harness so you can move the kid in and out without having to adjust the length of the straps.

This Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 car seat offers all the features of the more pricey versions without the hefty price tag. While there are fewer strap adjustments on this model, the ones that are there work effectively to secure the child and make sure you can get the baby out quickly and easily. I find the latching mechanism with the base on this model easier to use than many of the others. The loud “click” lets you know you have secured it in place so you are never worried.

Graco Nautilus’ head pads keep the head centered and secure even when rear-facing. You need to make sure to completely recline the seat in this position so the baby’s head does not bob when they fall asleep. This was my biggest worry and problem when I first got the seat. You can then adjust to a more comfortable seated position as the child gets older and you can fit it to their particular likes and needs.

I find that Graco Nautilus lives up to all its reviews and the memory foam has made my older child much happier than before in other seats. When I first started to read all the convertible car seat reviews written online, I was wary of the less expensive car seats and whether they could perform as well as the pricier models. Although Graco is a leading brand, its range of car seats is not nearly as expensive as Britax. So I began to wonder whether the Graco Nautilus really is the best convertible car seat that I could get for my budget. Well, so far, it hasn’t let me down.

This seat is not gigantic so I can still carry the seat with the baby in it even though he is much larger now. The cons of this seat are the more limited adjustment options. The more expensive models definitely give you more precise adjustments, but I don’t seem to have any complaints from my little ones, so I would call it a good wash for the savings.

I think the ease of use of the Graco Nautilus was the most important part to me and this seat has lived up to that. I have no issues getting it secured in any car, I always know I have it installed correctly and the baby seems satisfied as well as my older child. I would recommend getting an extra base if you plan on going from car to car because securing the base is always the most time consuming process. Although I have given a recommendation here, if you do have a larger budget than I did, I would also advise reading some of the convertible car seat reviews on this site and elsewhere, because its possible that you could get the very best convertible car seat out there if you have more money to spend, whereas I only had a limited amount.

For more reviews on Amazon for the Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 car seat, click here.

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Recaro ProRIDE Convertible Car Seat

Recaro ProRIDE Convertible Car SeatThe Recaro ProRIDE could very well be one of the most important pre-baby purchases that can be made. Brands such as Graco and Britax may appear to be the best convertible car seat manufacturers at the moment, but you should not discount the relative outsider, Recaro, who have made a very impressive premium convertible car seat of their own. Enjoy almost instant assembly, loading and unloading with the separate seat and base which can click into place within seconds. Despite the fact that the base does take significantly longer to install, once this is in place you do not need to worry about tiresome installation of your baby seat every time you wish to take your new child somewhere in the car. This, for a new mother is a peace of mind that is very important when you are taking to the roads for the first time with your child.

Purchase the Recaro ProRIDE convertible car seat on Amazon at a 20% discount saving you $56.00..

Features of the Recaro ProRIDE:

  • Can face forward and back so that the seat is appropriate for children of many ages.
  • Features side-impact protection to help keep the cage of the car seat safe in the event of an impact.
  • Works for a child up to 70 pounds.
  • Easy adjust head rest and neck markers keep the kid safe as well as comfortable when they are in the seat.
  • Easy Adjust turn dial allows you tighten the five point harness without pulling on the straps themselves.
  • Coolmesh in the seat helps keep the baby from getting hot in the seat as it lets air flow behind their back.
  • Removable inner cushion for ease of cleaning.

I must admit that I went with the Recaro ProRIDE convertible car seat because I could save a bit of money over some of the other brands yet still have similar features, and when I browsed the many convertible car seat reviews on the web, it became apparent that the ProRIDE was the best convertible car seat outside of the main big brands. I know I made the right choice having used many car seats of friends and family members. Not only was the seat easy to install, even the base wasn’t that difficult, the easy adjust knob has become my very favorite feature. It makes clicking the seat belt or “safety harness” into place so much easier than other systems.

In addition, I don’t feel like I have to force the baby’s arm through the opening to get the child securely in place. I easily click the harness in place and then use the dial to crank down the tension appropriately. Then the easy release makes it simple to get baby out. This is actually probably the most important part of the system, because so often when you go to get the baby out, they are impatient and crying making it very difficult to move their arms. By loosening the straps I don’t have to fight with her.

Concerning the Recaro ProRIDE car seat, I have had a few twisting issues with the straps, which concerns me sometimes. But it means I just have to pay attention when clipping the buckles into place. The buttons on the lower release are also a bit difficult to push, requiring two hands. But this feature makes me confident that I can continue using the seat up until my child weighs 70 pounds as she will never be able to undo the buckle on her own. With the easy release cranking system, it also means that the buckle can be the last thing I do, so the two-hand necessity isn’t very trying.

I am a germaphobe; so the removable seat cover was key in my purchase. It is so easy to pull out of the seat and clean. Before I bought this seat I made sure that I had read a wide variety of convertible car seat reviews in order to discern which ones actually had removable seat covers as cleanliness is absolutely paramount to a young child’s health. All in all, I am extremely happy with this car seat. The few harness glitches seem worth it when I am so happy with every other part of the Recaro ProRIDE convertible car seat.

Many people have also found some other Recaro ProRIDE reviews on Amazon to be helpful. Click here to read them.

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Britax Roundabout 55 Convertible Car Seat

Britax Roundabout 55 Convertible Car SeatLike all the other Britax car seats, the Britax Roundabout 55 Convertible Car Seat features SafeCell technology which successfully alters the center of gravity in order to minimize the chances of the child being thrown into the front seat. The seat comes in various colors allowing you to coordinate it with your car for all those fashion conscious mothers out there! The extra padding around the safety harness helps in keeping your child comfortable, no matter how much time they spend in the seat. Any new mother should consider the Britax range as they are probably the best convertible car seats around right now. The problem can often be choosing between the many different models, and this is where diligent reading of convertible car seat reviews can be extremely beneficial. The Britax Roundabout 55 aims to be one of the least expensive convertible car seats by Britax, while preserving all the vital core safety features which have made this brand a household name.

Buy the Britax Roundabout 55 Convertible Car Seat at Amazon.com for 24% off the list price.

Features of the Britax Roundabout 55:

  • Tangle-free five-point harness is easy to use properly and keeps the safety belt in place throughout your trip.
  • Side-impact protection with the deep side walls filled with EPP foam that distributes forces equally to keep your baby safe.
  • Stage-released tether webbing that slowly releases the harness during a crash by millimeters so that there is less pressure put on the child to prevent bruising and internal organ damage.
  • Integrated steel bars that keep the car seat securely attached to the vehicle. The steel bars keep it from flexing and solidly clipped into the vehicle.
  • The Britax Roundabout works for both the forward facing child and rear-facing baby.
  • Reclining seat offers comfort for your child when they are forward facing and the attachable cup holder works for the older child with a sippy cup or bottle.

Personally, I selected the Britax Roundabout 55 seat based on its proven safety record, and after reading countless convertible car seat reviews, I came to the conclusion that although it was a lot cheaper than the Advocate or Boulevard models, the Roundabout 55 still had all the safety features that I wanted. You really can’t put a price when you are looking to keep your most precious cargo safe, and I would thoroughly recommend that all mothers consider safety as their number one priority in the purchase of a new car seat, even placing it above price. Luckily the seat could fit in both our car and truck, and it managed to last all all the way up until my child was about 55 lbs. With all the new car seat laws for older children, I didn’t want to find myself buying a new seat every few years. I’m not going to say that it is the ultimate best convertible car seat on the planet, because there are surely more expensive models that probably have a lot more features. However, the Roundabout 55 does everything I need it to and more.

I found installing the base of Britax Roundabout 55 a little difficult at first, but after I figured out the strap configuration it really only took me a second to get it securely in place. The seat itself pulls out so quickly. When I get to the store or home, it takes no time at all to get the seat out of the car. This helps me keep the baby undisturbed, which is of the utmost importance when I am busy running around town. I find it so much easier to be able to bring the entire seat with me rather than pull baby in and out of the seat.

The lining of the Britax Roundabout is complete with extra padding for the comfort of the child. At first, I was concerned because I knew the baby would get to an age where he would spill and the padding seems like it would absorb the junk, but it is easy to detach from the harness and clean completely. It is safe to run it through the washing machine which fits with my schedule.

I would say the biggest downfall of Britax Roundabout 55 is getting the base secured properly in the car. I finally gave up on moving it back and forth and just acquired another base so I never had to move it. Even though I understand how to do it right now, it is just too difficult to be messing around with the base if you are the only one taking care of the baby. The child tends to get antsy as you make sure everything is set up properly.

For more reviews and images of Britax Roundabout 55 on Amazon, please, click here.

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Britax Advocate 70 CS

Britax Advocate 70 CSThe Britax Advocate 70 CS is certainly in the running for the title of the best convertible car seat on the market, mainly because it remains one of the safest car seats you can possibly get. The entire Britax line provides its unique SafeCell Technology to ensure the safety of the child’s head, integrated steel bars for a solid connection and a Versa-Tether. All of these things combined help to maximize protection for your child in the event of any impact, which makes the Britax Advocate a top pick among parents.

Buy the Britax Advocate 70 CS for a 24% discount on Amazon.

Features include:

  • Side impact cushion technology that absorb outside energy to help keep the child safe inside the car seat. Diverts 45% of the crash forces away from the child in the seat.
  • Safecell technology means the Britax Advocate 70 CS review comes back with some of the best safety ratings of all car seats as each section compresses in a crash to keep the damage away from the child.
  • Audible “click and snug” harness indicator so you know for sure when the safety harness is locked in place.
  • Integrated steel bars that make the connection to the car more solid and keep the seat from flexing in the event of a crash.
  • EPP foam that absorbs side impact to keep the head and neck of the child safe.
  • Converts to fit a newborn baby all the way up to a 70-pound child.
  • Comfort seat cover, easy to remove and clean.
  • Reclining seat for the child’s comfort.
  • Removable seat that attaches to the base so the base remains secured in the car.

When putting the Britax Advocate 70 CS Reviews to the test, I wondered if it was possible for the car seat to be as easy to use as all the parents stated. I found this car seat easy to install, I didn’t even struggle with the base very much. Once that was secure, I was able to easily install the seat itself. It was so nice to be able to just click the seat into place. However, one negative about this seat is that once you actually fix the seat into the car, it’s impossible to change the recline which can be a real inconvenience if you need to make some minor adjustments. I did browse a number of convertible car seat reviews to see if it was just me having problems with the recline, but quite a few of the convertible car seat reviews I read seemed to mention this issue as well.

The easy release harness is one of my favorite features. In other car seats I struggled with waking the baby every time I needed to get her in and out of car seat. The straps quickly loosen so it is simple to remove the baby if you need to. But most of the time I just click the entire seat out of the car and take it wherever I am going so she can stay sleeping. When it came time to turn the seat around, I did struggle a bit with the reclining feature. It seems easier to click it to the proper recline prior to putting it in the car. As I mentioned above, once it is clicked in the base, it is difficult to get the seat to adjust at all.

There is no question that the Britax Advocate 70 CS is probably the best convertible car seat on the market, or at the very least one of the best. But it does cost a lot of money, sometimes double what you would pay for a pretty good quality alternative. I know when buying the car seat, I did wonder if it was worth the money, especially since many other car seats besides the Britax Advocate 70 CS seemed to have similar features, but I have used friend’s car seats and all of them are more difficult to use. Then one of my friends totaled her car, and she had another car seat. Luckily, the baby wasn’t in the car, but the car seat seemed like it would have been infiltrated by the metal of the vehicle during the accident. It made me appreciate the SafeCell technology that would keep our baby safe no matter what. Still, there is no disputing that the high price definitely works against the Britax Advocate 70 CS and indeed many of the high-end Britax range of car seats. Then again, the saying comes to mind, “you get what you pay for”.

The pros of this car seat definitely outweigh the cons, and it seems easy to get past the cost and the weight of the seat, the only two major cons I can think of in order to ensure your child is safe at all times.

Click here for more Britax Advocate 70 CS convertible car seat reviews and images available on Amazon.

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Britax Marathon 70 Convertible Car Seat

Britax Marathon 70 Convertible Car SeatThe Britax Marathon 70 Convertible Car Seat might be one of the more expensive models on the market but it is worth every penny. I have never found a car seat so easy to use in every position while still feeling like it is securing the baby completely. I love the ease of clipping the seat in and out without having to undo the straps and the ability to adjust the reclining feature for the rear or forward facing makes for a much happier child. Is the Britax Marathon 70 the best convertible car seat on the market? Quite possibly. However, you really should be aware that it can cost around twice the amount of good quality, mid range car seats. We all know there is no price you can put on your child’s safety, but at the same time not everyone has $300 to spare on a car seat. It all depends on your personal situation.

Click here to buy the Britax Marathon 70 on Amazon at 25% off!

Take a look at all the features of Britax Marathon 70 Convertible Car Seat:

  • Safe cell technology is meant to secure the baby in a crash by allowing certain areas to compress and keep the baby safe.
  • Integrated steel bars make the connection to the vehicle stronger and reduce the flexing of the seat
  • Energy-absorbing tether allows a slow release so the straps do not cut into the baby during a crash while still holding the child secure.
  • Side-impact protection with deep side walls and energy absorbing foam.
  • Five-point harness that is tangle free for easy placement of the baby.
  • Advanced head safety for neck and brain protection in the event of an accident

The Britax Marathon 70 Convertible car seat can handle a child up to 70 pounds comfortably and safely. This is a big relief when you are making such a large investment not only because of cost but also in dealing with the overall safety of your most prized possession. The crash test rating alone was enough to point us in the direction of this car seat. The Britax Marathon 70 seems to be the most secure seat on the market. Of course, it comes at a cost, that is, a higher price than pretty much all car seats on the market (just take a look at our other convertible car seat reviews if you don’t believe me). However, in my opinion, safety comes first and I am willing to spend whatever it takes to protect my baby, and I’m sure all other mothers would agree!

I love the way you can clip the seat in and out of the base and into the stroller or onto a cart. That being said, I had some difficulty getting the base to secure in the car. Of course, my husband had no trouble at all. I guess it was user error, but I wanted to make sure it really was secure. With other car seats I have noticed they sometimes don’t latch into the base but I have never had that problem with the Britax Marathon 70 Convertible Car Seat and it easily clips into my baby jogger as well.

This seat is a bit heavier than some of the others out there, but it is partially because of the steel rods which add to the protection of the child. I do find the buttons easy to use on seat and I can work them with one hand which is very important as I tend to be carrying many things at once. I have heard other people have issues with pinching fingers in the latches and that does not seem to be a problem with this model.

The reclining feature helps the seat fit correctly both forward and backwards in a comfortable position for the child. It took a little adjusting for me to get it right. You don’t think about it, but if the baby is awake, propping the seat up so they can see more helps to keep them entertained. We ended up buying a second base for my husband’s car so we would not have to move it anymore. I was surprised to find that it was as pricey as it was. That is probably my only complaint. I wish they would add a few bucks to the initial price and allow you to add on an extra base at a discount for choosing to do it right away. I would definitely recommend Britax Marathon 70 Convertible Car Seat to my friends and family but you should look at other convertible car seat reviews as well because there are plenty of excellent quality convertible car seats out there for a lot lower prices than this one.

Pros:
Reclining seat
Top notch safety rating
Easy latches
Comfortable padding

Cons:
Heavy
Expensive
Difficult to install the base
Expensive second base

More Britax Marathon 70 car seat reviews and images available on Amazon through this link.

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Evenflo Triumph 65 Advance

Evenflo Triumph 65The Evenflo Triumph 65 Advance car seat is an adorable little pedestal car seat. At first, I wasn’t sure the compact size was for me, as the larger seats gave an added sense of protection. But after I examined the Evenflo Triumph Advance convertible car seat reviews and the car seat itself, I realized that this might be what I need for the baby. It seemed to hug him more closely than the other car seats would and even more than the first seat we bought. While it’s not the absolute best convertible car seat out there, since that honor probably goes to the Britax Marathon, I am very happy with my Evenflo Triumph 65 and this car seat will be well suited to new mothers who want quality, particularly high safety ratings, but are pressed for cash.

Click here to buy Evenflo Triumph Advance on Amazon through this link at 15% off!

Take a look at all the features of Evenflo Triumph 65:

  • Infinite Slide harness adjustment system for the perfect fit
  • Tensionright adjustment option to secure baby without feeling too tight.
  • Impact Absorbing foam
  • Removable cup holder
  • Pedestal clip for easy removal
  • Easy buttons for clipping in baby

As I labored through a lot of convertible car seat reviews online, the excellent safety ratings of Evenflo Triumph 65 drew me to this seat when I wanted to replace the loaner we had from the hospital. The ability to have such a compact seat on a pedestal was appealing as I knew the weight would eventually be an issue. We were considering something that transitioned into a toddler seat but realized it was nice to have something specifically designed for the younger months as we plan on having another child anyway so we can buy the toddler seat for our older child then.

The height of the pedestal makes it easy to get the seat in and out. While we had a bit of trouble first installing the pedestal base, once we figured it out it was easy. I have also used the seat without the base and find it simple to secure it in place with the safety belt. I like being able to take the baby out without having to remove him from the seat. It makes a big difference when I am out running errands. I find this seat fits nicely in the grocery cart which is another huge advantage over some of the larger seats.

I have had a little trouble with the tightening knob as I seem to be able to crank it down just fine and get the baby secure, but the loosening lever does not always catch the first time. This then frustrates me, especially if I am in a hurry. I can always get him out of the seat without loosening the straps, but I feel like the mechanism could be a bit better made. All in all, I am happy that the tightening of Evenflo Triumph Advance works properly as that is the more important part. I also tend to get the straps twisted. This isn’t a big deal much of the time but when I am dealing with a peaceful baby, I hate taking the chance he is going to wake up and be displeased.

I like the adjustment level on the straps. The fact the seat will hold up to a 65-pound kid, leads me to believe I will eventually need to max out the height requirements, and I am glad this seat can accommodate the growing child. I bought an off-brand stroller and had no trouble getting the Evenflo Triumph Advance to clip in. It even works with my baby jogger, which I love. I feel that he is much happier sitting up high as we go out for our walks, especially now that he is more aware of what is going on around him.

Pros:
Great tightening Lever
Easy to install
Easy to clean
Sits up High
Snuggly fits the baby

Cons:
Loosening lever gets stuck.
Straps twist too easily
Hard to initially install

More Evenflo Triumph 65 convertible car seat reviews and images available on Amazon here.

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Safety First Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Car Seat

Safety First Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Car SeatThe Safety First Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Car Seat grabbed my attention from the first time I saw it. I could not believe all the features it seemed to have as well as the fact it looked very sturdy, even for older children. When you are shopping for a newborn car seat, you want something that will last, but it seems difficult to find something that will fit a child as they age as well as now. This seat has a perfect little baby nook and then a big seat with arm rests for when the child grows up. I was very impressed with the Safety First Alpha Omega Elite, and although there are better quality seats out there (i.e. in the Britax range), the Alpha Omega Elite is often around half the price, so it is a viable option for mothers who want good safety features but cannot afford the very best convertible car seat on the market.

Click here to buy on Amazon at 29% off!

Features:

  • 3 modes with a rear-facing option 5 to 35 pounds, forward-facing 22-40 pounds and a belted booster for 40-100 pounds.
  • Quick-fit five-point harness system for easy adjustment
  • Energy and impact absorbing foam
  • Multi-position recline for child’s comfort
  • Removable cup holder
  • Arm rests

Sturdy, easy to use, the Safety First Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Car Seat was perfect for my tiny baby, and I already see the future for when she gets bigger. Easy to clean and install, this seat allows you to clip in and out of a base so you don’t have to disturb the baby when you go in and out of stores or home. The seat is a little heavy, especially with the child in it. The extra weight is due to the height and strength of the car seat, and it doesn’t seem like much until your kid starts weighing more and then the 19.2 pounds of the Alpha Omega Elite seems like a lot of weight.

I was surprised that such an easy to use seat was so inexpensive. Compared to many other brands the Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Car Seat is quite affordable yet has all the features you could want. I must note, however, that its safety protection is, in my opinion, slightly inferior to that of the best Britax models e.g. Britax Boulevard 70 and so on. I love that the designers think of all stages of the child because as the worn-out parent it is difficult to see beyond the stage you are currently at. I look forward to when I can set this car seat up as a booster.

The size of the seat is amenable to small infants. The curving neck cushion seems to support the baby’s head well despite the large size of the seat. It was a bit overwhelming when I first saw it and put the tiny baby in it. I spent a moment thinking I made a mistake. But I looked more closely and saw how tightly the straps fit and that even though she was small, she was entirely encased in the safety of the car seat. I have adjusted the straps as she as grown and everything seems to work great.

I find the clips on this harness much easier to use than those of other car seats, which is a notable strength of this seat even compared to more expensive convertible car seats from Britax. The Alpha Omega Elite has straps that are easy to adjust and buttons you can do with one hand. I have worked other car seats and found it difficult to get the child out. The lining removes easily for washing, though it is a bit difficult to get the straps clean. I wish there was a way to make them safe but removable. All in all, I find myself feeling very secure with this car seat, and I don’t worry when I am driving down the road with the baby in the back. Once we recover from wedding costs and our large mortgage deposit, I may check out some more convertible car seat reviews and perhaps get an expensive Britax seat. But in the meantime, the Alpha Omega Elite has served us very, very well.

Pros:
Very sturdy
Easy to Use
Good for all Stages
Easy to Clean

Cons:
Heavy
Hard to clean straps
Doesn’t work well with tilted bucket seats

More Safety First Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Car Seat reviews and images available on Amazon here.

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Graco My Ride 65 Convertible Car Seat

Graco My Ride 65 Convertible Car SeatThe Graco My Ride 65 car seat is a convertible car seat that will work for a baby as soon as they leave the hospital all the way until they are 65 pounds. The Graco My Ride 65 offers many of the features of the more expensive car seats without the same price tag. It is important to note that while the best convertible car seat will generally cost more than the lower quality cheaper models, price alone is never a fully reliable indicator of quality. Indeed, many mothers who like the more expensive versions are surprised to find they like the Graco My Ride 65 Convertible Car Seat equally. Therefore it is important to read convertible car seat reviews from a variety of sources (not just our site!) before you make your purchase. The Graco My Ride 65 is one of those gems that you probably wouldn’t find if you were just browsing stores without a clue about what exactly to look for, so it’s always important to read up beforehand.

Click here to buy on Amazon – this seat is currently 19% off!

Features of the Graco My Ride 65 are as follows:

  • Keeps the infant rear-facing until they reach 40 pounds.
  • Can hold a child up to 65 pounds in the forward-facing position.
  • Side-impact tested and approved for occupant retention
  • 5-point safety harness with a front adjust
  • Clip in base for easy removal
  • Fits with most clip-on strollers

As usual, with a car seat, the initial install was a bit painful. This is one of the things I didn’t particularly like about the Graco My Ride 65. Getting the base in exactly the right place always seems like a problem, but once it was in, the seat clipped in perfectly, and I felt secure putting my baby in the seat. I like the positioning of the head pillow and the way it adjusts in the Graco My Ride 65 car seat as I feel that the baby’s head does not flop around as it did in other seats. I also found that when I installed the base in another car it was not as difficult as the first time, you do learn how to maneuver the seatbelt. I did need to adjust the infant padding in order to get the straps to the proper size in order to make sure the baby was totally secure. I was surprised to find the bubbly material could be such an issue, but once I moved it I had no trouble updating the size on the Graco My Ride 65 Convertible Car Seat.

I found the shoulder harness of incredibly easy to work; the Graco My Ride 65 is the best convertible car seat I’ve ever had in terms of getting my child in and out smoothly and quickly. I can even get the baby in and out of the car seat without having to wake her as the clips are so easy to use. That being said, I was a little worried about a child being able to get out on their own, but when taking a friend’s older child, I found out it is not as easy as it looks. They just do not have the strength in their hands to unclip the belt on their own.

This seat seems to work for much taller children, which I am excited about as both my husband and I are very tall, and our little one definitely takes after us. Knowing that the Graco My Ride 65 car seat can accommodate tall children leads me to believe we will not have to find another seat down the road. Overall, I am very happy with the performance of Graco My Ride 65, and the ease of use. I was one of those (admittedly silly!) women who did not bother to read any convertible car seat reviews before she purchased however I got this car seat on the recommendation of a good friend and thankfully, she didn’t let me down.

Pros:
Easy to clip in and out
Works with tall children
Keeps the baby’s head in place
Seems comfortable for the child

Cons:
Difficult to install properly
Is a little big when you have a very small baby, not ideal for newborns

More Graco My Ride 65 reviews and images available on Amazon here. 

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Britax Boulevard 70

Britax Boulevard 70The main aim of the Britax Boulevard 70 Convertible Car Seat is to make life easier for mothers while keeping your baby safe throughout the car journey. From the minute you bring your baby home, you will feel comfortable putting him or her in the Britax Boulevard. The 360-degree protection offers maximum peace of mind and there are few car seats that can protect your young one better than the Britax Boulevard 70. Indeed, for the safety protection you get for the price, on a dollar by dollar basis, the Britax Boulevard 70 may actually be the best convertible car seat available right now. There are slightly better quality, more expensive car seats out there (check out our other convertible car seat reviews for details) but in most cases, higher prices are often not justified and in most cases the Britax Boulevard 70 is more than sufficient.

The Britax Boulevard 70 Convertible Car Seat is available at Amazon for a 25% discount, saving you $80.00.

Features:

  • SafeCell Technology to ensure head safety
  • Integrated steel bars to absorb impact
  • True side impact protection
  • Five-point safety harness, quick adjust
  • Recline adjustments for child’s comfort
  • Easy to clean seat cover
  • Accommodates up to a 70-pound child

Car seats can be a bit daunting to learn about at first, and reading through all the convertible car seat reviews can often have a young mother confused. Then, when you actually buy the car seat itself, you have to install it. All the clips and gadgets you need to work while trying not to disturb the baby too much seems impossible. The Britax Boulevard 70 has easy-to-use clips. Is it the best convertible car seat in terms of installation? No. But the clips are still relatively simple to figure out. Not only do they work simply, but also they are adjustable to give the right fit to your baby, no matter his or her size. The lower latches make it easy to secure the straps tightly on your child without hurting him or her. The easy push button release of the Britax Boulevard 70 Convertible Car Seat makes it so you can work the clips one-handed, something you learn how to do daily as a mother. The seat even reclines to ensure the kid’s comfort at any age. The ability to change the buckle positions means you can keep this car seat for your child all the way through, until they are able to use the regular seat belt.

Because the Britax Boulevard 70 clips into a lower base, you can easily take the car seat with you when you go into stores or into the house. This keeps you from having to wake the child every time you need to head in another direction. You can even get your baby settled in the car seat before you ever walk to the car. If the weather is nasty outside, it is so nice to be able to clip the car seat in and go. Of course, if you look at some other convertible car seat reviews you will see that some brands come with a matching stroller, which is sometimes preferable. Myself, I preferred to get a separate stroller.

The Britax Boulevard 70 Convertible Car Seat fits with most latching strollers. This means you can put the car seat directly onto the stroller and go; again, leaving the baby undisturbed and comfortable. This type of stroller ride allows the child to sit up higher as you push them along. This gives the child a better view of the world, often keeping them happier as you go for your exercise.

Safety wise you would be hard-pressed to find a more complete package. This is why I think the Boulevard 70 is the best convertible car seat for the money in terms of safety. The SafeCell technology developed for the Britax Boulevard 70 features integrated steel bars, which increase the security of the connection to your vehicle and reduce the forward flex of the plastic in the car seat. This means your child won’t experience “jolting” injuries if something were to happen to your car. The crash force does not affect the car seat and gives your baby a protective bubble around them.

All in all, I would buy this car seat again as well as recommend it to all my friends. However I would advise that you not just take my own word for it – go and browse some of the many convertible car seat reviews on this site and on the net as a whole before you buy. The only thing I didn’t like about the Britax Boulevard 70 was the fact that its installation manual can be quite confusing at times, compared to other car seats I’ve had in the past. However, if you just concentrate and devote that little bit extra time to making sure you install it correctly, there will be no problems after that. Indeed, I have found it easy to use, safe and adjustable to fit the needs of my life. My baby has always been safe, and that is just one less thing to worry about. Although my husband and I are by no means rich, we were never going to buy a cheap, low quality car seat because there is nothing more important than a child’s safety. Even if we were going to have to sacrifice some of the luxuries in our life, it was imperative that we got the absolute best convertible car seat so that our child would be protected as much as possible in the car.

Click here to explore further user made reviews on Amazon for the Britax Boulevard 70 Convertible Car Seat. 

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