Hello everybody. :)

I was hoping to get some opinions here so I can narrow down to the best choice for me. I am getting my tax return here soon and I'm finally getting Eli a nice new car seat. I am also thinking about getting him a new stroller, though I bought him a new one a short time ago, I just don't really like it and it seems uncomfortable.

SO I want to know what you guys think. I want the BEST car seat I can get, I want it to be really really comfortable, great quality, and safe, and a good fit for Eli. Eli is 31-32 inches tall I guess, and close to 30 lbs. I would like the car seat to be comfortable for him now, and maybe a last a while before I have to get a bigger one. I've been searching around and I just can't figure out which one is the best one.

Although! Keep in mind, that expensive IS okay, but annoyingly break me broke expensive isn't lol. I'd say $250 is my limit for the carseat.

I'd also like to know everyone's opinions on the best stroller that doesn't cost a ton (but can be a little costly) that is really comfortable, reclines, sits up straight and has a tray and maybe cup holders and stuff. I'd say my limit for the stroller is probably $150. :)

Feel free to include links, but you don't have to I know I can look it up. However please give specific band names and models, because I know Graco and Britax make several different carseats. Thank you so much for your help!! :D

Well I am not there on carseats yet, but I freaking love my stroller. It is a little heavy to get in/out of the car, but it moves SO easily, turns easily and all that. You only need one hand to open or close it up too. It has lots of positions, has a tray, and also the part I like best there is a tray on the handle of the stroller with 2 cupholders, and 2 compartments with lids where I put my keys and stuff. Mine came as a travel system with the carseat, but you can probalby get the stoller separately. It is Graco Tour Deluxe. Here's a link to my travel system:
Graco Quattro Tour Deluxe Travel System - Deco - Graco - Babies "R" Us (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3224013)

Wow that's really cute and looks really comfortable! It being heavy doesn't matter too much to me, I've got muscles. :D hehe

I'm going to look for it sold seperately from the seat for sure. Thank you Kim!!!!

Sure. I have used my stroller pretty much every day because I go walking in the morning, and I am always throwing it around in my van and putting groceries on top of it and stuff, and it is really durable too.

lol well THAT'S a plus!!!! :D

Yes, it is nice because I should be able to use it for future children still. Hannah's wasn't really all that great.

I found it seperate! It is only $136.75! I'm saving it to my favorites so it's in my choices when I go to buy one when I get my return. :) Thanks again for your suggestion.

OH I was looking at all the other stuff in my pattern and it looks like they jsut came out with a convertible car seat!!! Trina may have more input on it but it looks awesome and is only $130. Graco CozyCline Toddler Car Seat - Deco - Graco - Babies "R" Us (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3262803)

BUt I just saw it is a toddler seat, not a convertible, and only goes to 40 lbs. so probably not the right choice for you guys.

I saw that too! It looks really comfy, doesn't it???? Really cushiony. It's hard to say, I've been looking at so many and I can't decide because a lot of them look so nice. That's why I have to ask you guys!! lol

Oh shoot, I was reading the features and the weight only goes up to 40lbs. That sucks cause Eli is already about 30lbs I think. Seems like a waste of money, it wouldn't last terribly long. :( I was excited too, it looks SO COMFORTABLE!!!!

What about like the Graco Nautilus? If you can't tell I like that brand, lol. I think they make good quality stuff without being overly expensive. HEre's a link to the nautilus, it goes upt o 65 pounds then converts to a booster for up to 100 lbs and is only $180. THey have different patterns and stuff too.

Search (http://www.gracobaby.com/Search%20Results/Pages/Search.aspx?search=car+seat)

Oh shoot, I was reading the features and the weight only goes up to 40lbs. That sucks cause Eli is already about 30lbs I think. Seems like a waste of money, it wouldn't last terribly long. :( I was excited too, it looks SO COMFORTABLE!!!!

Yeah I saw that too and edited my first post

That one is nice!!! That one really lasts doesn't it! I'll have to look up more on it. I like Graco too, I had a comfortsport for him before but I had to leave it with my mom in SC because we decided to fly home and he's been using a really uncomfortable crappy looking walmart seat while I've been waiting to have the money to get him a good one. I'm wondering why does everyone like Britax so much? They go on sale on Target.com a lot. They're more expensive but everyone seems to reccomend them. I just wonder which one and why?

I have heard the Britax Marathons are great, I think they have great safety records and stuff. They are also pretty pricy, if you can get one on sale though...

I was just looking though, they're $280. And it looks like it goes up to 65 pounds and doesn't look as comfy as that Graco one, which goes up to 100 lbs. I could be wrong about the weight thing though. So I really do wonder, if they both have the 5 pt safety harness and all that, why the britax would be better. I mean I know that higher price does equal a higher quality seat most of the time but I think the graco seat would be just as safe as well as a better value. BUT I am not an expert.

the marathon only goes to 65. They say most kdis out grow them around 4 or 5.
Even I could get my dream toddle seat i would get this one
Britax : Products : Details (http://www.britaxusa.com/products/product_detail.aspx?ID=15)
has true sie impact protection!!! Nice seat!!!!
Normally around 280... on sale for 229!!!!!
Britax Frontier toddler car seat | Parent Reviews & Free Shipping (http://www.elitecarseats.com/Britax-Frontier.pro?source=froogle&kw=102869PINK00000&zmam=6024774&zmas=8&zmac=111&zmap=102869PINK00000)

I'm in heaven, i wish I could get Nichole this seat

Thanks Kaytee! When I went to that site, I noticed one they said was popular was the britax "regent" and I clicked on it and I like that one even better and it's on sale for 209!!! It looks so cushy!! It only goes up to 80lbs as compared to 100lbs but I think I'm okay with that because of how comfortable it looks.

and 80 is a ton!! after that you can go straight to a booster seat if not needing anything else

We had a stroller simular to that. I did not roll well on anything other than pavement. We had a hard time at the zoo where some places were "off road". I found a jog stroller super cheap and it goes everywhere. I also bought one of those cheap umbrella stollers for "city" trips. I just wanted to mention in case your terrain is "off road".

I added foam padding to both the kids car seats. Not sure if that would affect saftey in anyway(doubt it). We had a really nice covertable car seat for DD that goes up to 100lbs. Then we bought her a booster seat. I bought foam squares from Joanns Crafts and then cut to fit the bottom and the back. We have a 3hr drive from home to the city. Just a thought.

That's a good idea RaisingHavoc, adding the padding. I don't know I just think I'd never get around to it so I'm probably better off just spending the money now. I'm not sure about the stroller - I've actually thought about the jogging ones, because they seem really nice and like I'd have no problem rolling him around pretty much anywhere. I just like the way the traditional ones look though and I don't take him over too much rough stuff so it's hard to say. It's so hard to decide!!! For the stroller, I think, I'll just be going to the store and picking one there. That way I don't have to worry about shipping and I can try it before I buy it lol. It's hard with car seats though because they don't really sell the good ones at any stores it seems like... I've been everywhere, and never seen a britax at a store. Isn't that weird?

About the britax seats, do they attach really firm to the car?? It drives me crazy because my car doesn't have a latch thingie in it, and I'm hoping for a seat that holds onto the car better without a latch. I don't want to go get one because we're getting a new car anyway in not too long here, you know???? Blah. I read about other car seats though that attach really well even without the latch thing. Do the britax seats do that?

Britax afe known to fit well in cars that fit them. lol Your best best is to go to babies r us and try them in you rcar to make sure its a snug fit.

What about like the Graco Nautilus? If you can't tell I like that brand, lol. I think they make good quality stuff without being overly expensive. HEre's a link to the nautilus, it goes upt o 65 pounds then converts to a booster for up to 100 lbs and is only $180. THey have different patterns and stuff too.

Search (http://www.gracobaby.com/Search%20Results/Pages/Search.aspx?search=car+seat)


Okay I love that seat! Natalia needs a new one (tax return whenever I get it GRRR) and like you guys were saying it looks comfortable and I can afford it. I also love Graco because it is good quality and I can afford it.

I was going to get the regent, but then I saw this seat. I think it looks even more comfortable, it has good ratings and WOW is it on sale!!!

RECARO Como convertible car seat | Parent Reviews & Free Shipping (http://www.elitecarseats.com/Recaro-Como.pro)

Anybody have anything to say about this car seat? I read the reviews. I think it looks awesome. I love the regent (and it does go up ten more pounds) but this one looks so comfy and cute!!! And like I said, woah sale lol.

Also, anybody heard anything about a thing called a mighty tite?? I sort of looked it up but I'm confused. :p

I just hope it stays on sale until I get my return, which I should have on Friday. I would be pretty sad if the sale ended. Anybody know how long these sales usually last or any way to check when it's over? :/

not sure how long they last. As far as Ricarro, they are safe seats.
The only thing I would say, is to see if you can find one in a store somewhere to sit your boy in it. My friend has one for her dd who is 3. She is smaller, I think around 32ish pounds, but she is already a bit squished in it. Hieght wise she is fine, but the seat is kinda narrow, so like her shoulders are pretty much touching both sides already.

I'm glad you said that Kaytee, we we're considering ordering a Ricarro but now I wonder if it would even work for us

well her dd is fairly broad, so it might still fit. I would just try to find the seat and see how they fit first. I know Nichole would fit fine, but she is tiny. I am sure Eli would fit, but he is a big boy and I would hate to see him out grow it too soon kinda thing. Same with Logan

Thanks Kaytee! I should call around and see if somewhere near me has one in the store I can try. That would be annoying if he wasn't in it for long. It looks like such a big seat, and most reviews described it as being large, and even "roomy" so I never considered it being small. I'm going to look it up a little.

yeah, my kids tend to be pretty broad as well

I can't decide between the britax regent and the Recaro Como!!!!!!!!!!! Uuuuggghh. It's so hard. Even harder now that I found the recaro como on sale on another website for one forty something. Such a good price. -groan- :( I'm going to google pictures of kids sitting in the seats I think and decide from there.

Comfort is so important to me!! I like Eli to be able to fall asleep comfortably in the car. But I don't want him to grow out of it before I know it either.

Also, wow that britax regent is a humungous car seat isn't it lol.

lol yes it is!!

Did you go to a store? I would say if you like those 2, then have eli sit in them and see what looks more comfy with him in it

not sure how long they last. As far as Ricarro, they are safe seats.
The only thing I would say, is to see if you can find one in a store somewhere to sit your boy in it. My friend has one for her dd who is 3. She is smaller, I think around 32ish pounds, but she is already a bit squished in it. Hieght wise she is fine, but the seat is kinda narrow, so like her shoulders are pretty much touching both sides already.

Always a good idea and I have had kids on both ends. I am going to see if anywhere near me has the seats I like for Natalia because she's big for her age.

I think I'm going for the Recarro, because I looked up pics of both seats and the shape of the recarro didn't bother me with big kids in the pics, and the Regent was HUGE and DEFINITELY overkill for me right now. I figure for me it's really okay if he grows out of it sooner than I want, even as long as it lasts till he's three I'll be happy and then I'll buy him a Regent. :) That doesn't bother me. That Regent was just huge, I mean there were BIG kids sitting in it and it just darn near swallows up the little kids lol. I'm sure it's still safe and maybe comfortable, I just wouldn't like the way it looks and I like the idea of him being more snug in the Recarro.

well that seat is on the list for the top safest.. so it wil be nice!!! Show some oics when you get it

where is this list you speak of?

I certainly will Kaytee!!! :D

well there is no technical seat.. as I am sure Trina will tell you. The safest seat is one that fits your child, your car and is used corrcectlt every time. There are seats that many car seat tech recomend for their safety record and ease of use kinda thing


http://www.consumersearch.com/car-seats/best-convertible-car-seats (http://www.consumersearch.com/car-seats)

Top Convertible Baby Car Seats - Best Convertible Car Seats for Babies (http://babyproducts.about.com/od/carseats/tp/topconvcarseats.htm)
infant seats
Top Infant Car Seats (http://babyproducts.about.com/od/carseats/tp/infant_car_seat.htm)

I added foam padding to both the kids car seats. Not sure if that would affect saftey in anyway(doubt it). We had a really nice covertable car seat for DD that goes up to 100lbs. Then we bought her a booster seat. I bought foam squares from Joanns Crafts and then cut to fit the bottom and the back. We have a 3hr drive from home to the city. Just a thought.


Adding foam isn't recommended. Using aftermarket products and/or adding things to car seats will release the manufacturer from liability should the car seat malfunction during a crash.
CPSafety - Your online child passenger safety resource (http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/aftermarket.aspx)

I'm also not aware of any convertible car seats that go up to 100 lbs.. Do you know the make and model?

For a long time I poo-pooed Britax simply because of the cost. When I finally broke down and bought one I was floored! The comfort, quality, safety and convenience features blew away all of the former car seats we had owned. The harness straps were non-twisty and the front harness adjuster worked smooth as butter, just to name a few. Britax car seats also have side impact protection and HUGS on the harness straps - safety features that most other car seats don't have. I'm not saying other car seats aren't as good or nice, but Britax is definitely worth looking into. The Marathon is my favorite. It harnesses up to 65 lbs.. I have no RL experience with the Frontier, but have heard and read good things.

The Regent is HUGE. I had a Super Elite, which is a former non-LATCH version of the Regent. LOVED it, but it's size is an issue for some vehicles.

I wanted to say more, but my kids need me. BBL...

So what do you think of the Recaro Como Trina?

Thank you for the info. :)

I wanted the Marathon, but it's out of budget for me at this time. :(

I'm not familiar with the Como. Here is a review I found by a CPS Tech.
Recaro Como Desert Sand - Car Seat.Org - Carseat, Vehicle & Child Passenger Safety Forums (http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=24081)
The twisty straps would annoy me.

Another seat worth checking out is the Fisher Price Safe Voyage Deluxe. I have one and love it! I use it when I baby-sit my nephew. It's made for Fisher Price by Britax. It's basically a Britax Marathon without the bells and whistles, the only difference being it harnesses up to 55 lbs.. One draw back is that is was discontinued 2 yrs. ago, so it's life would be shortened (car seats expire 6 yrs. after date of manufacture) and the cover choices are very limited.
Fisher Price Safe Voyage Deluxe Convertible Car Seat in Black (http://www.albeebaby.com/fiprsavodeco1.html)


Too bad the Marathons on sale here have girly covers! LOL!
Britax Marathon Convertible Car Seats (http://www.albeebaby.com/britax-marathon-convertible-car-seats.html)

Were you able to get a tether anchor installed in your car??

This site is cool to look up vehicles to see how different car seats fit.
CarSeatData.org - user ratings of carseats fitting into cars (http://www.carseatdata.org)

What I like about the Frontier is it has true side impact protection. Thats really neat. I really wish I could get Nihcole in that seat. Though she just makes the weight requirement, I am not sure she would make the hieght yet.

Most of the reviews about almost any of the carseats I read complained about the straps, so I was lost on that aspect of the seats I looked at! D:

Thank you for the review. It looks like it will work out well for me because the reviewer liked it a lot forward facing and that's how I'll be using it. I ordered it today! Can't wait to get it. :)

I'm still torn between the britax marathon and the racaro :sad: I've got some time to decide but blah!!! I just don't know

I personally think the marathon is definitely better, but I think I'll be happy with the Recaro and I got it for more than a hundred dollars less than the marathon so that's the only reason I have the recaro than the marathon but I think I'll be happy with it. :)

Don't worry though, I'll give you the most detailed opinion I can on it and post like a ton a of pictures of it in my car and Eli sitting in it and up close pictures of the straps and anything else in particular you'd like to see a closer picture of. Once I get it you can ask me anything and that might help you decide between that and the marathon! They have the marathon at the store, don't they? So you can check that one out on your own, and I can check this one out for you! :D I'll let you know the instant I get it. I ordered it yesterday but it's shipping ground so I'm not sure how long it will be till I get it, but the instant I do I'll whip out my camera and you'll be the first to know! :)

Thanks Xero :)

I didn't go through and read all of the responses, but I have two strollers - a Graco Quattro Tour Duo and the Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem. I use them both, and I love them both; however, the Kolcraft is probably my favorite. There are a bunch of different ways that you can configure it and it's not just for twins. The only thing is that it's a longer stroller. And when the time comes for a second child, you might have to buy the adapter.

Thank you Penn! I haven't bought a stroller yet so I'll take a look at those when I get out to it. :)

I had a Kolcraft double stroller when my older two were little and I loved it.

I had to push another stroller the other day, and I realized another reason why I love mine - it is tall. That is better for me because I am tall. That also means more storage underneath

I'm short lol.

Okay I got the Recaro last week and it is a really nice seat!!! Eli seems VERY comfortable in it, its super cute and I feel like it's immensely more secure in the car than his last one. It does look like he'll have some room to grow and it even reclines and everything!! Also, where it is a larger seat, it isn't huge by any means and it's SUPER light weight and easy as anything to carry with one hand for sure. Super cute and super nice, and I REALLY like it.

HOWEVER, here are the down sides. I'm being perfectly honest so you know everything I think of it Fallon. It definitely doesn't look like he'll be in the seat past three years old or so (which is funny cause the seat says its for up to 8yrs YEAH RIGHT!!!). What people say about it being narrow is kinda true, but not drastically. I'm not too sure how long a broad shouldered boy would last in this seat. I think Eli will be okay, but just barely make it. With a coat on, he is definitely the tiniest bit packed in there haha. But they say to take the coat of anyway I guess so it depends on your lifestyle. The pillows that it comes with in the seat are really nice and SUPER cushiony and soft and the one on the hips looks like it makes him so comfortable, but the one around the head I had to take out because it looked really uncomfortable, being that it sat right against his face on either side. Seems like it would get hot and feel confining. But I guess it is approved for forward facing in the upper slots for the head pillows to be removed, so we're good. Like I said, it reclines which is really cool however even in its upmost position it is still kinda reclined. Its not a big deal, but it looks almost a little awkward because he occasionally seems like he's trying to lift his head to see things or just in general, to be sitting straight up. I think that bothers me the most and I wish I could fix it, but I know its not hurting anything and it doesn't bother him enough to make him whine or cry at all really I'm probably the only one who notices it. The seat is a little high up compared to others so I have to be careful not to hit Eli's head when he gets in lol since he doesn't get in himself, but that's not a big deal to me at all just a teenie insignificant setback. Just wanted to cover everything.

The worst part about it though, and this really DOES bother me, is that the straps are AWFUL. The minute you grab hold of them, they twist up. The straps are thin and really really smooth and flexible and the clasps on the buckles are wide for some reason so they flip around so easy in them. It drives me bonkers. It can be avoided by being careful, but even still you sometimes twist them anyway.

To be honest, I would have much rathered the Britax Marathon or whatever the Britax comparable one to this was, the 65lbs one. However I knew I couldn't afford it, but if you can I would go for it.

Here are my pictures!

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/DevoidInside/019-3.jpg
Looks really comfortable, doesn't it? You can see how it gets narrower as it goes upward though.


http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/DevoidInside/020-3.jpg
Look at that fat belly!! HAHA! My chunk. Anyway, can you see how smooth the straps look? You can already see even in this picture how easy it would be for them to twist. You can see right into the slots, there's too much room.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/DevoidInside/021-2.jpg
See how it gets narrow? I don't know why. It doesn't make sense to me. The angle between the back and the sides is very sharp too, its not rounded off so his shoulders could rest on the sides, I mean they will be right between the sides on the back.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/DevoidInside/022-4.jpg
what a face, right? lmao

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/DevoidInside/023-1.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/DevoidInside/025-2.jpg
This gives you an idea of what the angle looks like. It is REALLY soft and comfortable though!!!!!

And I'll PM you two more pictures because I don't want to post them to the world LMAO because my living room was trashed at the time (don't know what I was thinking) and I'm embarassed hahahaha.

thanks Xero, this is all great info :) It's a huge help!!!

No problem good luck deciding. :)

it does seem really narrow at the top...
Eli is so freakin cute! But yo knew that

lol thanks!! He had just woken up from a nap so he's looking silly in those pics. Isn't he such a chunk????