Mr. Peas and I are not what you would call super cautious parents. We let our kids try things when they seem comfortable to try them. We let our kids try whatever we were serving for meals as soon as they started solids (we did avoid honey until 1 year but that’s about it). When we take our kids to the playground, we let them try whatever equipment they want even if it seems too big or advanced for them (with supervision/ help if needed). We don’t have strict rules like you must not touch fresh air without a hat, sunscreen, shoes, bug spray, and knee pads (we do require helmets if they’re riding bikes or scooters and sunscreen and/or a hat if it’s warm and they are not going to be in the shade). The one thing we are very strict about though is car seats.
Big P is big. At his recent 3-year check up he was 90% for weight at 80% for height. And like me he has long legs. But we still kept him rear facing until he was 2 1/2. We never offered or even tried putting him forward facing until then, and honestly I wish we had kept him rear facing a little longer.
Little P on the other hand is little. He’s almost 15 months old now and still fits perfectly in his infant car seat, which is a Chicco KeyFit30 Infant Car Seat. I recently read an article, however, that says the new recommendation is to switch babies to convertible car seats at 1, and I am really struggling with which car seat(s) to buy for Little P.
Big P has 2 convertible car seats that we switch between our cars and our nanny’s car. We first purchased a Chicco NextFit Zip Convertible Car Seat. We liked the look of the Chicco NextFit (it looked a little sleeker than the older model Britax ones) and that it had multiple reclining positions, even while rear-facing, came with a cup holder, and the cover was completely machine-washable, which I think you can only get at Buy Buy Baby or Babies R Us. We still like it and use it (at that price point we better use it!), but the straps always seem to tangle. I cannot tell you how many times we’ve had to ask Big P to climb out of his seat while we wrestled with the straps in a parking lot, usually while it’s blazing hot or freezing cold (it never happens on a beautiful, mild spring or fall day of course). Because of that we decided to look at different options for Big P’s 2nd seat.
After a lot of research and way too many trips to Buy Buy Baby, we ended up purchasing the Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat. Britax had just released its new line of ClickTight car seats when we bought this one (so this one is a pre-recall model), and we were thrilled to see the styling looked more like the Chicco ones. Overall I think we like the Britax Boulevard ClickTight better than the Chicco, but it is still not perfect. We struggle with the ClickTight installation system and also occasionally with the straps tangling, plus I never feel like he’s actually tight enough when I hear the infamous Britax “click.” Even though overall we like the Britax, it’s a little frustrating to not LOVE LOVE a car seat that costs almost $300.00!
We actually also purchased a 3rd convertible car seat, a much less expensive Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat ($48), to keep at my parents’ house when we visit. On one hand using the cheaper seat made me feel better about the 2 seats we did buy as you can definitely tell a difference in comfort/ cushioning (and presumably safety although all car seats meet minimum safety standards). On the other hand that car seat is approximately $250.00 cheaper!!!
Now I need to buy 2 more seats for Little P (and we really do need 2 more seats since we leave a seat in our nanny’s car during the week and it’s a pain to switch them in and out every day). I don’t have very many requirements except that they be relatively easy to use and install (particularly rear facing) and preferably comfortable for Little P as we’re planning a few longer car trips over the next year.
Below are the options I am considering, but I’d love your recommendations! Please tell me about the convertible car seat you LOVE LOVE (or the one you don’t love!)
Option #1 – Maxi Cosi Pria 70 Car Seat: We borrowed this seat one weekend when we inadvertently found ourselves without a convertible car seat for Big P (if you’re wondering how that happened, you’re not alone). This seat gets good reviews, seems comfy, and is stylish. I also like that it’s a European brand – Europeans have strict car seat laws and are known for keeping their kiddos rear facing until age 4!
Option #2 – Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat: I know, I know I said I didn’t LOVE LOVE it. But I do like it a lot. And it gets great ratings, so maybe I am just picky? I also think there is some value in the boys having the same seats, so parents/ grandparents/ nannies know how to use and install them correctly.
Option #3 – Graco 4ever All-in-One Convertible Car Seat: We have never owned a Graco car seat, but I’ve read lots of positive reviews about this convertible option as well as a few others.
Option #4 – Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Primo Convertible Car Seat: I also keep seeing these seats pop up in lists of good car seats (which are often predominated by Britax options).
Option #5 – Clek Fllo Convertible Car Seat: I keep seeing these European seats recommended, especially for parents who want to keep their kids rear facing as long as possible. The price makes me a little nervous, but it may be worth it to find a seat we LOVE LOVE.
blogger / wonderful cherry / 21628 posts
We bought Baby P the Britax Marathon Clicktight. I love it! It’s so easy to install, she can tear face up to 40 pounds, and it just seems to be a comfortable ride. It has a good rating on Consumer Reports.
guest
We have that Britax for our 2 and 4 year old in one of our cars and I really like it. My only complaint is it is SOOO heavy. My husband is basically the one who does the installation of that one b/c I just find it to be so cumbersome. We had only used Britax (we have an older model in our other car and used the infant seats). However, we just purchased the Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 convertible/booster for my older daughter and I love it! Its not the one you suggested (the Nautilus isn’t for rear-facing), but I just thought I’d mention it b/c I’ve been really impressed with the brand. We actually had an Evenflo in my in-laws and my parents car, but switched it out for the Graco. It’s a higher price point but seems SO much better. The Evenflo one that we had seemed so flimsy. I also love the strap adjustments that both the Britax and the Graco have. It is so much more convenient than having to pull the seat out (if we are taking a friend’s kid in the car, etc….). Good luck!
guest
I should add, we RARELY take the Britax out unless we have to. It’s just a pain.
wonderful clementine / 24134 posts
FYI – Britax has two ClickTight systems. One is for tightening the harness and one is the new version for install. The new ClickTight for installation is AMAZING.
This is very accurate:
About the Product
ClickTight Installation System is the safest and simplest technology on the market; Open the front of the car seat, buckle the seat belt across and click the seat shut; That’s all you need to do for rock-solid installation
guest
We have a Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Primo Convertible Car Seat and a Graco My Ride 65 Convertible Car Seat. The Peg Perego is like the Cadillac of carseats compared to the Graco. My daughter sat comfortably in it rear-facing and it was easy to convert to forward-facing when the time came. I love how she sits up in it and seems to fit her to a “T.” The base of the Peg is flat so you don’t have to worry about having the right angle on the seat when fastening it. Plus, the adjustable latch connectors work like a dream! You definitely get what you pay for
squash / 13764 posts
We have a peg perego primo viaggio and I really like it! It is super comfy–padded, nice material that never gets hot even in the sun (and we have the black leather-looking one). It is easy to install with latch and the straps, while they occasionally tangle, are very easy to UNtangle. It also has high weight/height limits for Rfing. And it looks nice, which doesn’t hurt
grapefruit / 4649 posts
We have a click tight boulevard and I like it but I don’t Love it. I do appreciate the ease of installation. I tried to find something I liked better but nothing was as easy to install. The radian may be another option to look at though. I have a friend with a clek and she loves it, I think it’s what we will purchase for our next little one.
wonderful kiwi / 23653 posts
We got the Britax Boulevard during an amazing sales at Target and that’s in my mom’s car. So while I don’t use it to really know if it’s awesome or not, I just trust Britax brand since I have their infant seat/stroller combo.
For our car we ended up with the Chicco Nextfit; and we simply chose by sticking DD in the carseats at BBB and just chose the one that looked the most comfy for her, haha!
For our next DD we’d probably go with Graco or Evenflo though simple for cost reasons.Poor 2nd child lol.
grapefruit / 4988 posts
We love our Clek Fllo. Our DD gets hot easily and also carsick easily. I specifically bought this one because not only can they rear face for a long time, but the fabric is cool and easy to clean, and the seat is relatively high up so she can see out the back window. She is almost 3 now and it is obvious that she will be able to stay rear facing for a long time still. It also fits in our small car easily. DH says it is easy to install (I admit, I have not done it, but I also don’t drive). Cons are that it is heavy and expensive.
guest
Okay- not to make you crazy but we have a convertible car seat that we LOVE that isn’t on your list. Look into the Recaro ProRide. It’s pretty reasonably priced and we love it. Straps are great. Easy installation and gets awesome safety ratings.
guest
Absolutely cannot say enough good things about the Clek. We have two boys (3 and 1) and both are rear facing. Probably will turn the 3 year old at 4 if he doesn’t outgrow the RF limits sooner. We have 3 Fllo’s and 1 Foonf. I like the Fllo’s because they are lighter and a little smaller but still have the same rear facing limits. They seem so massively safe and they don’t take up a ton of side to side room in the car. They seem very roomy for both boys and they can see out the windows pretty easily in them which is nice.
Cons: They are heavy and probably not something you would want to swap back and forth between cars too much. Not ideal for travel (although we have done it) due to the weight. Not quite as easy to install as the Nextfit (we had 2 nextfits until my son outgrew them rear facing.
guest
Oh I forgot- easy to clean! The fabric repels moisture so when my kiddo threw up recently, it just wiped off. The straps are the same material as any other car seat straps so those took a little more cleaning, but the fabric is glorious.
guest
We love our fllo in my car. For dads car and travel we have a Cosco Serena next which fits my kids rear facing past four, is lighter than my newborns, I can belt install it in about two minutes and is $46.
You may also want to consider getting big p combination seats (forward facing harness now, convert to booster later) and passing the convertibles down.
nectarine / 2317 posts
We have the Fllo (it’s Canadian not European) in our car and it’s great. I think it would be a pain to uninstall/reinstall frequently though.
We got a graco for my mom’s car, it’s easy to install and it was recommended by a car seat tech as a good one for long rear facing and compact cars.
wonderful pomelo / 30692 posts
We have the Graco Size4Me/MySize 65 for both boys and have no complaints. Easy to install, easy to buckle them in, comes with a cup holder. And it’s allowing us to keep them rear-facing for as long as we want. Our oldest is still rear-facing at almost 3.5.
cherry / 127 posts
We went a little different route. We gave DS2 the Next Fit and bought a 3 in 1 harness booster for DS1 (2.5 years old and forward facing). Since he was already forward facing and in a harness this worked out to be cheaper than buying another convertible seat.
pineapple / 12793 posts
We have three Clek (Canadian!!) Fllos. With three rear facing I like having the narrow seat and looooove their easy clean fabric.
apricot / 448 posts
We have an older Britax Marathon, Chicco Nextfit and Graco 4 ever. The Nextfit is the easiest install, but the Graco 4 ever is easiest to lift our toddler in and out of (he’s similar in size to yours and still rear facing at 3).
I’d never tried a Graco before and was a tad skeptical (maybe I was being price or brand snobby), but it is great. He fits in it well and loves the cup holders. I love the fabric, multiple recline options and ease of install with latch. You have to pull pretty hard when installing, but it feels lighter in weight than the Chicco so really the install difficulty evens out IMO.
pea / 23 posts
We used the Britax Marathons and loved them and now use the britax Frontier high back booster (with 5 point harness as well.) Coming from Britax’s old latch system to the new click-tight, I am amazed at how great and easy the click-tight is! The reason that we LOVE the frontier is that it has the 5 point harness but they can be removed to be used as a high back booster and once your child is forward facing, it would be a seat that could last for many, many years. My daughter is 9 and still using hers comfortably with a regular seatbelt!
nectarine / 2018 posts
The consumer reports article about switching at one is not a reliable source. Children are safe in infant seats as long as the they meet all of the requirements.
I know you aren’t thrilled with your currents seats so this might not be appealing but since your older LO is forward facing I would pass the convertibles down and get combinations seats for the older.
blogger / apricot / 275 posts
Thanks to everyone for the helpful input! I am looking up the models you all recommend and will also consider handing the convertibles down and moving my 3 year old into a combo seat (such a good idea!)
And ah sorry for misstating that the Clek was a European brand. The name must have reminded me of an Ikea product :).
pomelo / 5866 posts
We were gifted an Evenflo symphony (luxury model) and it has been awesome! The person who got it was military so it was very cheap on base.
guest
We have a Pria and love it. Its pretty heavy though, we dont take it out much.
coffee bean / 46 posts
We have the Maxi Cosi Pria 85. I love it ! We recently went on a 4400 mile car trip and she was so comfortable . It is so easy to take the fabric off and wash and to looks like new coming out of the dryer and so easy to put back on the seat. I love the fact that the seat is good weight wise until she is 85 lb.! FYI they are on sale at Nordstrom for 20% off .
pea / 18 posts
I have the same problem with the Chicco–EVERY TIME my toddler climbs in, I have to yank the straps out from under her! I find it so easy to install with the super cinch straps–to me it’s easier than the Britax click tight seat belt install, or more specifically the uninstall. I have a really hard time turning that little Britax disc to unlock the seat when I need to switch it between cars. If I had to buy a 3rd seat right now, I’d be in the same conundrum–the search for the perfect seat continues.
nectarine / 2018 posts
@birdabouttown: Make sure you unbuckle the Britax click tight before trying to turn the dial. I just always like to make sure people know that – a lot don’t and end up struggling for no reason.
pea / 18 posts
@catgirl: I had no idea! You mean unbuckle the car seat belt first? I’ll try that
coconut / 8472 posts
Whatever you do, do not get the Maxi Cosi Priya. I HATE that seat. The straps were always twisted and such a giant PITA. It was also much harder to tighten and to use in general.
cantaloupe / 6885 posts
I have 2 Clek Foonfs and I LOVE LOVE them. I love the fabric (so easy to wipe clean), the narrow width, the straps that never tangle, super easy install, the fact it sits high so they can see out the window…basically everything about it. Worth every penny
nectarine / 2018 posts
@birdabouttown: Yes, you need to unbuckle the seat belt from the vehicle before trying to open the click tight panel.
guest
We have 2 Graco 4evers and will be purchasing 2 more (for our latest addition); though not cheap, it is easily cleanable, comfortable and I love the “idea” that it is the only one they’ll need! We’ve been using it for about 2 years and I have no compaliants!
pear / 1648 posts
We have 2 Prias and have been mostly happy with them – LO is very comfy in them! The only issue I find is washability – the fabric is soft and absorbent so you really can’t just wipe it. I think the covers on newer models can just be thrown in the washer, though – sadly we bought the last model year that requires handwashing
One issue I thought I had with it at first was difficult tighting the straps using the pull-strap. I recently rethreaded all the straps (after washing) and now it is SO easy to tighten. So that’s no longer a concern.
We also never travel with them because they’re so bulky – we have a Cosco Scenera for flying.
grapefruit / 4584 posts
Another Pria lover! My 4 year old is in it FF and my 2 year old is in it RF (and will stay so until she starts fighting it – currently while RF she sleeps a LOT in the car!). They are cushy to sit in and easy to adjust. Both my girls LOVE being in them.
pear / 1547 posts
We LOVE our Clek Fllo. It sits LO up high so she has a great window view which she loves, it’s simple – easy to clean and straps don’t tangle. It’s a beast, which makes me feel like she’s as safe as she’ll get – though we do have a lighter/cheap seat for traveling (the cosco scenera mentioned by folks). Plus having a lime green car seat makes me happy, haha.
guest
We have a Chicco nextfit and we LOVE IT! We are maximizing the rear-facing seat until the very bitter end (she’s currently 3.5 years).
Wanted to let you know, we had daily annoyances with the seatbelt slipping underneath the kid too. We saw these on the newer nextfits, and purchased recently:
http://www.chiccoshop.com/gear/replacement-parts/car-seat-parts/nextfit-comfort-kit-equinox/12614720445.html
It’s a ‘comfort flex’ strap that attaches to the buckles and keeps them positioned on the sides of the inner seat, kid never sits on the buckles = less time digging. A crotch cushion is included, but we don’t bother with it as it gets in the way of the button.
Seems they aren’t currently available online, maybe they sell out fast (I saw them available last week, but now gone today). Anyway, hope this helps!
pear / 1503 posts
We have the Clek Fllo – it does sound Swedish! But I’m happy to have bought Canadian! It’s super sturdy, but as PP have stated, it’s also heavy, so we have the Cosco Scenera for air travel. The differences between them are noticeable. Better padding, better side impact wings, no twisting of the straps. Plus the 2016 model has even more padding, and longer, removable strap covers. Really easy to clean, too!
persimmon / 1322 posts
We have, and love, a graco milestone. I saw it described as the baby brother of the graco 4ever, and agree with that.
apricot / 329 posts
We have and love our two Clek Foonfs as well (though like several others here we also got the Cosco Scenera for air travel as the Cleks are crazy heavy).
guest
We started with the Maxi Coai in my car since I drive with the kids more and I was thrilled with it. Super comfy and still plenty of room for my now 33 month old to be RF beyond her third birthday (she is very tall for her age too–above 90th). However, I got the Diono Radian for my husbands car and am obsessed. It is their most pared down model but it is so perfect. It doesn’t have bells and whistles, but it’s not like a kid is going to miss a cup holder (she certainly didn’t when I switched the Radian into my car). The Maxi Cosi is VERY difficult to adjust (have to pull from back and doesn’t always work), while the Radian is a cinch. Because of its less cushy design, I also feel like once we do FF it will feel like less of a “baby” seat. It’s been about 6 months since we got the Radian and I still say “Don’t you love this car seat?” at least once a week.
bananas / 9229 posts
DD just turned 1 a month ago and has been in a Chicco Keyfit 30 as well. We really need to buy her a convertible seat but I’m so indecisive. I’ve been debating between one of the Britax Clicktight options and the Chicco NextZip – basically the same two as you. I’ve heard good things about Clef but I don’t have anywhere local that has it available to test DD for fit. That’s my biggest hesitancy with it – well, price too.
pomelo / 5628 posts
We really like our Recaro Performance ride. The only difficult thing is installation and it’s a bitch. But the seat is super comfy, I’ve never ever had a tangled strap. LO is small and we rear-faced in it u til 3.5 and he was happy as a clam.
pomegranate / 3225 posts
I have the Clek #5, and honestly I don’t LOVE LOVE it for the price. I also have two seats per child and my number one seat is the Peg Perego. I DO love love that seat!! I wish I had gotten another one instead of the Clek. The Clek is harder to clean, harder to set up at first, those are really my only two gripes. Look at the Peg Perego; the only negative is it’s heavy, so I wouldn’t buy it if you are planning to fly a lot with it. Hope you find the right fit for your family!