TINA! (hmmm, I smell a carseat question coming)

Moms View Message Board: Parenting Discussion: Archive January-June 2004: TINA! (hmmm, I smell a carseat question coming)

I know you have a tiny peanut of a little girl as well, and just wanted to get some extra feedback on your Britax boosters.

I read your previous posts regarding boosters already , but wanted to get a bit more info.

As you know, I am already sold on Britax as my choice having used one all thru carseat ages. I intend to continue w/ their booster.

DD finally has gotten up to 40 lbs. She is still quite petite and I expect her remain this way. In your personal (not expertise) opinion, which Britax booster would suit her needs best? Do you notice any reason to choose one over another keeping "tiny girl" in mind? Am I better staying w/ a carseat that has the higher weight limit or going straight to booster?

Also, how do you feel about using the lap belt as the only restraint? For my own personal reasons, I can't wait til she is big enough for not needing the 5 pt harness, but there really is a sercurity factor in knowing she is well harnessed.


Thanks so much. I've already visited the britax site to review all of them.

By Trina~moderator on Saturday, February 7, 2004 - 04:33 pm:

Wow, your peanut finally hit 40 lbs?! B is still holding at 37. I'm pondering this issue as well, for when B finally reaches the big 4-0. LOL! Bottom line, a 5 pt. harness is always safest. Transitioning to a belt positioning booster gives up a little crash protection. However, if a child is at least 4 yrs. and 40 lbs. and is mature enough to sit properly in a booster (ie: doesn't wiggle or move out from under the shoulder belt, etc.) than that's the next step. Currently B is in a Britax Super Elite (former non-LATCH Husky) that harnesses to 80 lbs.. I could keep her harnessed for much longer but am considering putting her in the Britax Body Guard at 40 lbs.. DS is in one now. It is the only Belt Positioning Booster that offers side impact protection. It also has lock offs for the lap belt. Very comfy and great for "tiny girls". DD has tried it out (in the house) and approves. LOL! We also have a Britax Star Riser Comfy, which we love and use often as a back up for DS and his friends, but I prefer the side impact protection of the BG whenever possible.

I know what you mean about the convenience of using a booster. Easy installation and switching between vehicles, etc.. This is why I'm considering the BG for B. It's a BPB but offers more protection than a traditional BPB. KWIM?

Not sure exactly what you meant, but a BPB always requires both a lap and shoulder belt.

The CPS techs and advocates at this board are well versed on Britax seats. This is where I hang out to learn stuff.

Car Seats Message Board

Did this help at all???

B in her Britax Super Elite
5 pt. harnessed seat up to 80 lbs.


Britax Body Guard booster


Britax Star Riser Comfy

By Dana on Saturday, February 7, 2004 - 04:51 pm:

OOPS. T*R*INA. Funny how one letter changes it LOL. Glad you knew who I meant *wink*

That helped a ton! Those were exactly the points I was contemplating.

The BG....can they even see around it? Seems like they would be a horse w/ blinders on. Neither of your kids are bothered by this?

I was looking at the BG as my first choice in boosters, but worried about the side sight issue. I also thought the Husky would work well too, since DD will be in Jr Hi before ever reaching 80lbs....but what childs wants to STILL be in a carseat so long?!

I considered the Star Riser as well, seeing your comments in your older post. Plus the pricing on it is great.

As for DD reaching 40 lbs, well, actually, she was 40lbs for one day ROFLOL. I could have been her new shoes that went up in size But I know it is coming! I want to be ready when it happens. They seem to grow over night.

Thanks for your help!

By Trina~moderator on Saturday, February 7, 2004 - 05:15 pm:

You're welcome! NO problem concerning the "Tina" thing. I'm VERY used to it! LOL!

I thought the head wings on the BG would pose sight issues as well but have not heard one complaint from DS. Certain fabrics supposedly have "visability ports" but I have no idea which ones. Not the New Blues cover, which is what we have.

Taken from britaxusa.com...

"Visibility Ports in Headrest* (certain fabrics)

Enhanced side impact protection requires large side wings for the head, but the ability to see out to the side without leaning forward can also be an advantage. Certain fabrics have see-through mesh that enables both side support and visibility."

The Husky would be a good choice should you decide to keep A harnessed. However, it is HUGE and doesn't fit in all vehicles. There is a recent recall on the Husky, which specifically involves a lap belt only installation. More info here:
Husky Recall Info

New Husky Instructions

By Trina~moderator on Saturday, February 7, 2004 - 05:18 pm:

You can look up specific vehicles to see how different car seats fit in the Compatibility Database here...

CarSeatData.org

By Trina~moderator on Saturday, February 14, 2004 - 10:47 am:

Dana, just thought I'd let you know the Body Guard is at babyage.com for $109.99.

By Trina~moderator on Thursday, February 19, 2004 - 04:31 pm:

Bumping for Dana

By Dana on Thursday, February 19, 2004 - 07:51 pm:

Thanks Trina! I've been offline over the last several days.