Expert on Child Seats?

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Originally Posted by MarkCO

Whatever you buy, install them correctly! I'd suggest you call the local FD and stop by and let them check the install before streapping a kid into it. Doing accident reconstruction, the only severe injuries to kids were when the car seat was not properly installed. If you think it is tight, it should be tighter.

I did an accident where a mom and a teen were killed (front seat) and the toddler (in the back seat) was basically unharmed due to a 40ish mph rear end impact. Car seat saved the toddler.

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This!!!

I did about 20 hours of research before we bought a new one a few months ago and what it comes down to is that they're all very safe as long as they're installed properly and fit the child. The main differences are features, we got a Chicco with a zip off cover which has been very nice. Check Babies-R-Us they were having a great sale when we bough and it looks like there are some good sales now. The one we bought is $70 cheaper than Amazon at the moment.

Here's the Britax review that changed our mind.


We've always used Britax in the past but one feature on the new one we were looking (Advocate) at kept us from buying. Basically, if there's an accident the belt has to be cut.

"5.0 out of 5 starsSaved my sons life!
By Amazon Customer on December 24, 2015
Color: Black We have the advocate Clicktight and I can't say enough great things about it! My son is almost 3, 40lbs and 40" and is forward facing in this seat. We recently were in a horrible accident at a high rate of speed and this seat performed the way it was suppose to! This seat saved my child's life.

The only down fall to this seat is that in the event of a crash, you must cut the seat belt to your car in order to remove this seat with the child still in it. I've always carried a seat belt cutter for this exact reason, but it did confuse the fire department and it took lots of yelling from me and direction before they figured out how to remove him as they were trying to pull the seat belt through like you would a normal car seat. I will be providing them with my seat for training purposes. "

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MarkCO

Whatever you buy, install them correctly! I'd suggest you call the local FD and stop by and let them check the install before streapping a kid into it. Doing accident reconstruction, the only severe injuries to kids were when the car seat was not properly installed. If you think it is tight, it should be tighter.

I did an accident where a mom and a teen were killed (front seat) and the toddler (in the back seat) was basically unharmed due to a 40ish mph rear end impact. Car seat saved the toddler.

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[Shock] Yikes.

So are these more difficult than installing the base? We had the FD check that, and I went through the "Baby's first Ride" - and I feel pretty good about moving and securing those.

I guess I'm not even positive if I need a convertible or all-in-one / 3:1. [Dunno]

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Originally Posted by th3w01f

Here's the Britax review that changed our mind.

We've always used Britax in the past but one feature on the new one we were looking (Advocate) at kept us from buying. Basically, if there's an accident the belt has to be cut.

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I guess I'm not super wowed by this. If I get in an accident requiring a FD visit, I don't mind cutting a belt. I'm assuming that'll be the least of my worries...

BTW, appreciate all the time and info everyone! [Beer] The more I read, the less sure I am!

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Originally Posted by Jeffrey Lebowski

I guess I'm not super wowed by this. If I get in an accident requiring a FD visit, I don't mind cutting a belt. I'm assuming that'll be the least of my worries...

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My worry was something serious and first responders that didn't know they had to cut it. I'm sure they'd figure it out quickl but there's also the issue of a minor malfunction requiring you cut the belt.

Belts get cut all the time, especially with the tensioners. Not that I have quizzed FD guys, but all of them should be getting taught to cut belts these days. I'd think even the VFDs teach cutting.

Installing the base is the big part. It takes a lot of force to compress the base into the seat and tension up the belt. Never heard of a FD guy doing it wrong yet and since they do it for you if you ask, safe bet.