BRITAX LAPTOP

[PALOMAR]

HAS ANYONE USED THE BRITAX LAPTOP? I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE SOME FEEDBACK FROM THOSE WHO HAVE USED IT.
THANK YOU!

ALSO, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THE BRITAX ROUNDABOUT ADVANTAGE IS WORTH THE EXTRA MONEY!

[tobymc]

Hi Palomar.

First, it would be helpful if you could write your posts without using all caps. It sounds like shouting, even though I'm pretty sure you didn't mean it that way!

I'm glad you've discovered the Laptop. It is an excellent "restraint". I've got one, and have been using it on and off for almost a year. At first, my children loved it, but then my son decided he hated it, probably because he couldn't see out the window. So we haven't used it as much as I planned. But as I said, I think it is an excellent device. A very similar version has been used in Europe very widely, enough to show very few real world problems with it, in addition to its fine performance in crash tests.

I often recommend it for day care centers or Head Start buses, because it carries average 3-5 year olds, and because it only requires a lap belt. However, they often have problem with their belts, which have long buckle stalks like belts on airplanes. For you, it sounds perfect.

Is it better to put a 5 year old in a Laptop or a belt positioning booster? It depends on the child, and on the car. Let's assume that shoulder belts are available. In that case, it depends on the behavior of the child. Some kids are ready to sit still in a lap/shoulder belt with a booster. Others need more help to stay in position, which the Laptop provides.

In my car, it has been our best way to use our lap belts. Our new car (a 2002 Toyota Echo) has ALL lap/shoulder belts, but my '93 Previa van has 2 rear positions with lap only belts. This is one way to eek use out of those belts.

I've also got both a Roundabout and an Advantage. I love the extra feature on the Advantage, so I'd say it is worth the money. But if it takes money from your food budget, I wouldn't spend the extra.

Toby, CPS tech and mom to 2

[mommy to 2]

I spent the extra $30 bucks on the Advantage too. I liked the adjustable strap knob... but even better, I liked the "head rest" the Advantage provides. I figured it would be extra comfy for long rides, but would also give extra cushion for my baby's head if we were ever in a wreck. Britax certainly doesn't promote their headrest as an extra "safety feature"... I just assumed the more cushion around the head - the better.

Mary

[tobymc]

Here's a picture of my son in our Laptop, back when he loved it.

http://www.carseatdata.org/images/laptopadam.jpg

Toby