Is DS ready to move to a Regent? (Other suggestions)

[julieakc]

I think it may be time to turn DS FF and to get him a new seat....

He is 3 years 4 1/2 months, weighs just at 30 lbs and is not wuite 38 inches. Currently he is still RF in a Roundabout

I just read in another post that Julie said the latest on the RA is that when the top of the head is even with the top of the seat that they've outgrown it (even though I beleive my manual says 40 inches and/or 33 lbs are the upper limits).

I am a little reluctant to turn him FF because I like the extra safety he has being RF, which I've been especially glad for because he has low muscle tone so I figure it's even more important for him to be RF than the average child since his strength is lower. However, on the other hand I think it would definitely be easier to get him in/out of the seat if he were FF (it's still 100% me since he doesn't really have the coordination down to crawl up and get in himself), so in that respect flipping him does sound appealing.

So, is it time to flip him and move up to a Regent?

I know, thanks to this forum, that I definitely want to keep him in a 5 point harness. Any alternatives to the Regent? Price isn't concern since I look at it as a long-term investment in my child's safety (and we're lucky enough not to have to worry about the cost); he'll be in the next carseat as long as possible.

TIA,

[all together ooky]

If you want to keep him RF you can get him an Uptown or Scenera that RF to 35lbs and is tall enough to get him there (the Scenera is a little shorter). But, at over 3 years old I wouldn't have a huge problem with turning him FF. But, he should still have time in the RA when FF. Or are his shoulders over the top slots? The head even with the top is only for RF. When FF you can go to tops of ears even with the shell, or shoulders creeping over the top slots, or 40lbs.

[julieakc]

We actually have a Scenera as our "extra" seat, and I have considered that, but the RA just looks so much more cozy (and the straps are easier to use, etc.). Of course part of the reason I am having such a hard time with deciding to turn him FF is because I do have the gear to keep him extended longer.

Thanks for the reminder that FF the RA goes to 40lbs...so that does mean that even if I do turn him I don't need a new seat yet. I'm honestly not sure where his shoulders come though so I do need to check that...and he does seem to be starting a growth spurt so he might not have much longer in the RA height wise even FF, but at least a few more months does give me time to look at the Regent IRL before making a final decision.

[Joolsplus2]

The new Britaxes, Maxi Cosi Priori, Recaro Como, and Evenflo Advance will all go to 35 RF and are taller than the Roundabout for RF. Maybe a Boulevard would be good, too, for head support (though these are all pretty cushy and supportive looking!).

Lots to look at, but they are so new they are not quite on shelves yet and hard to find... you could safely claim you are following the RA manual, since it does say tops of ears even with top of seat even RF, and that might get you a few more months to check out new seats.

:)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 3 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx

[julieakc]

Wow - it looks like the Recaro Como has a maximum height that is 6" more than the Regent (59" vs 53") - although this seems confusting to me since the seat height of the Regent is 1" higher???

If the height limits are right though maybe I should seriously consider the Recaro Como? I could keep DS RF and then still have plenty of use left FF once he reaches the RF limits. I found it available online, but I wonder if there's anywhere I can see it IRL yet?

[Joolsplus2]

It's not out yet... we don't know if we can trust that 59 inch limit yet.. but still, it's promising! (for example, my 9 yo is like 54 and *probably* not going to fit in the Como or Signo, but still fits in the Regent... height limits are so random...

Still, it oughta be out soon, lots of places taking pre-orders (I know at least a dozen people who are on pre-order lists, as soon as one of them gets it I'll have pictures, at least)...it might be 'just the thing'

:)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 3 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx

[mommyto4]

I've beenreally confused about the height limit difference on the Regent and Como. If the top harness slot on the Como is really 19 inches as stated, I can't see how it would keep a child harnesses to 59". Can't wait to see it though and figure out if it is taller than the Regent or not. Very confusing.

[Joolsplus2]

Things that make you go hmmmmm....

Would you bump that other post, about the tether anchors? I have to dig out the book when there's a baby not on me (sweet sweaty sleeping baby....pure happiness...)

:)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 3 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx

[mommyto4]

I'll try to find it and bump it.