What Seat Next?

[JoyNChrist]

We're looking to upgrade from DS1's Britax Boulevard.

I was thinking a Britax Frontier, but didn't know if there was a better or cheaper option.

He's 3.5, 40" tall (14" seat to shoulder) and weighs under 35 pounds (it was 31.5 at his last pedi appointment, but that's been a few months).

I'd like whatever we buy to last until he's finished with carseats/boosters.

[AnnieW625]

I think he'd do fine in Frontier. DD1 was about 36 to 38" and right about 31lbs when we put her in the Frontier just shy of 3 yrs. old. She's always been happy in that seat. The Frontier should last him that long, and if you are lucky might even work for the twins for a bit too. We plan on keeping DD1 in hers until she is at least 7 or 8 (depending on what seats we get for DD2 who would be 3 or 4 then), and then we'll hand them down to DD2 who will use them until they expire. The only other option might be the Graco Nautilus, but almost two years ago when we bought the first Frontier the Frontier was just built better and the consensus here was that the Frontier makes a better belted booster.

[mom2binsd]

Is the Blvd expired, he should have plenty of room in it, even to be still rearfacing if you want.

If it's not expired I'd keep using it, it will fit him better than the Frontier as he's still so little, my 37 lb, 42" 4 1/2 year old is fine in his MA.

[SnuggleBuggles]

Is the Blvd expired, he should have plenty of room in it, even to be still rearfacing if you want.

If it's not expired I'd keep using it, it will fit him better than the Frontier as he's still so little, my 37 lb, 42" 4 1/2 year old is fine in his MA.

My thoughts exactly. I completely remember wanting to buy a new seat for ds1 just because but now i appreciate eeking out the bits of usefulness in the product first. :)

Beth

[KrisM]

I'd keep him in the MA too, unless you need it already for someone else.

[WatchingThemGrow]

I got the itch too, but decided to keep DD in her Britax until she really outgrows it, at which time it will be pretty close to the exp. date.

[JoyNChrist]

Is the Blvd expired, he should have plenty of room in it, even to be still rearfacing if you want.

If it's not expired I'd keep using it, it will fit him better than the Frontier as he's still so little, my 37 lb, 42" 4 1/2 year old is fine in his MA.

The BV isn't expired, but he seems uncomfortable in it. The straps are all the way out and they're getting pretty tight in the shoulder/chest area. Maybe my measurements are off and he's taller than I think? I don't know...the seat's just starting to feel small.

We bought the BV new in 2008 so I'm planning to use it for a while with one of the twins when we're done with our Keyfits.

[KrisM]

The BV isn't expired, but he seems uncomfortable in it. The straps are all the way out and they're getting pretty tight in the shoulder/chest area. Maybe my measurements are off and he's taller than I think? I don't know...the seat's just starting to feel small.

We bought the BV new in 2008 so I'm planning to use it for a while with one of the twins when we're done with our Keyfits.

I'd look into it more. DD is 4.5 years old, about 41" and 42 lbs and fits fine in the BV. She rides in a Frontier because DS2 is in the BV now, but I think she likeds the BV better for sleeping. The Frontier (old) is bigger and she flops more.

[HIU8]

I'd look into it more as well. My DS fit into his MA until he was a little over 5 yrs old. He was at least 44 inches (he has a tall torso) and about 42 lbs--that is when his shoulders creeped above the top slots. Did you check to make sure the harness isn't catching on anything behind the seat that not allowing the harness to be pulled out all the way?

[MommyAllison]

Did you check to make sure the harness isn't catching on anything behind the seat that not allowing the harness to be pulled out all the way?

That was my thought too. My kids are both a little bigger than A, and fit in their Marathons with lots of room to grow.

If you do need a new seat, are you able to try A in a Frontier somewhere? FWIW, we have a Nautilus in DH's car for DD, and like it. She doesn't use it very often though, and has never fallen asleep in it. She loves the cupholder, of course. ;) Good luck - I'm kind of dreading having to choose a new primary seat for DD! I think we've got a year left, thankfully, since she is petite.

[new_mommy25]

Definitely check it out. My DS is tall and fit in his MA until he was 5.5. DD is 4.5 and 44" and still in a BLVD and it's not at the top height yet. The straps may need to be rethreaded. Have you taken it apart recently?

[Joolsplus2]

The Boulevard is a little 'tighter' than the Marathon, I think...the headwings, mostly, and I hope you've already taken out the lumbar padding? Removing the belly pad may or may not help with freeing up some space and making things more comfy for a 3.5 yo. Is the headrest dialed up as high as it will go? How much room between the tops of his shoulders and the top of the harness? (sometimes the cover falls down or up and doesn't really line up with where the straps are in the shell).

Anyway... since he's technically still in the height and weight range to fit rearfacing in it, I think your assessment is right, it probably just looks tight (and he's not too big for it, other than looks). The Frontier is way roomier, lower, easier to climb into... a great choice for a 3 year old. Hunt around for a bargain on one and go for it :)

[christiedavid3]

My DS is close to yours in age and size and does great in his Frontier 85. He still rides in his BV in grandma's car and fits fine as well. If you're wanting to get him a new seat, I highly recommend the FR85. DS LOVES his red "racecar seat"! :jammin: