Moving-on-up question

[Eliz_n_Abi_s_Mommy_Karen]

What can I get that's just a little bigger than the MA, something that I can use for just another couple of years? I think my 5-year-old is too tall for her MA, and I would like to get something that she can use for about 2 years (harnessed, preferably, and less expensive than the Frontier) and then pass on to her younger sister, and upgrade to something bigger at that point.

The reason why I ask for these very specific parameters is because I should've done something similar for their convertible car seats a few years ago. I could've saved some money by getting a RA for my firstborn, passing it down to the second, and upgraded the firstborn to a MA at that point. And then at this point, when my firstborn is ready to upgrade to something bigger, my secondborn could take the MA.

They're only 2 years apart in age, and so the issue of car seat expiration is not really relevant, I think, as long as I don't buy used.

I hope my question makes sense...

[AnnieW625]

We almost got a Graco Nautilus, but DH opted for the Frontier, he liked the fabric and quality better. The Frontier will last 9 years; not sure about the Nautilus. I think that you will get your money's worth out of the Frontier, esp. if you use it for two children.

[bubbaray]

Graco Nautilus or Britax Frontier.

[hez]

We went with the Nautilus (after putting DS in both the Nautilus & Frontier at different stores). He had more shoulder room in the harness in the Nautilus, so will be able to remain harnessed a bit longer. Plus, he likes his cupholder-- he asks to ride in Daddy's car because of it. We intend on using it as a booster after he outgrows the harness.

He has a Regent in our other car, and still has plenty of shoulder room. It's still $$$, though.

[Eliz_n_Abi_s_Mommy_Karen]

What's the maximum seated shoulder height for the Nautilus?

[Joolsplus2]

The Nautilus is about 18.5 with the harness, the Frontier is about 18.25, but I've seen at least one kid appear to have MORE growing room in the Frontier. That may be because there is a LOT more crotch and shoulder space in the Frontier...the Nautilus is a lot squishier in comparison...shorter crotch and seat depth, narrower shoulder space...like it pushes the kid more upright so they reach the top slots faster? Something like that, lol. My dd outgrew the Marathon at 6 (I know Britax lists 16 as the top shoulder height, but it really is 17 when the shoulders creep above the slots and the seat is outgrown), the Frontier and Nautilus at 8.