Switch to booster?

[arivecchi]

We just bought a car for DH. The Maestro does not install as tight as I would like - especially the thether. I can barely tighten it because of the shape of the headrest in this car. Should I go ahead and switch DS1 to a parkway sgl? I am thinking that another frontier does not make much sense at this point. DS1 is 5 years, 6 months old. He weighs about 48 pounds and is about 46-47 inches tall. I was able to get an awesome install in this car with DS2's roundabout.

[crl]

Why not just take the headrest off?

http://carseatblog.com/8/headrests-and-car-seats/

Catherine

[arivecchi]

The headrest does not come off. Its an electric one. I would appreciate thoughts on the switch.

[Joolsplus2]

Yeah, I don't see why not. If he's good in the car, it's a perfectly safe choice. If he turns out to be a wiggling wicked monster in the car, then you always have the option of reharnessing in something else for a little longer, if you neeeeed to. (I wish I could reharness my teenagers, man, they are the worst )

[mom2binsd]

Has he been in a booster? My DD was harnessed for some time and really dislikes the feel of the seatbelt on her, but she's too tall for all our harnessed seats (and she's almost 9!).

I'm guessing the top tether on the Maestro is a single strap rather than the Britax style that comes from both sides..bummer.

Wonder how the headrest will interfere with the booster? Hope it doesn't push it too far forward. I have to say I've never heard of electric headrests, but I drive a minivan and don't know much about luxury cars, I bet it's a nice vehicle!


Is there somewhere local to try the Parkway first or can you try your Frontier in there?? If needed if you got a Frontier you could always pass down to DS2 when DS1 is out of the seat in booster mode.

[crl]

Originally Posted by arivecchi

The headrest does not come off. Its an electric one. I would appreciate thoughts on the switch.

Sorry! Just trying to help.

[smiles33]

We moved my DD1 shortly before her 6th birthday to a Parkeay SGL and she loves being able to buckle/unbuckle herself and slide the red thing over the seat belt. She was having trouble with unbuckling the Frontier 85 harness so shifting to a booster made her much happier. I agree it doesn't make sense to buy another FR85 when he's that old, especially when you already have one (or more) for your DD2.

[arivecchi]

Thanks all. I think I may give the SGL a try. After looking at the Maestro install some more, the trouble (in addition to the headrest issue) seems to be the base. It slides in the leather seats no matter how hard we tighten it, so it is definitely not safe. DS will only be riding this car for 10 minutes in the morning and he is very well behaved, so I think we will give the booster a try. I'd rather have a well installed booster than a wiggly harnessed seat and as much as I like the Frontier, I don't think I need another one at this point.

CRL, I did not mean to sound short. I do not have internet service at my new house yet and was typing on my phone so I needed to be quick! My apologies!

[arivecchi]

Well, my brother helped me yesterday and we were able to get a tighter fit with the Maestro. The headrest can be pushed backwards so we did that to be able to tighten the tether strap. I must say though, the roundabout seems so much more solidly installed. Is DS more protected in the Maestro than a Britax booster with a tighter install? It does not make sense to get another Frontier right? They will drive in DH's car to daycare in the morning (5 minute drive) and around town on weekends at times.

[AnnieW625]

Can you move the Maestro to your car, and put the Frontier in DH's car? How much time will your DS spend in your DH's car? If not a lot and no sleeping time I don't think I
would spend oodles of money on a new seat, but that is just me.