Carseat choices in Rapid City, SD

Hello, everyone. Thank you all for the very interesting information I have read on this board while lurking! This is my first post. Our 11 month old daughter has now outgrown her Graco SnugRide DX5 carseat (which we really liked in fact!). She is about 25# and really stretching out, at least 28" I think. So we are now looking for a convertible carseat and would like some of the very well-informed opinions here. First I will list carseats that I have examined in person here in Rapid City that I have seen recommended in this forum:

Century Accel 5
Graco Comfort Sport
Safety 1st Forerunner
Evenflo Triumph
Evenflo Odyssey 5
Cosco Alpha Omega

This carseat will be fit into the 2nd row seat of a '97 Chevy Astro Van LS with all-wheel-drive. We also travel a lot, including air travel. In fact, our daughter has already flown over 20k miles and ridden in the car over 20k miles in her short life. So, we are looking for a carseat that is also aircraft certified and fairly light and nimble.

Having looked at all these carseats I have a few impressions. First, the Accel 5, Comfort Sport, and Forerunner were all light, fairly narrow and with minimal padding. The Odyssey 5 was surprisingly well-padded and cushy, more than any other, and the strap system appeared well-designed and comfortable. Both the Triumph and Alpha Omega are very large and heavy; they would appear not to be appropriate for aircraft use.

So, I am looking for opinions related to these seats. I know about other highly rated seats (e.g., Britax) that are not available locally but we need to purchase asap and would prefer to do so locally. Also please keep in mind that we will be flying fairly frequently with the carseat. I must say I am leaning toward the Odyssey 5 now, especially if it is aircraft certified. Thank you in advance for your help and assistance.

Jeff
Rapid City, SD

Jeff,

If she's 25 lbs, she needs a new seat ASAP! The SnugRide has a maximum weight limit of only 20 lbs, so she's already too heavy for it.

Your impressions are pretty "spot-on". The Accel and Comfort Sport are basically the same seat - the ComfortSport has LATCH, the Accel does not. And I've never heard any complaints about the padding on the Accel, but it does seem fairly minimal. As does the ComfortSport and the Forerunner. I do like the Odyssey, although the similar seat the Conquest has a much easier to use harness adjuster. And the Triumph and Alpha Omega are pretty large/heavy.

All the seats you listed can be used on aircraft - any seat with a 5 point harness that is normal "width" is certified these days. Just look for a sticker on the seat that says, "This child restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and on aircraft."

My suggestion would be to narrow your choices down by installing each one in your vehicle and putting your child in it, then choose the one that is easiest to install and use correctly each time. Just do it quick! And remember, rear-face as long as possible. [link:www.thematlocks.com/jennifer/CPSafety/ExtendedRF.htm|Extended Rear-Facing]

Jennifer - Certified CPS Technician and mom of 2