exp. roundabout -- now what?

[gusbus]

Been several years since I've been car seat shopping...please help me out!

DC#1
7 1/2 years old
52 inches
60 lbs
-nearing 53" height limit on his Britax Husky, which also expires in Jan. 2010.
-also has Graco TurboBooster, which is good for another 2 years

DC#2
3 years old
37 inches
32 lbs
-in a Britax Roundabout, which I just realized is very expired
-is techinially big enough for the Husky, but it just feels too big for her, she sits down so low that she can't see out the window, and the Husky expires in 6 months anyway.

Other info:
-Car is a 2009 GMC Acadia with 2 captain's chairs in the 2nd row
-don't expect to have any additional children!
-willing to pay for ease of use, i.e. straps that don't twist, etc. (Have loved Britax seats; the Graco Snugride (the one made 8 years ago, anyway) was a pain)

The 3 year old obviously needs a new seat, and I'd love not to have to buy another one down the line. What's the seat to get?

And the 7 year old, I'm assuming, is good to go with the TurboBooster. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks for your help!

[o_mom]

For the 3 yo, I would look at the Britax Frontier or the Graco Natilus. Both sit lower, like the Regent, but really, for a seat that is going to last you the longest they all will be like that. Both will fit a 3 yo better than the Husky, though, as they are not as wide.

As long as the 7 yo fits in the Turbobooster with the back, then it is fine. If you want something taller, to last longer, the Sunshine Kids Monterey or Compass B510 or B540 would be good choices at that size. Also, the 7 yo can use the Husky until shoulder reach the top slots or tops of the ears reach the top of the shell - the height limit is just a guideline.

[Momof3Labs]

My DS1 is 54-55" tall and still fits in the Regent (like the Husky) with plenty of room to grow. As long as your DC1's shoulders are below the top slots (poke your fingers through the cover to confirm where they are relative to the slots in the shell), I'd use the Husky for him/her until it expires, and then go with the Turbobooster or another booster.

[Joolsplus2]

Your 3 yo is so petite she might do really well in a Recaro Young Sport, too. It's very comfy and supportive and becomes an excellent booster when she hits 40 pounds (the harness limit).

Though the Frontier and Nautilus are excellent choices, too, I just thought I'd toss out another option since your kiddo probably won't hit 40 pounds for a couple more years.

[AnnieW625]

My DD is the same size as your daughter and she does well with the Britax Frontier; it does sit low, but she can still see out the window of the 01 Corolla we have it in. She calls it her big kid seat even though she is still harnessed. I will warn you the Frontier is a PITA to install; we were this close to taking it back and getting the Nautilus. Have no comment on the Young Sport because I didn't know about the seat back in January, but have heard decent things about Recaro seats here so it might be a good seat to check out too.

[gusbus]

Thanks for all of your responses and ideas.

What does the price difference get you with the Frontier vs. the Nautilus? Nicer materials? Easier to use?

[Joolsplus2]

The Frontier is a lot roomier, a little harder to install, can be LATCHed as a booster, doesn't cause head slump when sleeping (Nautilus is unfortunately bad about that...won't matter if you don't have a car-sleeper!), fits more kids a LOT better when used later as a booster (Nautilus allows the lapbelt to ride to high on the abdomen in some kids in some cars, I haven't seen the FR not fit a kid yet...), and has a 'rip stitch' energy absorbing tether that reduces neck and chest forces on the child in a crash as it allows a longer 'ride down' time (stopping suddenly is like throwing an egg into a wall...all the energy goes into the egg...slowing down the stopping is like catching the egg with your hand, your hand absorbs the energy...the rip stitch tether absorbs the energy--in broad and simplified terms, lol).
The Nautilus is easier to install when using a seatbelt, is plenty sturdy, does fine in crash testing... you should really try them side by side to see which you love, they both have plusses and minuses

[AnnieW625]

DH picked out the Frontier because he thought it was a lot sturdier and he liked the fabric better. DH is an engineer and cheap by nature, but he had no issue spending an $90 or so more on the Frontier. He did like the integrated cup holder on the Nautilus though, he he!

A local store near me called Bergstroms in Orange County, CA (http://www.bergstroms.com/) has the Frontier for $249 right now as part of their anniversary sale. Call their store and ask if they'll honor the price over the phone.