What do with small toddler and big baby - seat combos

[janine]

Right now our baby is in the infant carrier seat (Snugride) and my toddler is in her RA55. We have the same in our 2 cars. But now the baby is approaching 20lbs so it's time to switch. The thing is my toddler is tinsy, and only 28lbs at 3.5.

Should I move the baby into the RA55 and get a Britax Frontier 85 for the toddler? And how important is SICT?

Or should I get a Marathon 70 for the baby or something equivalent to that (Evenflo Triumph,etc) since DD2 can probably last quite a while in the RA55.

Thanks - trying to prevent buying even more seats in the future!

[epiclesis]

A Frontier for a small 3.5 year old is kind of overkill, but an option.

I would pass the RA down to the baby and get the toddler a Nautilus or a SecureKid, or a Frontier.

[vonfirmath]

Is the toddler FF or RFing?

[janine]

she is FF'ing...

[Aishe]

My almost 3.5yo is about 26 lbs. He is RFing still, but even if he was FFing I really can't imagine him in a Frontier. It just seems too big. Can you take her to a store and try her out in it?

[vonfirmath]

I'd recommend a Maestro for her then. If she was RFing it would make sense to buy another convertible for the baby. But since she isn't, pass the convertible down!
We use a Maestro for our son and he's 5 year old and still fits. He has a long torso, but is light on weight (39 pounds)

It is REALLY easy to install. And lightweight to travel with, if you ever need to.
I've never had to take the cover off to clean though.

[janine]

Originally Posted by Aishe

My almost 3.5yo is about 26 lbs. He is RFing still, but even if he was FFing I really can't imagine him in a Frontier. It just seems too big. Can you take her to a store and try her out in it?

I agree it seems big. I just have a few friends who buy it for their 2+ year olds thinking it's a booster that converts and therefore more economical.

What seat do you have your DS in? I will need to get to a b&m store I think...

thanks

[arivecchi]

I started using a Frontier with DS1 when he was about 2.5 yo and it fit him great (and still does now). I would not hesitate to purchase a Frontier for an almost 3 yo or 3 year old. The harness and headrest adjust so well that it really does fit kids of many different ages.

I have a Maestro as well and like it, but prefer the Frontier as a primary seat just because it is more hefty.

I would not bother with a SICT one unless you have an old car with poor safety ratings.

[AnnieW625]

We bought a Frontier for 38" and 30lb DD1 at just shy of 3 yrs. old. The seat fit her very well. I don't think you can go wrong with that seat. JoolsPlus2 has a photo album of "Leah in car seats" linked in her signature, and you will see how well the original Frontier 80 fits Jools daughter. It was those photos that made me realize what a great fitting seat the Frontier really is. Leah was not quite 3 or had just turned 3 at the time the Frontier originally came out.

I don't think you need the SICT if you drive a newer and safe car, but I know people who have the Advocate (a BLVD with SICT padding) and love it and think it is the best option because it was the most expensive seat. Imho had I been able to find one on sale for a really good price in pattern I liked then maybe I would have thought about it, but I think all Britax seats are safe and I don't thibk you need to spend the extra money on it. That is just my .02 on that.

[Aishe]

Originally Posted by janine

What seat do you have your DS in? I will need to get to a b&m store I think...

He's in a BLVD. But it sounds like other posters have had good experiences with 2-3 year olds in Frontiers so it's probably worth trying, especially since she's FFing already.