Looking at Convertible Car Seats - what to buy?

[christinemfb]

Hi! I have a 1 year old (#4 for us!) and he needs a convertible seat. Since he's our last,I keep wondering if it's worth spending so much money for a Britax - I'd do it in a minute, if $ wasn't a consideration. That said, I keep looking at the Roundabout, because I like the LATCH clips, but I see lots of people talking about the Marathon. Is it really worth the splurge to buy Britax, or could someone recommend a less expensive alternative? My kids don't tend to be big, and I like Jupiter booster seats (3 in my minivan now),so even if I go with Britax, I'm not sure Marathon is the way to go. You'd think by the fourth time around, I'd have it figured out, but seats have changed so much since I last bought one. This is my first posting - thanks for the advice in advance!

[Joolsplus2]

If you get a Marathon, which is only a few bucks more on sale than the Roundabout, it will just last and last and last...like 5 years before your child outgrows it. It's easy to wash and very durable so if you're thinking, eew, ick, it would be disgusting by then, well, it won't ;). You've probably had lots of seats...ever had one with thick, non-ropy straps, extra padding under the bum, an easy harness adjuster, built in lockoffs for the seatbelts, EPS foam for head protection? Mostly, I just like my Marathon because it's easy for ME to install and use and clean, though...Even with two kids, I'm too busy to have to fiddle with difficult harness adjusters or twisty straps ;)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 2 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx

[SashaBear]

I'm looking for a convertible as well but I was hoping to get it at Walmart. Can anyone recommend one from Walmart?

[Joolsplus2]

I adore this seat: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=2233776 and if you happen to see it, the brand-new "Scenera" is a slightly nicer version of the Touriva for the same price, but it's not online and only at a few walmarts right now. Make sure to NOT get the overhead shield model. The Safety 1st Intera is also awesome http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=3132488

:)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 2 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx

[christinemfb]

Thanks for the advice - I'll go check them out again!