RA vs MA

[khalloc]

My DD is just over 6 months and I want to get her out of her infant seat. She can probably last another 1-2 months in it. She is almost 25" but she is only ~14 lbs. I am tired of carrying the infant seat around, etc...

I planned on getting a MA for my car. My DH will need one for his car but he never drives her around. He carpools to/from work so the only time he would really ever have her is maybe on the weekend, but still rare at that. I dont think he will want to spend another $250+ on a MA for his car. He has a '97 Chevy Blazer now. But will probably get a new car in the next 1-2 years. We arent sure what though.

I like the safety ratings of the Britax and all the good reviews. I wonder if we should get a RA for his truck instead. I know most people say that kids outgrow the RA sooner so the MA is a better buy. But my girl is in the 17% for height an only 10th for weight. Maybe she would get her use out of it? Is there a case like this where the RA makes sense over the MA?

[schums]

For a seat that will be used as rarely as this one, I'd save the $$ and buy a Cosco Scenera at Target for ~$40. It'll RF to 35 pounds and FF to 40. It's got high top harness slots, so your DD will be able to use it for as long (or longer) as she'd use the RA. Then, when she outgrows it, you can get a combo booster or maybe just a plain booster, depending on how old she is when she outgrows it.

HTH,
Sarah
Mom to Alex (3/2002) and Catherine (8/2003)

[momtoB]

You might want to check but I'm pretty sure the RA and Scenera have about the same height top harness slots, and of course, both harness to 40lbs.

For a car seat that is rarely used though, the Scenera is a very good choice.

The advantage of the RA is that it's Britax so you can tether it rear-facing. The advantage to the Scenera is the price plus you can use it r/fing to 35lbs vs. the Britax 33lb limit. The Scenera might have an inch or so on the back seat height as well, which is an advantage when rear-facing if you have a tall child, or child with a long torso.

hth!

[khalloc]

Thanks. I wish we had a Target here in Vermont! Maybe I will try to get that seat next time we drive by a Target in another state, but who knows when that will be.

[Tondi G]

How about buying this Wizard that is on sale for a great price!!!

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002XO5NS/qid=1147404720/br=1-2/ref=br_lf_ba_2//104-4227933-3604761?v=glance&s=baby&n=542450

[essnce629]

How about a MA for your car and a FP Safe Voyage for your husband's? I have a Britax BV for my car and a FP Safe Voyage for my boyfriend's car and it's working out great for us. We had two Roundabouts and a Scenera before and my son just outgrew them all at 2 1/2 years old! No more lower weight/low harness seats for me-- I've learned my lesson for next time! The Safe Voyage has a weight limit of 55lbs and the same harness height as the MA so it should last you just as long. Most kids outgrow the RA and scenera by 3 years old (by height not weight).

***Latia
Birth and Postpartum Doula
http://www.socaldoula.com

Conner 8/19/03 (homebirthed water baby)
http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/a/aug2003angel
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_sapphire_24m.gif Self-weaned at 24 months!