Evenflo Deluxe Booster vs. Parkway

[musicep]

I'm trying to decide on the best booster for my 4 year old. Safety is the 1st priority, of course, so I would like to get a Parkway. But my son does use the cupholders on his current seat a lot and I've read poor reviews of the Parkway's flimsy cupholders.

Due to this, I'm also considering the Evenflo Deluxe Booster which has great cupholders but I don't know how safe it is.

If anyone has either of these seats, please advise me.
Thanks!

[Joolsplus2]

There's no EPS foam on the Evenflo headrests... it's still safer than a no-back booster...
Do you have other cupholders in your car? Once kids are in boosters they can often reach them....

How about the Graco Turbo or Cosco Prospect?
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 3 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx

[musicep]

Good to know about the lack of EPS foam. I do have cupholders but they would require him to lean over to reach them so they're not an option.

I'm not really enthused about the comfort level of the Turbo although I know it has good rating with the Fields. I am not familiar wtih the Prospect and couldn't find it anwhere on the internet. Do you know who carries it?

We currently have an Eddie Bauer convertible/booster seat from Target. We just started using it as a seatbelt booster because the crotch buckle was really causing male comfort issues... It doesn't have seatbelt guides and the seat belt is right across his neck. So I wanted to to get a seat with the guides.

I like the Britax reputation and my 13-month-old is in a Roundabout which is wonderful so I just hate it that the Parkway's cupholders are pitiful! I've been hoping that the new collegiate ones would be an improved model but it doesn't look like it.

Thanks for replying!
Elaine

[mommyto4]

If you have a little time to wait, maybe the Britax Monarch will be out soon. I don't know if the cup holders will be any better than the Parkway. Just a thought.

[Joolsplus2]

Here it is http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=4645519 and if he's under 40 pounds you could re-harness him (it's got a better harnessing situation from the seat you have now...).
There's also a link to the Apex, which is definitely roomier and harnesses to 65 pounds.
Britax is like BMW...the ultimate driving machine...if you want good cupholders, you have to drive a GM minivan, so to speak (I used to have a sunshine kids side rider on my dd's Marathon...that's pretty nice).

:)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 3 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx

[tjham]

Second vote for the SideRider mesh holders! I have 4 of them on various seats!
http://www.onestepahead.com/product/117/308781/117.html

[musicep]

Lots of good ideas. The Prospect actually looks identical to the Eddie Bauer one we've got, just different colors. Interesting to learn that.

I'm glad to learn about the mesh cupholders. They seem like a good solution. And maybe I'll wait for the Monarch. I hadn't heard about it yet.

Thanks to everyone who offered ideas!
Elaine

[Joolsplus2]

Is there a further-out crotch strap setting on your EB seat you could use? (yeah, it's the same seat... I want the backless one for the middle of my minivan...it's enormous, lol).
The Monarch should be out really soon, I just printed up the instruction manual for fun Saturday night reading (the prototype was very cool when I saw it this spring, but I didn't check cupholders).

Good luck with whatever you decide on!
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 3 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx