Convertible Car Seats

[MarissaNicole]

*Bump*

Leaning towards Britax because everyone seems happy with them, but a few questions:

1) What is the differnce between the Roundabout, Boulevard and Marathon Models?
2) I have a cheapie carseat that I bought at Target (COSCO brand) when my sister forgot to leave my nephew's carseat with me. DH and I were thinking of using that one for either his car or the sitters car because it won't get used much, but should I worry that it isn't safe enough? Do I need to buy another Britax or other brand for the sitter or our second car?
3)Any recs for certain models based on getting it in and out of the car or that fits well in most cars? I have a Nissan Murano, but DH has a sedan.

[HouseofWool]

I have a roundabout that I used for S until just recently (3.75yrs). I bought that one because I love Britax. Actually love isn't strong enough. Flove come close, but still not there. But, I bought the roundabout because I needed something that would fit in my itty bitty sedan. Of all of the top rated carseats, it has the shortest front to back distance when rear facing.

If you were closer, I would just give it to you. But if you are up for a road trip to BFE, it is your's.

[SuzySunshine]

We used a Cosco as our 2nd seat in DH's car and never had any issues with it!

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

I flove our marathon. And she's much happier in it than she was in her bucket seat. She's been in it since August.

[Deebs]

We had a Marathon and it is very easy to fit into many cars. It also seems to go on sale more than the others.

[SoonerTexan]

Honestly I don't see much difference between the marathon and the boulevard. We have both

[GreyhoundsRUs]

We were debating between the three different Britax and bought based on looks and local availability A really likes the seat. We switched her even though she was below the weight limit for her carrier because I wasn't carrying it and it ended up left in DH's car on a few occasions. Plus, she likes being more upright to see stuff.

[civilspouse]

I think the only difference between the Boulevard and the Marathon is the wings at the head that are supposed to be for side impact protection. We got the Boulevard and it has been great. We have a Nissan Altima and it fits just fine in there. If I were to do it over again though I'd probably get the Marathon, it was cheaper and sometimes DS seems to crane his head to see around the wings, but it isn't really a problem.

[ides]

We have the marathon. O says its comfy. He has riden in the Costco one at my moms and thru rental car agencys and he says its less comfy- ie makes his bum soar. Other than that the Costco is safe.

[Thirteen]

I think the only difference between the Boulevard and the Marathon is the wings at the head that are supposed to be for side impact protection.

Yes.

[MarissaNicole]

Any advice on where to purchase the roundabout? Amazon looks the cheapest but I thought I'd check here to see if you have any tricks.

Wife to PGY3

[GreyhoundsRUs]

No tricks - but go to a store and ask to try one in your car. When we were in FL, DH's aunt's car had a higher middle and the base was hanging over the edges. Also, you want to make sure it fits well with the incline you need to level it

[Phoebe]

We took a measuring tape to the store with us. The Britax doesn't fit in my car rear-facing.

[HouseofWool]

Try Albee as well I got S's a discount. I flove our roundabout. If we were closer I would just give you ours as she has outgrown it.

[MrsK]

Any advice on where to purchase the roundabout? Amazon looks the cheapest but I thought I'd check here to see if you have any tricks.

Wife to PGY3

I have a roundabout, two marathons, and a boulevard (2 cars, 2 seats in each car). I dislike the roundabout. It tilts awardly in my car. I've spoken to others who have the same complaint.

BTW, I read an article the other day that said the latch systems in some vehicles may not be strong enough to secure a convertable carseat with a heavy child. Basically, the max weight for the latch systems don't take the weight of the seat + child into account. The article recommended using the latch, teather, AND seatbelt to secure the seat.