Okay, I've been researching like mad, and I see that the 2 highest rated convert. carseats are the Britax Roundabout and Britax Marathon. As far as I can see, the only difference is that the Marathon is bigger and has a higher weight capacity. Does anyone know of any reasons why one might be better than the other??
kptoys
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Re: Carseat opinions please!
I bought the Marathon for DD. She can use it till shes 65lbs not 40. I think the only difference is a longer use from the Marathon.
JennRenee
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Okay, so I was reading the reviews correctly. Thanks.
Claud2001
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No, Jenn - the biggest difference is that the Marathon is not LATCH compatible over 40-45 lbs. It totally depends on how important the safety compliance is to you. By the time your baby is 40 lbs or more, you might want to use a LATCH approved booster seat, instead of continuing to use a toddler seat. For these reasons, we chose the Roundabout.
anna
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After being SET on getting a Britax, we winded up getting the Evenflo Triumph
I was doing research online and saw the great reviews (customer reviews and safety ratings), plus I have been very happy with my Evenflo travel system. I just love their products. So we decided to go with this carseat. It has the same side impact cushion as the Britax, has 5 recline positions, seems to be made really well. We're very happy with it so far! (and it costs half the price). Many of the reviews are comparing it to the Britax as well (Read the amazon reviews, has 150 reviews - five stars the best reviews are from those that have had it first hand:customers!
So far, we love it. ! and so does John Anthony! Loves his new throne !!
Anna - I was looking for one of those seats... isnt it discontinued???
kptoys
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Re: Carseat opinions please!
Claud - The Marathon is LATCH compatable till 48lbs.
Claud2001
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Karen - thanks, I can always count on you to correct me when I am wrong!
Jenn - I thought you might appreciate some shopping tips that were supplied by the people at Britax:
Whether you are purchasing your first infant carrier or your final booster seat, making the decision on which seat to choose can be confusing. We have put together a useful list of shopping tips that will help you find the best seat for you. We strongly urge you to TRY BEFORE YOU BUY to be sure that the product fits your needs and your vehicle and to ensure that you are comfortable with the installation procedure.
Important factors to consider when selecting a child restraint are the compatibility between child, automobile, child restraint, and caregiver/parent.
If you are considering a convertible restraint, try it in both the rear-facing and forward-facing positions.
You will notice that some restraints are easier to use than others; some will not fit into certain vehicles; some of each type are less well suited for the child's size and development. By trying the seat in your vehicle first, you can avoid a bad fit.
Read all product labels and verify specifications of restraint meet current needs.
Check the vehicle owner's manual for type of retractor on the seat belt and verify type is compatible with child restraint.
The best car seat fits the child, fits in the vehicle with its belt, and is convenient to use on every ride. Newer products are generally, easier to use correctly.
You should follow directions in both the child restraint booklet and the vehicle owner's manual.
kptoys
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Re: Carseat opinions please!
Claud - Its only about the car seat poundage... other than that you're always right
Claud2001
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Karen Not!
Elizabeth
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I have the Britax Marathon and we have a 1999 Explorer and it's been a pain in the a$$!!! Obviously we do not have LATCH capabilities so we put the car seat in rear facing, fine. Now how does it get anchored? Just using the seatbelt is not enough. I went back to the store and they show us how you use the strap in the back to anchor it to the floor either to the bar under the front seat that does not move or to a car manufacturer-installed anchor. So Derek went to Ford to have them install the anchor and they put it.....in the back back of the vehicle?? They say that's where it belongs!!! How does this anchor the car seat? If anything it will pull it forward not back! He was just at the Ford dealership today so I am still fuming (if you can't tell LOL)
Karen-Can you help? Or do you have LATCH capabilities? Claud-Is the Roundabout the same?
Anyone? Help!
Anyway, I did also post this to agree about trying them out with your car. We got rid of the box (against my own advice!!!) too soon I think. We must be doing something wrong.
kptoys
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Re: Carseat opinions please!
Well I have a 2001 VW Passat. It wasnt LATCH compatable so I brought it to VW and they installed LATCH for free. I have Emmas seat LATCHed in. BUT we borrowed my moms 2002 Explorer when we went to SC in Feb. Emma is still in the rear facing seat and the anchors were ALL THE WAY IN THE BACK... it was a pain in the A$$. I know what you mean about the seat pulling forward not backward. I guess they figure if you get into an accident they want to make sure the seat doesnt go toward the front of the car. I hope I am thinking about this the same way you are... ask Ford if they will install LATCH for you... they should for PR's sake.
JennRenee
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Wow! There is SO much to think about! Thanks for ALL of your input ladies!! Keep it coming!
JennRenee
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Oh I almost forgot... how do I know if my car is LATCH compatable?
kptoys
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Is it 2002 or newer?? Check your owners manual.
JennRenee
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It's a 2001, so probably not, right?? Good thing my lease is up soon.
kptoys
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Your owners manual should tell you.
Claud2001
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Liz - right now, we just have Paul's seat installed using the seatbelts. My car is leased, so I am not going to bother w/having LATCH installed in the car when we are giving it back in just a couple months. Hopefully, whatever new car we decide to get will be easier to install using LATCH.
michele31
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I never thought that they could install LATCH after the car was purchased. I just called my Honda dealer (I have a 97 Civic) and they said it is $55.00 for them to install LATCH in the car, but I need the car seat first. Toyota (Smithtown) said they DO NOT install LATCH But my local guy probably does so that is good.
kptoys
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Michele I would complain complain complain!!! I know its not something they were required to have in 1997 but it is a requirement now... I guess they dont realize they could ruin their reputation by not having the safest features available. Its like back in 1985 when the seat belt law was inacted... if your car was missing a belt would they have made you pay for the belt??
BTW - VW told me that they have kits to install LATCH and they have to remove the rear seat to do it.
