Researching car seats AGAIN!!!

Okay, I know we discussed this already, but DH and I just subscribed to Consumer Reports to read more about carseats, among other items for our new house.
Anyway, did you know that as of the most recent test on the CR website, FISHER PRICE had the highest rated infant/toddler convertible carseat???

They are no longer available, and DH and I figure that's b/c they couldn't sell a safety seat w/a toy 'brand'...no one would want to buy it, since FP is synonymous with toys. I digress....

So, we found the Cosco and Graco Century to be slighty higher rated than the Britax, and much cheaper! I still cannot believe that the Britax is so expensive!

Does anyone have any experience w/the Cosco or Graco Century seats?? Please, just those who have used the seats repond b/c I need USEFUL feedback on these items, not just speculation. Thanks!

My sister also bought the Britax, she LOVESSS it.
It even reclines back so the kid can sleep better.
Its worth the extra bucks!

Thanks KP and Anna...I appreciate the feedback, but I still don't see what's so great about the Britax - expecially since it's not as highly rated as the Cosco or Graco Century. In terms of safety, I would NEVER put a price tag before my son's life, so that's not my issue. I just don't see WHY I should spend $200 or more for a seat that's only okay and not the BEST. Do you see what I mean?

And regarding the recline feature of the Britax - it's not as useful to me since it's only functional with the seat rear-facing. The whole seat moves, not just the back support. So, Paul is already 20 lbs and in 3 months will be a year old....which means that the seat will soon be front-facing. So, recline feature does not interest me.

BRU site does not have any info on the Graco Century or the Cosco Triad (I think this is now manufactured by Safety 1st). I will search eopinions and see what I find.

Claud - The only thing I can tell you is to go somewhere like Babies R Us and personally check the 3 out. Which ever one works best for you... you buy.

BUT what ever you do decide on be sure to check out Ebay!!!

For those who dont have a subscription to Consumer Reports - Infant/Toddler Convertable Seats:


Fisher Price Safe Embrace II 79704 (with LATCH) $160 Excellent but expensive. Padded for extra protection in side-impact accidents. Requires assembly. Color-coded for belt-routing. Has locking device for vehicle belts. Discontinued but may still be available.

Fisher-Price Safe Embrace 79705 100 Outstanding crash protection. Padded for extra protection in side-impact accidents. Requires assembly. Color-coded for belt-routing. Has locking device for vehicle belts. Discontinued but may still be available.

Cosco Triad 02-935 (with LATCH) 95 One of the best convertible seats for keeping bigger babies--up to 35 lb.--facing rear. Cumbersome tether installation and adjustment.

Britax Roundabout 200 Priciest seat tested. Padded for extra protection in side-impact accidents. Has locking device for vehicle belts.

Century 1000 STE Classic 44161 70 A very good seat for infants and toddlers at a competitive price. Holds babies up to 22 lb.

Century 2000 STE 44261 72 Very good protection for infants and toddlers. Holds babies up to 22 lb. rear-facing.

Cosco Touriva 02-519 50 One of the best convertible seats for keeping bigger babies--up to 35 lb.--facing rear. Low priced. Cumbersome tether installation and adjustment.

Century Bravo SE 44620 145 A very good seat. Convenient front-facing installation. 3-position recliner. DISCONTINUED, but may still be available.

Evenflo Horizon V 4251101 85 Very good protection for infants and toddlers. Convenient front-facing installation.

Evenflo Odyssey 5 point Comfort Touch 100 A fine choice. Convenient front-facing installation. 3-position recliner.

Century Accel DX 45200 70 — A very good seat. Convenient front-facing installation.
Safeline Sit n' Stroll 170 Expensive but versatile. Converts to stroller. Excellent fit to car in infant mode.
Not recommended as booster when child's size requires use of shoulder-belt guide.

Cosco Alpha Omega 02-531 140 Cumbersome tether installation and adjustment. Also serves as booster but not recommended for that use. Had same performance problem as Cosco Adventurer toddler/booster seat.

Does it say anything about the Eddie Bauer car seat?
Has anyone else purchased this one?

Claud youre totally right about not spending extra money if theres no need to. I dont know the exact reasons of why my sis picked this one, but she did research and even returned one or 2 carseats after a week of having them. The one she has that reclines is for her toddler. front facing.

I'll ask her for some info and post it here...

I looked for Eddie Bauer and I there wasnt anything. Sorry I couldnt help