Big Boy Car Seat!

Henry's got a new ride.

Almost two weeks ago, we purchased a new big boy car seat. After researching different models, and learning more about car-seat safety in the process, we decided on an Evenflo Triumph Advanced. It's the Premier edition, and is a beautiful seat that looks great in my car... not that aesthetics was anywhere near the top of the list of priorities when making our decision. But, it's a nice touch.

The Triumph Advance, known in car-seat circles as the EFTA, comes highly touted as the most highly rated, comfortable, and safe convertible car seat in it's price range. There are certainly seats available for far more and far less money, and ratings follow respectively. If money were no object, Henry would have a Britax, but I have been assured that there is no "perfect" seat, and all must pass the same minimum safety standards, so I feel very confident that our choice was what was best for us.

We based our decision on a number of factors, including ratings, ease of installation and use, size, weight/height limits, price, and comfort. I want Henry to remain rear-facing (RF) until at least 18 months (hoping really for 24) and the RF weight limit on the EFTA is 35lbs - this meets the AAP recommendation. I also want Henry to be harnessed to the maximum weight limit of the seat, and for the EFTA that will be 50lbs. This isn't the highest limit available, but higher than most. When Henry outgrows this seat, we'll move him to a booster which will go to 100lbs, although I believe we'll be out of the seat before then, especially because he is such a big boy.

So far we love the seat! I was concerned that he wasn't reclined enough to be comfortable, but Daddy easily fixed that with a rolled up towel, per instructions in the owner's manual. It's plush and roomy, and he can really kick his feet up!

Okay, here's my schpeel: the current law in Texas states that children must ride rear-facing until they are 20lbs and 1 year old. That is really a bare minimum that the state requires, but most seat manufacturers, as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends leaving children rear-facing to the maximum weight/height allowances of the individual car seat, or 35lbs and 2 years old. There are lots of families who even practice extended rear-facing well into toddler-hood.

Here is a link for a video that convinced me we weren't going to forward-face Henry at one year. There is simply no good justification for turning him yet, especially when the safety benefits of leaving him rear-facing are so great. I hope you'll watch it and consider passing this information along. This is an article discussing the pros and cons of extended rear-facing. For more great car seat information, visit this site.

As for our family's decision, for now, we're going to reevaluate at 18 months. I would be very comfortable extending to the full 24 months recommended by the AAP, but 18 months is our compromise. ;)