Chaos Car

Car seat chaos: Which one for my little guy?

I can't decide on a car seat for my 18 month old. I'm trying to find the best price - but the most important thing to me at this point is safety and comfort. I like the convertible seats with side 'wings' for head support and extra padding. I'm trying to stay away from brittax because i really can't afford them - even on sale!

I'm trying to decide between these 2: Recaro Signo Convertible Seat and Graco My Ride

Suggestions?? Either of these, or another recommendation? THanks a lot!
the recaros are originally up to about $300, but diapers.com has the recaro signo - 2008 model - on sale for 160 and free shipping

Since you point out that safety is the most important thing, I'm going to assume your son is still rear facing? What is his height and weight?

Both are excellent seats. Which one is better for you is going to depend on your vehicle and your son's size.

Some issues with the Recaro to consider:
It has a high base, so it can be tight in smaller vehicles.
It does not have a lot of leg room rear facing
Some find it to be narrow through the shoulder area, so it can be an awkward fit for older kids.

The My Ride has a higher rear facing limit (40lbs vs 35 for the Signo), but it has a lower forward facing limit (65 lbs vs 70 for the Signo). The MyRide also has a shorter shell than the Signo. So you'll need to consider if your child is heavier, or taller if you plan to rear face as long as possible.

Some people love the Recaro, but it really depends on your vehicle and whether or not you plan to rear face as long as possible. It is not usually a great seat for extended rear facing.

If it were me, between those two, I would get the MyRide because 1) I have a small 2 door car and the Recaro would sit way too high. and 2) I plan on rear facing DD to the limits of the seat to keep her 5 times safer, and that can be more comfortably done in the MyRide. FWIW though, she is in a True Fit which RF to 35 lbs, FF to 65 lbs, has a taller shell than the MyRide, and sits low on the seat, so kind of the best of both worlds on that one. It's a good fit for us. It runs about $180.

If your son is forward facing - first I would suggest that you research extended rear facing and watch the following videos on You Tube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMFPSStXfqE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K62Ea8Fs4ng
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8gU9zzCGA8
Second, if you still choose to forward face, the Recaro would probably last you longer forward facing than the MyRide as long as it would fit okay in your car. Depending on your sons stats, though, he may be able to fit okay in a combination seat, which harnesses and then goes to a booster. The Graco Nautilus is a good combination seat. Though I would strongly suggest not forward facing him yet.

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