Getting Ready for the Big Boy Car Seat

Today I spent the day searching for a big boy car seat for my little man. I still can't believe that it's almost that time for him to be seated, forward faced. Then there's the start of whole milk! But that's another story. I read some reviews and consumer reports and I'm still very conflicted. It's very important to me, to choose the right car seat, as I'm sure it is to most parents. But being rear ended on the freeway last week, really cements the importance of a good car seat. There are so many products out there, that it's not an easy task. With ratings/reviews from so many different people, with different opinions, price and different styles, there is a lot to consider. I think I have narrowed it down some but the tough decision is still yet to be made. I thought I would share my options and some of their specifications.

Evenflo Titan Elite Convertible Car Seat- Retail Price $99.99

• iParenting Media Award: Greatest Product Winner
• Rear Facing for infants 5 to 35 lbs.
• Forward Facing for infants 20 to 50 lbs.
• 5-point harness
• EPS, Energy Absorbing foam liner
• 4 shoulder harness positions
• High harness slots for taller child
• 2 buckle strap positions accommodate growing child
• Deluxe memory foam padding in seat area
• Removable head and body pillow for comfort
• Convenient up-front harness adjust
• Meets or exceeds all applicable federal safety standards
• All Evenflo car seats are Side Impact Tested

Britax RoundAbout- Retail Price $159.99-179.99

• Patented, Energy-Absorbing Versa-Tether with staged-release tether webbing, anchors the top of the child seat at two points to minimize forward movement in a crash
• Rear and Forward Facing Recline for child comfort and positioning
• Built-in Lock-Off(s) secure the vehicle seat belt so that the child seat does not move more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path
• Convenient Harness Holders keep harness straps out of the way while placing child in the car seat
• Small Contoured Base ensures a tight installation in all types of vehicles
• Energy-Absorbing Foam Liner (EPS) absorbs and distributes crash forces
• High Density Comfort Foam provides an extra layer of padding to gently cushion the child
• Front Harness Adjuster provides effortless front adjustment when loosening the harness system
• Premium, Push-Button Lower LATCH Connectors for a quick, simple, and tight installation
• Plush, Premium Cover Set with matching belly pad provides extra comfort
• Energy-Absorbing Base deforms in the event of a crash to absorb impact forces