Car Seat Reviews
I found the following links for car seat reviews for size infant, combination, toddler & booster helpful when choosing a child car seat.
I have the Evenflo Triumph (MSRP $119) and would purchase it again based on the price being about $100 less than the Roundabout . I like that the sides have the impact foam and it is relatively easy to install (although not as easy as the Britax.) We have only taken the car seat out a few times over the past year so this is not a recurring problem. Currently, my daughter is potty training; I have had to remove the seat cover several times so I have also modified the car seat without taking away any safety features to make the seat cover come off easily.
The only thing my husband doesn’t like about the Triumph is the turning locks as they sometimes stick; however, I have figured out how to use these without any problems (I untwist the lock and he pulls on the straps.)
I have friends that have the Britax Roundabout car seat (MSRP $200) and like it because of its safety ratings and ease of installation. All of them would purchase the car seat again, but you need to weigh your pocket book to the actual safety testing to see if it is worth your money for a few extra features.
Consumers Report ranks the Evenflo Titan 5 (at $70) as the best buy and rates it the best overall (however it does not have the side impact foam. )
In the end it doesn’t matter what car seat you purchase as long as you install it correctly and use it properly EVERY TIME!
Check out the following locations for scientific reviews.
Toddler & Booster seat reviews 5/06: If you want the full review you will need to either have an online account or find the printed review
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babies-kids/child-car-booster-seats/reports/convertible-car-seats-ratings/ratings-convertible-car-seats/index.htm
Infant & convertible car seat reviews from 5/06: If you want the full review you will need to either have an online account, or find the printed review http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babies-kids/child-car-booster-seats/reports/child-car-seats-ratings/ratings-child-car-seats/index.htm
This site would have been helpful when I purchased my convertible car seat as the one we currently own is a bit large for our caviler; however, I think I still would have purchased it because of the good safety features for the price.
http://www.carseatdata.org/ has an impressive array of information for car seats including measurements of car seats, http://www.carseatdata.org/csnumbers.html , and links to several manufactures web sites, http://www.carseatdata.org/links.html .
National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Review for 2005 (updated every 6 months.)
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CPS/CSSRating/
The following link describes the terminology used for car seats. It also has links to other review sites. http://www.car-safety.org/guide.html
Have your car seat checked once it is installed. Find the nearest Inspection Station at http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/