Does anybody know of a slim and light car seat for a 3 year old, about 30 pounds, 36 inches tall. The one I have seems too big and bulky for the back of the MINI.

 

Funny, I was going to ask the same question. But I have a few months until my car comes in.

 

How about Summitt Racing. I am using 3 sets of 5 point jr. dragster racing belts for my three young boys across the back seat. The boys are starting to feel a little crowded now that they are 9, 7 and 6. We still jump in a run down to Charlotte, NC to see grandpa, packing is easier now that they're bigger.

 

We use the Britax Blvd. and are very happy with the fit!

 

is it compact or bulky?

 

Graco Turbo works great and converts to a booster seat . Very ,thin ,inexpensive plus it's a turbo !

 

I've had a Britax Marathon in the car before and it does take up a lot of space. The narrowest harnessed seat that I know of is the Sunshine Kids Radian. I'll include a link below.

I'm lucky that my kids are now big enough to ride in couple of Recaro boosters.

http://www.amazon.com/Sunshine-Kids-...4707008&sr=1-1

 

+1

It's inexpencive (<$50!) slim, light, height adjustable, has arm rests, cup holders, good head protection and turns into a booster when you need it down the road. Don't be fooled by the price. This has tested out to be a good seat.

 

Thanks for the information.

 

Its not to bulky, It also has the adjustable head protection to prevent neck injurys in a side collision. Every thing on the seat is very easy to adjust for thin or bulky clothing, It also features a steel frame. When we originally went shopping at Babies R Us for car seats I had no idea in the difference in quality of car seats, Although it was not cheap "about 300.00" I could never forgive myself if something were to happen to my daughter becuase I tried to save 100.00 bucks, Car seats are like motorcycle helmets, You will never really know how good they are until you need it, I use Shoei or Arai for that reason.

 

Check out The official babies in car seats thread. I have the Recaro Young Sport and my daughter loves it. There are others in the thread that have it also and other brands as well.

 

This guy approves !

Graco Turbo user !

 

Don't mistake "inexpensive" for "cheap". I could have chosen my words better. The inexpensive Graco Turbo Booster has some pretty good test results and reviews to back it up, too:

Consumerreports - Highest Rated Booster
BabiesRUs,com - 5 Star Rating
Amazon.com - 5 Star
Target.com - 5 Star Rating
BabyCenter.com - 5 Star Rating
Lila Guide Pick - 2006
Consumersearch.com - Top Rated
Nextag.com - 5 Star Rating
BabyUniverse.com - 5 Star Rating
The Modern Girl's Guide To Motherhood - Favorite Booster Seat

Just because I didn't spend $300 on a seat doesn't necessarily mean I've subjected my kids to any unnecessary danger.

...and mine have been "red-head tested" so you know they'll hold up to just about anything:

 

MSH441 my reply was not directed at you. I answered a question directed to me. And as far as I am concerned, Inexpensive and quality seldom walk hand in hand.

 

My mistake. Sorry.

 

Dont worry about it, We all love our kids and only want the best for them! Your seat is a great seat. Your message just caught me off guard I apolagize. Plus you can't be all bad you got a cute kid and a Mini.

 

+1 on the Graco Turbo Booster seat... I use it for my almost 5 year old in both the front and back seat. He's comfortable, but if he falls asleep his head flops everywhere. Doesn't look like a problem if the back is installed on it, but since I don't own the back, I can't say.

Chances are you may be in the market for a MINIable stroller too... Here's a link if so.

 

I happen to be a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.....which means that I volunteer to check the installation of car seats (and the children in them) at Seat Check events. I also happen to work for a manufacturer of car seats.

The best car seat to use should fit the following criteria:
1) Should fit well (i.e. be compatible) with the car
2) Should fit the child well
3) Should fit within your budget
4) Will be a seat that you will use properly each and every time.

That being said, if you can use a five-point harnessed system for as long as possible, that would be the best situation.

Belt positioning booster seats are the least expensive way to remain compliant with the laws (above certain weight ranges). Belt positioning booster seats are designed to position the vehicle's seat belt across the strongest part of a child's anatomy. Unfortunately, we see far too many people put their kids in boosters too early. A child's anatomy really isn't built to take those kind of forces until well after the law says its permissable to use a booster. Trust me....I see crash test footage (using dummys) and the damage that an adult vehicle belt can do to a child is unimagineable...(although better than not being restrained). Boosters also allow children to get out of proper position very easily...and requires discipline on both the part of the parent and child. Shoulder belts moved behind a child can be fatal. Incorrectly latched seat belts (which parents often allow their kids to buckle themselves in) can also be fatal.

Another thing about booster seats that parents rarely do is to buckle the booster seat in when there is no occupant. If you don't do this, the booster seat becomes a large projectile and can actually be fatal to the parent in the event of a crash!

A properly installed and adjusted vehicle belt across a properly positioned and appropriately sized child in a booster is effective....but a five point harness is always a better idea.

I could (obvioulsy) go on and on. You should see some of the stuff I see at these car seat checks....bungee cords, wood blocks, no harnesses, uninstalled seats....etc......!

 

It simply boggles my mind that in this day and age with all the tools for finding information, public service announcements on TV, in magazines, etc... that people still do crazy/stupid things like this.