Originally Posted by
Eclipsepearl
I was trying to remember what it was. I didn't realize that it has an internal harness. If you consider this feature, plus the fact that it folds down, it's really not that expensive.
For parents who travel a lot, this is a very practical item. It's another "luxury travel product" essentially, like the Sit & Stroll. For families who will really get use out of it, it's worth it. Think second-baby gifts. Some reading might prefer this over a dozen more baby clothes. Get your family and friends to pool or put it on your wish list!
It's also great for us city folk who don't own cars but rent late model cars that are almost all equipped with LATCH.
I hear you on the LATCH. Much easier to install. Was miffed when my dd went over the weight. I had to learn to use the good old seat belt again...
There's no way to install this seat without LATCH and use the 5-point internal harness. My understanding is that there are three "modes" in which you can use this seat:
1) 5-point harness, which requires LATCH and a top tether and a kid under the LATCH weight limit for the car.
2) belt-positioning booster, which requires a top tether (and maybe LATCH?) but the kid can be over the weight limit for the car.
3) backless booster, where the LATCH lower anchors are optional (I think).
But aren't the LATCH weight limits by the car seat and not the car?
EliteCarSeats.com, which I find has some of the most comprehensive car seat info, implies that
the LATCH weight limits are by car. I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that most cars are 40lbs but some makes specify weight limits above that. I assume the info is in the owner's manual. Note that the weight limit only applies when using the 5-point harness (since if you're using the 5-point harness, LA
This can't be used on the plane, which is another minus but a minor one. It beats getting your car seat lost and/or broken in transit.
Correct.