 Recaro vs Britax |
| Review Date: August 8, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Mom of two boys, Connecticut |
When I first started my research about car seats, I though that Britax was the best car seat on the market. Then I started to do more research on crash tests, read tons of reviews of car seats, and found people stating European car seats were far superior to our American made. Many people recommended purchasing a European car seat.
I researched the European market and found that Germany had the best car seats on the market, England's cars seats were second and American car seats came in third. All German cars seats must pass a crash test of 45mph, England 35mph, American 30mph standards. Since Britax was sold in the UK, I thought they must meet the UK standards, but they don't. They have completely different models and one study proved that Britax American car seats failed the Britax England crash tests studies (they have to because of the different crash test standards 30 vs 35mph). If you have time, research the English car seat market, and look how different their car seats look compared to our American versions (britax.co.uk). Their crash features are far superior to our car seats, All have side impact protection and many have a boot in front of the car seat that keeps the car seat in place during a collision. I tried desperately to buy a car seat from England, but was not able to. I called a ton of private shops, even tried ebay.co.uk and could not get a seller to send me a car seat. I called Britax UK to see if they would send me one, and they could not do it legally.
The next option was to try a German car seat. After much research I found Recaro car seats were not only sold in Germany, but the same car seats (and models) were available here, meaning if they are good enough to pass their standards (45mph vs our 30 mph), they are the best available here in the US. From what I could gather Recaro was not the best car seat sold in Germany, in fact, when I did my research a year ago, depending on which study you looked at, they came in 4th or 5th (it is difficult to read German or find an Amercian article written about German car seats). I happen to find a co-worker who knew German and who was able to read these articles for me. My conclusion was that this was the best car seat I could legally have here in America.
I was still torn between Britax and Recaro because it's safety features were still very similar (and they look very similar in pictures on the internet). I was determined to purchase one Britax car seat and one Recaro (we had two cars), but we went to USABaby to actually see both car seats side by side, this settled our dilemma once and for all. Recaro won, hands down. There is no comparison. The Recaro was so much more sturdy, solid, better side impact protection, superior features than the top of the line Britax (both were essentially the same price.) We purchased two Recaro's. The sales person stated that this was the best car seat available for purchase.
I had a smaller car, so I was concerned that it wouldn't fit, but it did. I had to push the front seat up a bit, but it worked fine. We have had it for over a year and we still love it. I have baby #2 in the Britax infant seat, (they no longer make) which was the top of the line at the time (2007). I was planning on purchasing a Recaro infant seat for baby #2, which was due to come out, but hasn't yet, so we kept the baby in the Britax. Now we are looking into purchasing another two Recaro's for our soon to be one year old. I look at other people's car seats and mine is just so much better than any other car seat I have seen available to purchase. I know they say it's not what car seat you purchase, it has to be the right car seat for the car, and it has to be installed correctly. My theory, you purchase the best car seat available, and you make sure it's installed correctly.
Do your homework and take a look at what is available at Babiesrus, and then look at USABaby or your local retailer who carries Recaro, and make the comparison yourself. There is none, but you have to see if for yourself. I am satisfied that I did my homework and I chose the best car seat that is available for my child. Car seats makers here in the U.S. are just now starting to catch up on the technology that Recaro has had for the past 5 years, which I am pleased to see, but is still not 'up to par', to Recaro's or current European standards. Every child deserves the best chance of survival if 'god forbid' you get into a collision. Recaro's are expensive, but it's worth every bit of sacrafice you need to give up, to purchase the best car seat available for your precious child, here in the U.S.
I hope this will help other's out there who are researching this topic as extensively as I was, because I was not able to find any article or personal review answering my question of which car seat is the best available, and why. |
If Safety is your concern, this is the one.
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| Review Date: July 28, 2009 |
| Reviewer: J. Kempe, Raritan, NJ |
I already knew about Recaro from their history in racing seats, Porsches and airplanes. So when I saw they were making child seats, I figured they were worth looking into. I found a store that had floor models of the competing Britax and the Recaros and got in the car to go look. Side by side, it was no comparison. Though both companies list that they have side bolsters and protection, the Recaro's is so much more obvious and padded. It isn't even close. The shop owner and I spoke for about 15 minutes about his opinions on the seats. He said basically the same thing I was thinking. He stated that many people buy the Britax because of a suggestion from a friend or family member. He said if they are willing to look at other brands as soon as he puts the Recaro next to the Britax Marathons, people were choosing the Recaro 2 to 1. It is a superior product.
As I drive smaller cars (and plan to have more kids) I was very focused on having the proper side impact protection. The seat fits easily in my small coupe and hatchback without any trouble. My son is comfortable and can see easily out the front of the car. He has never whined about going into the seat, and has been on three trips that required us to drive over 10 hours in a day, and the seat didn't interfere with our travel (we stopped a few times, but that's expected.)
If I owned huge vehicles and could put him in the middle seat of both of my cars (coupe is a 4 seater) I might have been open to other seats, but that wasn't the case, so I needed to know this was the safest seat I could get. The higher cost versus some seats was easy to spend when it came to the safety of my child.
The infinitely adjustable straps are key too. The Como and Signo are basically the same seat, but the turn-dial adjustment is so easy, it'd be silly to waste you time on the Como. I immediately put the seat on the list to purchase. We bought it from the small shop and not here on Amazon, but I am in the market for another Signo and felt I would share my opinion.
I have since recommended this seat to every friend/family member that has/is having kids.
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Love it so much we bought 2!
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| Review Date: May 10, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Emily Bartkowicz, Fort Lauderdale, FL United States |
After lots of research we chose the Recaro Signo over all other brands and models. The fact that Recaro also makes seat and restraint devices for Nascar made me feel extrememly secure that I was buying a safe product. My 20 mo. old son has been using this seat since he was 12 mos (and outgrew his infant seat). It's extremely comfortable for him - he sleeps great in it on long drives. When we learned we were pregnant again, we decided to buy a second seat - one for each car and then one for each kid when #2 was ready for a full-sized car seat.
My only gripe with the seat is that the buckles tend to twist around on the shoulder straps and you often have to spend a few extra seconds turing them around before you can buckle the seat. We've learned this doesn't happen as often if you stretch the straps out completely before removing your child, but it still happens on occassion. Still, I would recommend this seat to EVERYONE. |
Great Car Seat!
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| Review Date: July 2, 2009 |
| Reviewer: New Mom, NC |
| Very pleased with this car seat and for the price Amazon is selling it for (over 40% off), it is a no-brainer! Not quite sure what the first review is talking about. To find out if the seat is part of the recall, you look at the manufacture date (prior to Dec 2007). The seat is definitely black (not navy) and tan and looks great! It is so soft and sturdy. Great car seat (for safety and comfort) for the price! |
Best car seat ever
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| Review Date: September 17, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Go Bengals, Cincinnati, Oh |
| I am a mother of 3 kids and have owned multiple car seats. I have never felt better about my purchase! I actually feel guilty for the junk I put my older kids in! This seat is incredibly sturdy and well built! No cheap plastic here, all metal bars and construction worthy of my children!! The seat is also very soft and comfortable. We just had a 14 hour car ride w/ 2 of my 3 kids riding in Recaro Signo seats and never once did they complain about being uncomfortable. (They complained about plenty of other stuff, but never the seat!) Look no further, this is the best car seat out there. |
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Tuesday, September 15th, 2009 at
7:56 am
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User Reviews
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| Evenflo Tribute V Convertible Car Seat - Abby II |
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| Manufacturer: Evenflo |
| Customer Rating: |
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| List Price: $69.99 |
| Sale Price: $79.99 |
| Availibility: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
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| Buy Now |
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Product Description |
| Evenflo's Tribute 5 DLX is the 'throne' of convertible car seats! Expertly designed to standards that exceed the stringent requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 2123, it's the smoothest, safest way for your baby to ride! The DLX is designed for children from newborns to toddlers (about age 3) weighing 20-40 lbs. The Evenflo Tribute 5 DLX Convertible Car Seat works perfectly with the LATCH system found on vehicles made after 2002, and it installs easily for a secure and sa |
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Product Details |
- Side impact tested
- Five point harness
- EPS, energy absorbing foam liner
- Upfront harness adjustment
- Fold down cup holder
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Video Reviews |
Installing Car Seats: Evenflo Tribute 5 Rear Facing
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Customer Reviews |
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Monday, September 14th, 2009 at
1:23 am
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User Reviews
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| Britax Marathon Convertible Car Seat - University of Maryland Terrapins, Red Cover |
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| Manufacturer: Britax |
| Customer Rating: |
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| List Price: $270.00 |
| Sale Price: $329.99 |
| Availibility: Usually ships in 24 hours |
 Free Shipping Available |
| Buy Now |
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Product Description |
| The Marathon is Britax's best selling car seat and it is renowned for its ability to keep your child in a harnessed restraint up to 65 pounds. Unique features including a premium push-button LATCH connectors with patented Versa-Tether, a sculpted base, and built-in vehicle belt lock-offs, make a tight installation in your vehicle quick and simple. The tangle-free polyester 5-point harness helps to effortlessly secure your child every day. The Marathon also offers a patented HUGS system for children rear-facing from 5 to 33 pounds or children forward-facing from 1 year old and 20 to 65 pounds. |
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Product Details |
- Side Impact Protection
- High density comfort foam gently cushions your child
- Plush, washable cover with matching belly pad and shoulder comfort pads
- Embroidered Logo: Collegiate Licensed Company (CLC) approved
- Made in the USA
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Video Reviews |
Britax Marathon Convertible Car Seat!
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Customer Reviews |
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Sunday, September 13th, 2009 at
1:23 pm
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User Reviews
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| Britax Roundabout Convertible Car Seat Onyx |
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| Manufacturer: Britax USA |
| Customer Rating: |
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| List Price: $179.99 |
| Sale Price: $179.99 |
| Availibility: Usually ships in 24 hours |
| Free Shipping Available |
| Buy Now |
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Product Description |
| The Roundabout from Britax is a sturdy and reliable restraint system that helps protect your child in the car. Designed for children rear facing from five to 35 pounds and forward facing from at least one year old and 20 pounds to 40 pounds, with a standing height of up to 40 inches for both positions, this convenient seat features a versatile, contoured base that fits in almost any car.  | The Britax Roundabout offers: - Tangle-free, five-point harness.
- Contoured base that fits on any car.
- LATCH system compatible for east installation.
- Built-in lock-off clips that keep the seat tightly in place.
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The Roundabout features a quick and easy installation with either LATCH or traditional seatbelts. (Tan Swirl color shown.) View larger. | Quick and Easy Installation
Easy to install correctly, regardless of whether your vehicle is LATCH compatible or not, the Roundabout takes the guesswork out of installation so you know your child is safely positioned on every trip. The Roundabout features a tangle-free, five-point harness made with rough and tough polyester webbing to resist wear and tear. The push-button LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) connectors help tightly secure your child quickly and easily so you won't have to worry about struggling with endless straps and complicated procedures, and convenient belt holders keep the harness to the side so you can place the child in the seat. Additionally, the harness offers three adjustable shoulder height positions for a snug fit over the shoulders, collarbone, and hips. Finally, the Roundabout provides built-in lock-off clips that keep the seat tightly in place when using only traditional seatbelts at installation. A simple handle pull allows the car seat base to be easily reclined when rear-facing, and the one-pull harness strap adjuster makes for a quick, easy, and secure fit every time. HUGS for Optimum Safety and Support
When it comes to safety, the Roundabout truly delivers. First, the patented floating HUGS (Harness Ultra Guard) system exceeds U.S. safety standards by reducing forward head movement as it gently cushions the neck and chest with soft padding--a feature that's particularly important both in the case of an accident and during nap time. Made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extra thick comfort foam, this system better distributes the webbing loads, reducing head movement and minimizing harness irritation on baby's neck in case of impact. HUGS also reduces the chance of improperly positioning the chest clip. Versa-Tether for Additional Security
The Roundabout also offers Britax's patented Versa-Tether, an anchor aid that provides additional security in the forward facing position for children weighing more than 50 pounds. The Versa-Tether fastens the top of the car seat to factory-installed automobile anchor points, minimizing the possibility of a head injury in the event of impact. Weighing only 14 pounds when empty, and measuring 18.25 x 25 x 23.5 inches (WxHxD), the Roundabout is incredibly comfortable. For added convenience, it is certified for air travel. The Roundabout comes with a limited 1-year limited warranty. The Roundabout is also available in the following colors: Granite, Cowmooflage, New Denim, Tan Swirl, and Jessica.
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Product Details |
- Easy installation with built-in lock-off clips, Versa-Tether and Safe Guard LATCH Connectors
- Tangle-free 5 point harness with 3 heights for convenience and a more secure fit
- Equipped with Energy Absorbing EPS foam for additional protection during impact
- Push button, one pull front harness adjustment
- Rear facing: 5 to 35 pounds, forward facing: At least 1 year old and 20 to 40 pounds
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Video Reviews |
Britax Rear-Facing Car Seat Installation Using Lap/Shoulder Belt
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Customer Reviews |
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Saturday, September 12th, 2009 at
7:56 am
 The safest convertible car seat is one that the child cannot unbuckle on his own. This is crucial for a child's safety and protection and when a car seat is used properly, under adult supervision that is; there will never be a time when the child needs to figure out how to get out on his own.
Children at the stage where they need to use a car seat have not developed the judgment to know when it is the right time to unfasten themselves from their car seat. A good child safety seat will have safeguards in place to make sure that the child can't open the seat on his own.
Car seat regulations are always changing and so manufacturers must make car seats that conform to the latest safety standards. Each year manufacturers make new models of car seats in order to supply consumers with car seats that meet the latest safety requirements. The safest car seat is the most up-to-date car seat in terms of national car seat safety regulations.
Car seats with thin, narrow and old straps are not safe. Thin and old straps can break easily and narrow straps can actually cut into your child in the case of a collision. The safest car seats have wide padded straps to hold the child comfortably and safely.
The safest car seat is one that has been tested on a dummy in a variety of possible collision scenarios. Many companies say that their car seats conform to all car seat rules and regulations but when it comes to protecting your child a car seat that has been tested on a dummy and passed the test is the one to choose. After all, your seat in the car has been tested with a dummy in it why deprive a helpless child of having his or her seat tested as well?
Convertible car seats can be used in either the forward facing position or facing the rear. Car seats that are setup so that the child is in a rearward-facing position are the safest, especially at a young age. With this style of car seat if there is a collision the child doesn't get thrown forward out of his seat and his head is more protected.
Adults may think it is funner to place a young curious child in a forward facing car seat but ultimately, having a safe and sound child is funner. You can make sure that the child has someone sitting next to him o
Saturday, September 12th, 2009 at
7:46 am
Graco car seats are the standard in child products. These are varied in their forms and in their uses. You can get an infant car seat. This will only last you until the child is 32 inches tall.
Your baby will face backwards in their Graco car seat until they are 32 pounds. Most children can fit into this infant car seat until the age of one year. these are very nice for easy of use.
Most strollers accommodate the Graco infant car seat. You push a button and the car seat snaps safely into place. The base remain in the car. That way, your baby can sleep with no interruptions. You as the parent can breathe easy knowing that your infant is safe and snug. This Graco car seat is called the SnugRide.
Graco car seats are available in larger models. These accommodate your baby until they are 65 pounds. This allows you to have your infant facing in the rear position until they are 40 pounds. Some people prefer this as it is considered safer for the baby. These Graco car seats are sturdy, but are not as convenient as the infant car seats. This Graco car seat is called the MyRide Graco car seat.
The ComfortSport Graco car seats are the largest car seat available for your baby today. These can be used as early as birth in the rear facing position. Then at 20 pounds, you can face the Graco car seat forward and allow your baby to see the world. This is the most economical car seat available from Graco today. It will go from birth to no car seat. It is not as convenient as the infant car seat models; but it is less expensive.
Every single Graco car seat comes in several styles and colors. You can get replacement parts if anything breaks on the car seat. Every Graco car seat comes with safety features like the five point harness, and side impact safety zones. You can rest easy knowing that your little bundle of joy is safe and snug in their Graco car seat.
Friday, September 11th, 2009 at
9:23 pm
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US $254.99
