It's Time to Upgrade!!

This past week has been a busy one for me but what else is new?

I had a WONDERFUL Birthday!  It was truly one of the best I ever had.

This week it became even more apparent that its time to upgrade Makenzie's car seat from the infant carrier to the big kid seat.

*insert whimper*

In usual Ashley fashion, I took straight to the Internet to research the safest car seat for our little backseat driver.

Because I was a tiny bit accident prone in my hay day, of course I am looking for the seat that is has the best safety rating.

We are leaning toward purchasing a Britax car seat however the price makes me want to lean back in the other direction.  (We are purchasing 2...maybe 3 of these bad boys!!)

Our 3 choices are below.  

Roundabout 55  $149.00

Taken from Amazon.com:

The BRITAX ROUNDABOUT? 55 convertible car seat is designed for children rear facing from 5 to 40 pounds and forward facing from 1 year and 20 lbs up to 55 pounds. The ROUNDABOUT 55 achieves revolutionary head safety through the use of BRITAX SafeCellTM Technology, Integrated Steel Bars, and Versa-Tether? that work together to minimize head excursion and reduce the risk of head injury during a frontal impact. The ROUNDABOUT 55 also incorporates BRITAX Side Impact Protection, offers a five-point harness, and multiple buckle and recline adjustments. A body pillow is provided for comfort. Features Benefits: 360 Degree Protection Features SafeCell? Technology features SafeCells designed to compress in a crash, significantly lowering the center of gravity and counteracting the forward rotation of the child seat which normally propels the child toward the front seat Integrated Steel Bars strengthen the connection to the vehicle and reduce forward flexing of the child seat during a crash Patented, Energy-Absorbing Versa-Tether? features a staged-release tether webbing to slow the forward movement, reducing the crash forces reaching the child, and a two-point attachment to minimize forward rotation while anchoring the top of the child seat Side Impact Protection comprised of deep side walls lined with energy-absorbing EPP foam distributes crash forces, shields from vehicle intrusion, and contains the head, neck and body Tangle-Free, Five-Point Harness distributes crash forces across the strongest parts of the body and provides a secure fit Superior Fit and Comfort Features 55-pound Weight Capacity for safety and comfort as your child grows Rear and Forward Facing Recline for child comfort and positioning High Density Comfort Foam provides an extra layer of padding to gently cushion your child Two Buckle Positions for your growing childInfant Positioning Insert may be necessary for small infants to achieve a snug fit of the harness around your child

Marathon 70  $209.00

 Taken from Amazon.com:

-Marathon 70 Collection.-Rear facing from 5 to 40 pounds and forward facing from 1 year and 20 lbs up to 70 pounds. -SafeCells designed to compress in a crash, significantly lowering the center of gravity and counteracting the forward rotation of the child seat. -Integrated Steel Bars strengthen the connection to the vehicle and reduce forward flexing of the child seat during a crash. -Quick-Adjust Harness repositions the harness shoulder height without disassembling the harness straps. -Built-in Lock-Offs ensure a snug lap and shoulder belt installation with minimal effort. -Side Impact Protection comprised of deep side walls lined with energy-absorbing EPP foam distributes crash forces. -Patented, Energy-Absorbing Versa-Tether features a staged-release tether webbing to slow the forward movement. -Two-point attachment to minimize forward rotation while anchoring the top of the child seat. -Premium Lower Latch Connectors for a quick and simple installation featuring a push button for easy release. -Infant Positioning Insert may be necessary for small infants to achieve a snug fit of the harness around your child (sold separately)

Boulevard 70  $247.49

Taken from Amazon.com:

-Boulevard 70 CS Collection. -Rear facing from 5 to 40 pounds and forward facing from 1 year and 20 lbs up to 70 pounds. -SafeCells designed to compress in a crash, significantly lowering the center of gravity and counteracting the forward rotation of the child seat. -Click and Safe Snug Harness Indicator is an audible aid that provides extra assurance when the harness is within range of appropriate snugness. -Integrated Steel Bars strengthen the connection to the vehicle and reduce forward flexing of the child seat during a crash. -True Side Impact Protection offers a head restraint creating an extra layer of energy-absorbing EPP foam, keeping the head, neck and spine ''in true'' or aligned. -Deep side walls lined with EPP foam to distribute crash forces, shield from vehicle intrusion, and contain the head, neck and body. -Quick-Adjust Harness repositions the harness shoulder height without disassembling the harness straps. -Built-in Lock-Offs ensure a snug lap and shoulder belt installation with minimal effort. -Patented, Energy-Absorbing Versa-Tether features a staged-release tether webbing to slow the forward movement. -Two-point attachment to minimize forward rotation while anchoring the top of the child seat. -Premium Lower Latch Connectors for a quick and simple installation featuring a push button for easy release. -Infant Positioning Insert may be necessary for small infants to achieve a snug fit of the harness around your child (sold separately).

Has anyone had any experience with Britax?  Can you recommend a better car seat?  (My wallet will thank you!)

The Mrs.