in my opinion has got to be the Britax Roundabout® compact convertible car seat. As soon as baby outgrows her/his infant carrier seat, she can graduate to this seat which converts, thus the name, from from rear facing (for infant stages) to forward stages when appropriate to a toddler seat. Some variatiions of the Roundabout accommodates a child up to 65 pounds.
The seat is the industry leader. We've had two (one for each car) that we have (will use) for all three children. These seats are long lasting, made of sturdy materials, have the 5 point harness belt, the tether strap for extra security.
GG has finally outgrown her infant seat and has graduated to the Britax. I love that she can sit in that seat from aged 9months what she is now until three, the age of her brother
who will now be displaced from the Britax and who will move up to a big boy booster seat now.We have the Marathon which cost an average of $280 but are well worth it compared to other seats.
Many of the parents in my neighborhood and circle of family and friends own one and that says a lot that so many people trust the safety of their kids in this seat.
Even About.com rated Britax seats among its top car seats.
From the company website
the Britax Roundabout® compact convertible car seat. is renowned for safety, comfort, and convenience. The seat features side impact protection, which distributes crash forces, shields from vehicle intrusion, and contains the head and body. The Roundabout’s compact size is ideal for use with vehicles with limited rear-seat space. The tangle-free, five-point harness with three harness heights ensures a snug and secure fit. Premium push-button LATCH connectors provide a quick, simple and tight installation. Unique features include the patented Versa-Tether® for energy management, and rear- and forward-facing recline for child comfort and positioning.
I just happened to come across your blog and love that your promoting Britax, they are GREAT carseats!! But just thought I'd let you know Roundabout isn't the variety of carseats of anything, that's one specific kind that Britax makes...not a category, Marathon is a different one, Boulevard is another..there are a bunch. But these also can be used from birth up rear facing. Also it's recommended they stay rear facing as long as possible, up to the 35lb weight limit or until their heads are above the back of the carseat, and then forward facing after that...not just until 3yrs, they should be in a harness as long as possible :) Thanks again for an informative blog, I'm going to read some of your other entries as well