Best convertible car seat?

[Janie]

I am going to buy one of these in the next week or so, I have done some research, but was wanting some feedback from those who love/hate their car seat.

Thanks

[krisp]

We have 2 safe and sound car seats. The AHR Platinum in my DH's 4WD and the Compaq Deluxe in my car (it's a smaller seat), and we love them both.

[Olive]

we have the safe and sound meridian AHR and love it!!

[LuluHB]

I've got the S&S Meridian too. Brilliant, but its quite big so make sure it fits in your car.

[PlonkeeMumma]

ditto to ladies above - we have two s & s meridian AHR and they are great. We have one retractor and one manual and prefer the manual one as we find the retractor one doesn't often do the belts up tight enough even though we pull them from the back first. HTH and happy shopping

Julie x

[Willow]

we have the safe and sound meridian AHR and love it!!

We have this one too and love it. Ours is the manual model also (the sales staff at the baby shop we brought it from recommended this version over the automatic version).

DD turns 3 in January and has only just stopped using this seat because the new bub will need it.

[Tyige]

We have the Safe and Sound Royale and love it.

We have one retractor and one manual and prefer the manual one as we find the retractor one doesn't often do the belts up tight enough even though we pull them from the back first.

I agree If I was to choose again I would of gotten the manual one. Still does the job but.

[sushee]

We have a Safe and Sound Premier Retractor (l actually love the retractor!) amd I bought it coz it was a dark grey, and even now 12 months on, it looks as good as new! i like Safe and Sounds in general anyway.

[Mel09]

Ok... My opinion from working in a baby store...

The SNS Plaitnum, is great and should only be about $20 more than the Meridian. They have exactly the same features as in the Active Head Restraint (AHR) which moves up as bub grows bigger. The Plaitnum boasts a few 'extra' features, inlcuding a seat belt lock off, speakers in the AHR that you can plug in a portable listening device for bub to listen too, it also comes with a full length car seat saver, which covers the back and seat of your car seat.

I would whole heartedly agree with the manual system as you are in control at all times, the retractor system tends to lock off as soon as it hits something so if bubs has a bigger jacket on, you may have to re-adjust the belt anyway.

HTH

[sushee]

Mel,

out of curiousity what does a Platinum cost?

[Janie]

Thanks ladies! I'd already decided on SNS, but hadn't decided which one yet. Thanks for the tips re. manual v. retractor......very helpful indeed! I wouldn't have known otherwise.

We currently have a Ford Laser hatch which we are upgrading to an Astra wagon quite soon. Will the Platinum fit do you think Mel? I guess I can only ask when I buy.

[Mel09]

It should fit in the astra, you might struggle with a hatch... I would suggest trying it. Most stores should let you take it out to your car to try...

Sushee I can't remember exactly... I got the sack about 6 weeks ago... long story, but pretty much for being pg... I think they were around the $460 mark for manual...

[Ozziehoffy]

Wow... I also have the S & S Meridian... what a popular little number it is!! I have the retractor and LOVE it. I didn't love it much at all until I went to the Ambulance station and asked him to check the fitting for me cos it didn't seem right. He adjusted it all for me and now it works properly and I LOVE it!!! When pressing the button down you just need to hold the strap over the shoulder and pull it back and that does the trick very nicely indeed!

Sez, if it's possible I would seriously suggest that you take your new car to the shop and try it. We had problems with our old car and NOTHING would fit properly unless it was behind the passenger seat with the seat moved as far forward as possible rendering it useless to use.