Car seat once DD outgrows her capsule

[Tuesday's Child]

DD is 6 months and although she's still only 7kgs, I'm thinking about the next car seat for her. I've decided to go with safe-n-sound since they are recommended by the RAA (and there's enough choice there without throwing other brands into the mix).

I'm looking at either the Meridian or Premier car seat so that we can keep her rear-facing for longer. These can be used until she is around 4 years. But I noticed that the Maxi Rider is rated from 8 to 26 kgs so that should last her until she outgrows car seats altogether. I have a small car (nissan pulsar sedan) and am not sure if I should be looking at something like the Compact Dlx.

My questions are:
1) To get a convertible seat to keep her rear-facing but then buy another one in a few years.
2) Suggestions, experiences with any of the above-mentioned seats.

We do plan on having more children, so I guess we'll need to purchase more seats in the future anyway. We'll also probably buy for each car since I'm uncomfortable driving large cars and DH is quite tall so is a bit squished driving mine.

Sorry if this is a bit confused...I'm an insomiac who thinks too much Thanks

[Visitor7]

We have a maxi rider, but I would never put a baby in it. Even though it's technically for 8kg+, I've always waited until my girls have really good head control before getting into that seat. It's a fantastic seat, but very big. So maybe once she's a toddler she could go into it. We have the Safe n Sound Guardian, which is rear facing until 12kg. However the Guardian is a big seat. If you only plan on 2 kids, then you'll be fine.

[Janie]

The thing with the MaxiRider is that you can't use it rear facing. And although you can technically have a baby forward facing from 8kgs, I would never do it. Our first DS was 20 months (and 12 kgs) before we turned him forward.

My DS1 is 3, and is currently in the Meridian (which we have loved) and DS2 who is 3 months is in a capsule. We recently bought the Maxi Rider that DS1 will go in when DS2 outgrows the capsule. When I was looking at the MRs, two different salespeople said to me to keep DS1 in the Meridian until we absolutely have to use to Meridian for DS2 (unless he hits 18kgs first, which isn't going to happen). Basically, to keep him in it for as long as possible (again, within the weight range) because that is where he'll be safest. Of course, he would be safe in the MR now, he's well within the weight range that it is tested for, so I'm not going to stress about it. But I am going to leave DS1 in the Meridian right up until DS2 needs it.

So yeah, in your shoes I would definitely buy a convertible car seat to use for now. Like us, you'll always be able to use it for your next baby

[allycat06]

We have a premier which is in our little hatchback and a meridian in the station wagon, I can't fault either seats. Would definitely recommend getting one of these over the maxi rider, it's safer to keep them rearwards for as long as possible.