All 3 of my boys are in the 8-26kg booster seats with 5 point harness. Unfortunately Im not a huge fan of the maxi riders as both of ours are having issues with the 5 point clip even though they are all less than 4 years old. I really need to replace Ds3's ASAP as his takes a few goes to finally clip in properly or unclips itself mid-drive We have two maxi riders and one hipod senator. I like the senator BUT Ds1 says its very uncomfortable on his bottom when we drive for long periods (which happens quite often).
Atm they are all between 15-20kgs and 85-110cm and still safely fit in their 5 point harness. I am NOT interested in the H harness unless I absolutely have to do it until the unsafeness of the 5 point vs harness becomes an issue with height/weight. I know they test majority of carseats to 110cm/22kg with the 5 point so I have leeway for a little bit yet. A seat with 40cm or higher belt slots would be ideal.
We recently bought a Babylove Ezy Combo for DS1; four star safety rating (Maxirider 3 star), 8-26 kg with 5 point harness until 18 kg and sash from 18 till 26 kgs. It is only half the price of the Maxirider. DS1 loves it and even sleeps in it comfortably. We haven't done any long trips in it yet, but he has sat in it for an hour without complaining about being uncomfortable. I haven't had it long enough to know how long the clips last, but in the booklet that comes with this seat it tells you how to clean it if it doesn't work properly and I think you can order a new one too... HTH
I think Id much rather chuck them and start again. Based on research Ive decided to order the SnS Explorers. They have a higher 5 point belt slot so taller kids can still keep in their 5 point harness. Im not quite ready to move them to normal seatbelts and the H Harnesses are apparently unsafe according to research.
i have just got the sns hi-pod (not installed yet, still sitting in our bedroom) so it is interesting to see that your ds says it is uncomfortable. are you allowed to cushion the seat at all or does that compromise the safety?
i am not going to use the h harness as i absolutely hate them, was just planning on using the adult seat belt.
On our trip from Sydney to Townsville I ended up using one of those neck donuts for babies for him to sit on, and we alternated him and his brother in it so they got a break. Otherwise its a perfectly fine seat for everyday use! Esp with the adjustable headrest. Im not entirely sure a cushion wouldnt compromise safety. Then again I think most carseats for the older kids arent cushioned enough on the seat.
ETA - Ginger, Im assuming you'll be using it for your Ds1. Just an fyi that the 5 point does beautifully up to 20kgs. my Ds1 is 5 and 19.5kgs and still fits the 5 point perfectly in the Hi Pod. If you got the 5 point-convertable one.
oh wow, thanks for that info. i'm not sure if it's even got a 5 point, i'll have to go and have a look. we are moving him out of a maxi rider with 5 point and into the hi-pod. then moving ds2 from his sns baby seat into ds2's maxi rider. ds1 is 19kgs at present, so i just assumed the adult seat belt would be the best option?
Well they usually recommend that at 18kgs BUT all carseats, esp the SnS brand are tested at 22kgs for 5 point and 32kgs for booster capacity. So you have a bit of leeway. Britax have stated that a child of 20kgs using 5 point will not compromise the safety of the seat BUT they cannot legally recommend it. Ridiculous.
I wish we would adapt to follow Scandinavian car restraint laws. Rear facing til 4 years old and they have booster for 8-32kgs that have 5 point harness AND rear face!
If you want a link to some info about carseat restraints and the new laws, seat ratings etc just pm me He is well within the range to use a normal belt+sub clip/booster combination. Just thought Id put it out there that you dont have to immediately chuck the 5 point when they hit 18kgs
thanks freya. didn't mean to hijack your thread, btw, it is just so confusing! might leave him in the maxi rider a little longer- until ds2 completely outgrows his current seat
Need booster seat recommendations!!!!
We have two maxi riders and one hipod senator. I like the senator BUT Ds1 says its very uncomfortable on his bottom when we drive for long periods (which happens quite often). 
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