Minivan and Car Seat Question

[MrsB]

It's not a good idea to use second-hand carseats.

Its not the safest choice no, but its not the safest choice to transport DCKs either.

I always inspect them really well, make sure there are no recalls and that they are only 1 to 2 years old. All my parents know I do this and are fine with it.

This is a risky business and every provider decides which risks to take and which ones to not take. Transporting kids and using used carseats is one I choose to take.

Thanks for your concern though!

[kitkat]

I have one Radian, and then 2 Britax seats beside it.

I've heard good things about the cosco scenara for the pricetag, around $40. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Cosco-Scen...antee/13004563

If three of those won't fit, maybe a Radian in the middle, and these on either side. These only go to 40 lbs, though.

We just bought an 09 Corolla and I needed to get 3 across. I use this website: http://www.car-seat.org/ to find car seats that might fit. You can type in 3 across in *** (insert your specific vehicle). It was very helpful to read previous posts and see what seats are recommended. The Radian is recommended a lot, but b/c of the cost, that was out for me. The Cosco Scenera was highly recommended and it fits beautifully! It's not cushy comfy, but for the money, totally worth it. I would have bought 2, but they only had the pink girly one and DH wouldn't have wanted DS riding in that :: I also bought an Evenflo Tribute DLX Saturn, but that didn't fit rear facing. It's not as narrow as the Scenera, but might be narrower than some others? Avoid anything with cupholders and arm rests. You might also have luck finding an armless high back harnessed booster like this: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Cosco-Juve...quare/16575865

Also, make sure to check your state law on child restraints. Some need to meet weight AND age to move to a booster with seat belt. Good luck with your search!

[Blackcat31]

Its not the safest choice no, but its not the safest choice to transport DCKs either.

I always inspect them really well, make sure there are no recalls and that they are only 1 to 2 years old. All my parents know I do this and are fine with it.

This is a risky business and every provider decides which risks to take and which ones to not take. Transporting kids and using used carseats is one I choose to take.

Thanks for your concern though!

Here I am pretty sure it is against the law for second hand stores and consignment shops to sell car seats. I don't think it is the recalls that are the issues but more that there is no way of knowing if a car seat has been in an accident already or not. Being involved in an accident severely impacts the strength and integrity of the seat and may possibly fail if in another accident, even minor. EVERY car seat training I have been to stresses this point to us very firmly so I have to believe it is a pretty big concern.

Here is an awesome check list about used car seats. http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/usedseat.aspx

Consumer Reports also says the average life span of a car seat is around 5-6 years or less even. So unless a seat was given to us or purchased from a family friend or relative that we KNOW has not had an accident with the seat, it is not wise to use car seats that are second hand.

http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2009/06/what-to-do-with-a-used-car-seat.html