Toddler Car Seat

[gio]

I know very little about children and even less about car seats for toddlers but I need to get one for my 135 coupe.

My gf has a 2 year old daughter (just turned 2) who weighs maybe about 25lbs (maybe a little more now) and I need to get a car seat for her so we can all go places together. She doesn't have a car so she doesn't have a seat yet. I assume at that age they use front-facing seats, correct? It doesn't have to be a fancy seat since she won't be riding it in very often. Honestly, the cheaper the better, as long as it is safe, of course.

Anyone have any recommendations as to what toddler seats will fit in the 135. Does it have special attachments or anything or all the seats generally "one size fits all"? I was planning on going to Target tomorrow and seeing what they have. I don't even know where to buy them.

[mdputnam]

My recommendation is to stop by Babies R Us, or similar store spend 15 minutes to educate yourself on the type you need for a 25 pounder. Then go over to the Goodwill or Salvation Army and pick up a used one for $25. You see, kids rapidly out grow car seats and they are practically indestructible. You can get a $100 seat in good condition for $25. Both stores do an inspection for worn, broken or missing parts before putting them out for sale. I would suggest covering your back seat with something to avoid damaging the leather from the seat rubbing, and from the little darling dropping her apple juice and Cap'n Crunch.

[ken1137]

Here are their recommendations:

Car seats.pdf

It's been awhile so I don't know if the capacity (weight) is high enough. I can do another search for over 40lbs if you need it. Let me know.

[gio]

Thanks for the advice. I was under the impression that once you got a seat you'd use it until the kid was 5 or so or whenever they outgrow a car seat. I remember my baby sister only ever had one car seat that she used for years until she was big enough for a seat belt. I also remember that she pretty much destroyed that seat. Even though it was probably structurely still sound she basically tore apart all the padding and whatever comfort or cosmetic pieces where on it in the 4 or 5 years that she used it. Perhaps seats have changed since the 80s.

I'll check out goodwill, etc, but I'm wary that the seats could have been in an accident and are compromised without being visibly defective (like what they tell you with used bike, skiing, and racing helmets). I don't want to spend $100+ on a seat especially if this relationship doesn't last and the seat only gets used 2 or 3 times.

[gio]

Originally Posted by mdputnam

My recommendation is to stop by Babies R Us, or similar store spend 15 minutes to educate yourself on the type you need for a 25 pounder. Then go over to the Goodwill or Salvation Army and pick up a used one for $25. You see, kids rapidly out grow car seats and they are practically indestructible. You can get a $100 seat in good condition for $25. Both stores do an inspection for worn, broken or missing parts before putting them out for sale. I would suggest covering your back seat with something to avoid damaging the leather from the seat rubbing, and from the little darling dropping her apple juice and Cap'n Crunch.

I just checked and neither Salvation Army nor Goodwill accept or sell car seats due to liability issues (although it seems perhaps some locations have ignored the rules in the past). That's unfortunate as there is a Goodwill just blocks from my apartment. Some on the internet even go as far as to say it is illegal to sell such items second hand. If it is illegal anywhere, it would be in Massachusetts (where I live). Anyways, I'm not sure how the gf would feel about second safety equipment anyways so prolly best to stick with cheap and new which is seems I can find for $50-$75 at Target or Walmart.

[sjp3003]

I have a 2.5 year old and have been using a Brittax...good quality and ours is black/red matching the Boston leather Coral Red and Black of the car. It is rated unto 70 lbs. It is not inexpensive (lists for about $290) but I picked two up on Ebay for under 190 each.

Regardless of the seat, consider protecting the area under and in front of the seat to simplify clean up and avoid damage to the back of your passenger seat from her shoes. For my wife's car I've attached a seat cushion to the back of the passenger seat that is invisible if you actually sit in the passenger seat, and covers the entire back portion of the seat to avoid scuffing from her shoes. You can hardly tell it's there. I also have a cheap doormat covering the floor mat to make picking up those goldfish crackers and grapes easier and avoid staining the floor mats. And we've placed a thick blanket under the seat to protect the seat cushion and simplify cleaning that too.

[Edogg218]

Originally Posted by gio

I just checked and neither Salvation Army nor Goodwill accept or sell car seats due to liability issues (although it seems perhaps some locations have ignored the rules in the past). That's unfortunate as there is a Goodwill just blocks from my apartment. Some on the internet even go as far as to say it is illegal to sell such items second hand. If it is illegal anywhere, it would be in Massachusetts (where I live). Anyways, I'm not sure how the gf would feel about second safety equipment anyways so prolly best to stick with cheap and new which is seems I can find for $50-$75 at Target or Walmart.

+2 on Toys R Us. I'm a certified car seat tech, and it's amazing how many people don't install/select correctly.

Where in Ma are you?

[Fox128i]

Agreed on Toys R Us as well.

[gio]

Originally Posted by Edogg218

+2 on Toys R Us. I'm a certified car seat tech, and it's amazing how many people don't install/select correctly.

Where in Ma are you?

I'm in Cambridge. I know there is a Babies R Us in Everett and I might check that out after I go to Target.

I didn't even think of the potential messes kids make. I normally don't let anyone eat or drink anything in my car (other than water) but I guess I'll have to make an exception.

[mPlasticDesign]

Originally Posted by Edogg218

+2 on Toys R Us. I'm a certified car seat tech, and it's amazing how many people don't install/select correctly.

Where in Ma are you?

I got these at BRU. They fit in my 1M and are a smooth design that is 'friendly' to the leather interior.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showp...33&postcount=1

http://www.safety1st.com/usa/eng/s1/...r-car-seat.htm



Installed:

[BrokenVert]

believe it or not, Recaro makes some the best baby seats on the market.


http://www.recaro-cs.com/en.html

[2012_135i]

Graco makes a good line of car seats which are reasonably priced and quality made. You can spend a lot on a new car seat but don't really have to. On the other hand, the safety of one's child doesn't warrant trying to save a few bucks either. I agree with the poster who recommended getting educated on them before buying and then spend whatever you need to feel secure about your purchase. By the way, I was surprised at how easy it is to get our baby in and out of the 1er. I was a bit nervous at first getting a 2 door coupe as a family car, but it turns out my 135i is great baby transport.

[fusion01]

Bought a Recaro for when our daughter is a few months older than at present - convertible front and rear facing so will last until ~8 years of age or more. She's now in a smaller seat for toddlers which you can remove and carry. The coupe is actually better than a 4 door as you can push and pull the seat facing it, rather than from the side. Many joke 'oh sell your coupe' but don't realise it's easier. Here's a review from 2008 (Recaro actually didn't do so hot - I'm not sure what model I have): http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/chil...duction/232732

[mdputnam]

Originally Posted by gio

I just checked and neither Salvation Army nor Goodwill accept or sell car seats due to liability issues (although it seems perhaps some locations have ignored the rules in the past).

That's a bummer we donated 3 to Salvation Army last year.

[fusion01]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

believe it or not, Recaro makes some the best baby seats on the market.


http://www.recaro-cs.com/en.html

This is the one I have - in the US it's called the 'Proride' but in Europe it's the 'Young Sport'. We opted not for the black in suede as it's not as breathable and is prone to looking tattier over time. Rather went with the breathable fabric, such as the opal.

[gio]

I went to Target today and got the Cosco Apt 40RF car seat. It was by far the cheapest at only $55. I just couldn't justify spending any more as it will probably be rarely used and it will likely just end up sitting in my basement most of the time. It's hard to tell whether the more expensive seats are actually safer. They just seem more comfortable for the child and have more bells and whistles (and some are pretty nice looking). For an occasional use seat for short trips this one should do fine. Someday when I have my own children I'll probably get the $300 fancy seat. I'll let you know how this one fits and how it works out.

[fusion01]

Cool! The higher end seats do come with ISOFIX (Europe) and LATCH (US) fittings for a quicker fit and safer transportation. Down the line, worth the investment. We paid $220 or so for the Recaro.

[Gimlet]

My son is happy with the Recaro ProSport and it's a big hit at Cars and Coffee. That said, doesn't sound like you want to invest that much in what might perhaps not be a long-term...

[cvandenhaute]

I have a Maxi-Cosi Priori for my 2 years old daughter, choose that one because it was very compact and easy to use with the limited size of the coupe. Very easy to install with the "Latch" system, important feature since we only have 1 seat we use in both cars, takes me only 3 minutes to swap the seat from my wife's CX9 into the 128i for the rare occasions we use my car for family trips. Definitely recommend it.

[rogm]

Originally Posted by Mr.Metak2you

I got these at BRU. They fit in my 1M and are a smooth design that is 'friendly' to the leather interior.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showp...33&postcount=1

http://www.safety1st.com/usa/eng/s1/...r-car-seat.htm



Installed:

i like these, mine leave marks on the leather.

[gio]

Originally Posted by fusion01

Cool! The higher end seats do come with ISOFIX (Europe) and LATCH (US) fittings for a quicker fit and safer transportation. Down the line, worth the investment. We paid $220 or so for the Recaro.

The one I got has the LATCH system. I have feeling all new car seats have it regardless of price.

Dunno if I'm ever gonna get to try it out now though as the gf is having second thoughts regarding our planned outing. Oh well, a least I didn't waste too much money.

[dtwyim]

Originally Posted by gio

I didn't even think of the potential messes kids make. I normally don't let anyone eat or drink anything in my car (other than water) but I guess I'll have to make an exception.

Scuff marks, dropped food debris, spilled drink, smear on windows...

Good luck.