My boys are going to graduate to the next car seat soon.The infant ones there in now go to 20lbs.I was looking at the next step in the flyers on the week-end and alot of them mention 22-40lbs.When my DD went in the big car seat it started at 20lbs.Do you know why it's 22lbs now?TIA

By Trina~moderator on Monday, April 10, 2006 - 01:45 pm:

The next step after an infant carrier is a convertible car seat. Convertibles rear face up to 30-35 lbs. and then forward face typically up to 40. Your little guys will need to stay rear facing until they are at least 12 mos. and 20 lbs., longer is even better. The AAP and safety experts now recommend babies stay rear facing until they outgrow the rear facing limits of their convertible car seat.

More info in this thread:
**Child Passenger Safety and Car Seat Resources**

What specific make and model car seats were you looking at?? Were they forward facing only?

By Tripletmom on Monday, April 10, 2006 - 05:41 pm:

Hey Trina-Thx for the info.It was Wal Marts flyer and they were forward facing and all of them said 22-40lbs.I went on-line today because I couldnt find my flyers and they all say 20-40lbs forword so must be printing error.I would have gotten the the seats that went rear facing and then turned into forward facing but the buggie I got actually fit 2 of the car seats in it so it made it alot easier instead of having to wake 3 babies up to put them in the buggie.Thx for you're information its a great help

By Trina~moderator on Monday, April 10, 2006 - 05:59 pm:

Sherri, I giggled when you used the word "buggie". That's what my Mom calls strollers. Must be a Canadian thing. (My family is originally from Ontario. )

Yes, it's hard to give up the convenience of the infant carrier seats, isn't it? Especially so with 3! What car seats do you have in mind for them next?

Recommendations and reviews by car seat techs:
CarSeatSite.com

CarSeatData.org
This site also has a Compatibility Database where you can look up your vehicle to see how different car seats fit.

Car-Safety.org

HTH

By Tripletmom on Monday, April 10, 2006 - 08:04 pm:

I'm not sure.I have to read my van manual to see whats best.Especially having 3 of them.a 5point harness system a definalte.Are the built in ones any good?They make me feel uneasy,maybe not as safe.I like ones with cup holders and toy storage,they're going to be in them for awhile.I'll read all the recommendations tonight.Are the Canadian laws much diffrent.Why I ask is I bought my BUGGIE (eh!)from the states and 2 car seats also I bought the 3rd car seat in Canada.When my boys had to do there car seat test in the hospital (Apnea)They told me the 2 were not acceptable.The 1 from Canada looked exactly like them though,so they let me use them.Are the testing standards different and how so?I'm going to do some reading and decide which ones I'll use.Thanks alot for you're help.

By Trina~moderator on Monday, April 10, 2006 - 10:00 pm:

It's illegal to use Canadian car seats in the US and visa versa. Different countries, different laws, politics... Child passenger safety recommendations are very similar but due to differences in laws and testing there are a few differences. For example, tethers are required by law for all forward facing car seats in Canada. Although we highly recommend tether anchors and tethering car seats in the US, it is not required by law. Also, the Canadian Britax Marathon only goes up to 48 lbs., the US version up to 65. There are a few other differences but I'll spare you the details for now. LOL!

How much do your boys weigh now? Are they close to outgrowing the infant carriers? As I mentioned above, they need to stay rear facing until they are at least both 12 mos and 20 lbs.. Longer is better. I highly recommend convertible car seats with a 5 pt. harness and front harness adjusters. That way you can keep them rear facing for now and then switch them to forward facing when they get bigger. As a CPS Tech, I think they are too young for a forward facing car seats, much too young for built in car seats. Built in car seats are convenient for older toddlers and preschoolers, but they offer no sleep support or side impact protection.

Car seat technicians in Canada are called "CRS Techs". To find one in your area call your local St. John's Ambulance office. I have some cyber CRS Tech friends and will ask if they know of any in your area.

By Tripletmom on Monday, April 10, 2006 - 10:14 pm:

Thx Trina-Actually I have a St.John Ambulance office near me.I got my First Aid/CPR with them.I'm definately going to go for the back then forward facing.They are not ready for a month or two.I just like to investigate important items to buy and have them ready for when I need them.My boys are 18lbs We go for an RSV needle on Wed so I'll know how much they weigh then.I'm thinking by there birthday (June 6)What if they are taller than the recommened height. Would weight come first?

By Trina~moderator on Monday, April 10, 2006 - 10:37 pm:

Most convertibles now rear face up to at least 30 lbs. and the height limits are higher than infant carriers. As long as there is 1" of hard plastic seat shell above their heads they have not outgrown the seat by height. It's perfectly OK if their feet touch the vehicle seat. There have been no documented cases of broken legs, but even so, broken legs are fixable, a broken neck or spine is not. Rear facing better protects the head, neck and spine.

More info:
Rear-facing - Unmatched Safety

One of my Canadian CRS Tech cyber pals has already responded. She gave me this link...
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/carseat/choose.htm
and said she lives in Oakville.

Oh my! It's late and I need to get to BED. LOL!

By Tripletmom on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 08:42 am:

You've been a HUGE help.Thx for all you're info and imput Trina, its much appreciated.Thx again

By Trina~moderator on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 08:47 am:

You're very welcome!