Moving on Up…to a Convertible (Car Seat)

Here's one case where Mamanista doesn't want anyone imitating the celebrities:
Britney, Madonna, and now super-mom Angelina Jolie have all been accused of skipping the car seat...but please remember, nothing says love like safety. A properly installed car seat designed for your child's age, weight, and height is a Momma Gotta Have.

Pudgy is in for babies and, at 7 months' old, Baby Diva has almost outgrown her infant car seat. So, it is time to move on up to a convertible car seat and we selected the Britax Marathon in this outrageously fun and fashionable Crocodile print.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children must sit in a car or booster until the seat-belt fits properly.

Up until they are at least year AND at least 20 lbs, babies must be rear-facing.

Baby Diva started in an infant seat. Mamanista was relieved when Consumer Reports issued their latest tests that Baby Diva's Graco Snugride with EPS (at right) was among the highest rated infant seats. Baby Trend's Flex Loc was the other high scorer. Consumer Reports has since withdrawn that report, but in the meantime, these two seats seem to be a safe pick.

Many babies may be able to stay in their infant seat up to a year, but a few may need a larger seat that can still be installed rear-facing. Britax makes ultra-safe seats, with a wide weight range, in an array of striking prints. Baby Diva's new Britax Marathon will allow her to remain rear-facing up to 35 lbs. (rear-facing 5-35 lbs.) and forward-facing up to 65 lbs. While the seat is costly, its flexibility means you will get a ton of use (it is fabulously practical) and you really cannot put a price on safety.

Baby Diva is comfy, secure, and hot in her Croc Print Britax Marathon.

Britax Marathon
Available at: Britax at Target $249.99-299.99; BabyUniverse $269.99-299.99

Baby Age: Free Shipping On All Britax Items!; Britax Closeouts - Huge Savings - Hurry - While Supplies Last!; Britax Roundabout Convertible Car Seat - CLOSEOUT - Denim

Graco Snugride with EPS
Available at: Target $79.99; BabyUniverse $99.99

Baby Trend Flex-Loc
Available at: Amazon.com $79.99; Target $79.99; BabyUniverse $99.99

** Prices vary based on fabric, color choices, and special offers **

Mamanista tip: While it may be tempting to buy some used baby products, experts urge you to avoid used car seats. Stress from accidents is not always visible and even a seat that has not been in a crash may have been weakened by exposure to the elements (car seats older than 5 years old should generally be tossed).

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