Car Seat Tips

The Century SE 5-Point (SmartMoves) car seat is way up there, tops in my opinion in the category of rear and forward-facing seats.

Our daughter had to get out of her infant seat at 6 months because she was entirely too long for it, and we chose the Century seat because it had a lot of space, a five-point harness system, excellent padding and was on sale at Toys R Us. Also, it didn’t have the overhead restraint system that makes me fear for pinched fingers, skin and a feeling of claustrophobia with that bulky thing around a child.

This car seat has been rated well by Consumer Reports. It is made by a reputable company, Century Products. It is easy to use, and can grow with your child, meaning it can transform from a harness system (30-40 lbs), to a belt positioning booster (30-60 lbs). It utilizes a 5-point harness system, which most car seat experts agree is the safest harness system available. The cover removes easily for washing. You might be tempted to think that this is the booster seat for your child…

***STOP***

Over the past three years I have purchased a grand total of five car seats. FIVE! I almost can’t believe it, myself. But with two working parents and two crazy kids, we really needed to have two car seats in each car. I’ve bought one on the super expensive side (The Evenflo Medallion V XL), one on the super inexpensive side(the Century 1500 STE Convertible), and all the rest fall someplace in between.

Product Technical Details
Technical Details:1500 STE

Key Features
Car Seat Type:Convertible
Seating Direction:Rear / Forward Facing
Stay-in Car Base:No Detachable Base

Other Features
Weight Limit:Up to 40 lbs.
Carry handle:No Carry Handle
Head Protection:With Headrest

Miscellaneous
:20240536

For quite a while I’d been interested in getting the Britax Husky seat for my 3 1/2 year old son. However, his current seat- the Graco Platinum CarGo 8489 Booster Seat, was suiting us just fine for now. Since he is under the 40 pound weight limit we were still able to use it with the 5 point harness system. However, knowing full well that he was nearing the weight limit for the 5 point harness, and that this seat is not recommended as a booster seat (it has closed loop guides which hinder seatbelt retraction), and that quite honestly my son is not ready for a booster seat [read my horror story here when we tried the Graco TurboBooster 8493]- I was looking at other options to keep him in a 5 point harness longer. Then, Bamm - I was forced to make a decision and replace our seat immediately. Reason? I was in an automobile accident and all seats must be replaced after an accident.

I already own the Graco TurboBooster with the back but needed a second booster seat for my husband’s vehicle since he is taking our oldest daughter to school. I needed something that was safe but easy for him to move out of the way for clients when not in use.

My solution was found in the baby aisle in Wal-Mart next to the carseats. I already have a high opinion of Graco products. All of my carseats except one infant carrier have been Graco/Century. So for $25 I found the Graco TurboBooster 8491.

After what seemed to be an endless search for the “perfect” booster seat for my daughter, who turns 3 this Thursday, I think I finally found the best fit for our lifestyle—Graco“s Cherished Cargo Car Seat/Booster Seat. I read countless epinions on different booster seats and compared various models. I took at least 4 different tips to stores, even allowing the Princess herself to try out the seats and tell me which one she liked best.

My three year old picked out the Century Breverra Classic (Century Select model) all by herself. I guess she liked the green and tan colors. I like most of the products Century makes and this has been no different.

This booster seat has no restraining bar on it which means that my little one can put herself in and out of it without much help. She can get her arms in and buckle the top plastic buckles but can’t quite work the metal buckle part between her legs (thank goodness). She’s up high enough to see out the window and can hold her drink with no problem. She loves the idea of the mesh pockets on the sides, but can’t quite figure out what to put in them (me either).

As a family with tall, skinny kids I needed something that would keep my 30lb 3 year old in a harnessed seat. He outgrew his conventional convertible carseat at almost exactly 3 years old. He was definately not ready to go into a traditional belt positioning booster, and since he was so lightweight I wouldn’t feel comfortable putting him in one anyway!

Great booster car seat for a "big" boy or girl

The Century Breverra Classic car booster seat is just right for the toddler set. We purchased this booster seat as our son quickly outgrew both his "infant car seat carrier" and his "infant %26amp; toddler" seat. The weight recommendation for the Century Breverra Classic is 30-60#. The design of the Century Breverra Classic compares to that of an adult bucket seat in a mini version. When our son rides in his seat he sits up proud and tall because he is able to see everything around him. Our son feels like a big boy in his Century Breverra Classic.