Question:
I have a dilemma. My son is a very, very tall 23 month old. He is
approx. 37 inches tall, and it's mostly his torso which is long which
makes it very difficult for him to fit into a carseat safely. He is
only 32 lbs, so he is not yet heavy enough for a belt positioning
booster (nor is he mature enough to understand the nature of a shoulder
strap!).
He currently rides in a Graco Comfortsport. I love this seat, but his
shoulders are already level with the highest harness slots (and the
manual states that when the slots for the harness are lower than the
shoulders, the seat is no longer safe - my understanding this is the
case with all car seats).
I measured the space from bum to highest harness slots on the Graco and
it is 14 inches long. I did the same for most carseats at the stores
and they are the same or less. The only carseat I am aware of in
Canada which allows for longer torsos is the Britax Marathon (which is
finally available here, thank God!). But, $350.00 CAD here! OUCH!
But, alas, I have no choice I think....
Does anyone know if there is any other carseat in Canada with a 5 pt.
harness that allows for extremely long torsos?
Also, on the Marathon, at the highest harness guide, it appears very
close to the top of the carseat. Is there adequate head protection
when adjusted at the top harness slots?
Answer:Here's what carseat.org says about seats for large
toddlers (though they're fixing more on weight):
"My child is over 40 pounds but not ready for a belt-positioning
booster. What are my options?
There are several safety seats available that provide a 5-point harness
for children over 40 pounds, with and without a top tether. These
include the Nania Airway by Car Seat Specialty and the Marathon, Wizard,
and Husky from Britax. The Britax Laptop, an energy absorbing shield, is
no longer in production but, if one can be found, can be used with a lap
or lap-shoulder belt for children from 30 to 65 lbs."
That might give you a few more ideas to check out
we have a Marathon. My almost 2yo is about 34
inches tall (so certainly not nearly as tall as yours), but
I think she's got two slots left, and her head is nowhere
near the top. If I were you, I'd take him into the store
and pop him in the seat to try it out. I sympathize with
you on the price :-/ We were fortunate to have some gift
cards and such that covered most of it.
