Scarlett Pannebaker

we are definitely in a stage of transition when it comes to carseats.  we made the big switch from infant carrier to convertible carseat when the twins were about 14 months old, and while Baker still fits comfortably in her carrier (we have the Chicco Keyfit 30; same seat we used for the twins) it wont be long before we are ready to make the switch.  the big girls have been in the Britax Marathon for the last two years and are really starting to get tight in them- it is definitely time to make the switch from the convertible seat to the 5-point harness to booster seat. we had plans to make the switch for the twins and then let Baker use one of their convertible seats (carseats have a 6 year expiration date), just like we did with the infant carseat, but their seats are pretty worn.

they've been covered in goldfish, cheerios, french fries, m&m's..

they've been puked in.

they've been peed in.

they've been slept in and they've been drooled on.

..and spilled on by everything from chocolate milk to watermelon slushy.

..and in turn through the wash about 1400 times, no less. 

Baker needs a new one.  for sure.

but where do I start?!  at first thought I really wanted to go with what I know and stick to the Britax.  but the options and styles and designs that have changed over the last couple years is impressive and I am so unsure where to start!  I've heard amazing things about the Nuna RAVA, and I'm always faithful to Chicco because I have used several components of that brand and have been really pleased every time .. and the Maxi Cosi is new to me, but hello - it looks like my baby is sitting in a cloud! plus the reviews on that one is 5 stars all the way. 

outside of how a seat looks + feels, does the seat fit my chid comfortably?  height and weight limits go up pretty significantly with the transition to the convertible car seat, which makes it easier to spend a little more for quality because your babe will be spending a lot of time strapped into these things! and does it fit into my car? we have a third row bench in my car (I drive a GMC Acadia) and captain chairs in the second row.  so, while the big sisters are in the way back, Baker sits in one of the captain chairs.  rear facing a convertible seat in this row gives me more leeway and space; especially because the captain chairs move forward and backward.  I know not all cars have this capability, which is why its important to measure ever possible scenario.  because while that carseat looks amazing with all the bells and whistles, does it even fit?!  you do want to drive the car, right?  for this reason we put the carseat behind the passenger side because Jordan isn't a small guy and he would prefer not to drive with his knees in the dash.