https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 12 May 2026 07:46:34 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-recos#post-2878331 Tue, 26 Mar 2019 19:25:03 +0000 bees_knees 2878331@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PurplePeony: I totally missed the height discrepancy! Good call! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-recos#post-2878324 Tue, 26 Mar 2019 18:52:39 +0000 catgirl 2878324@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with others on a combination seat. 5 is really the minimum for a booster but many kids aren't ready right at 5. This is the list I would look at to start, pay attention to weight limits, height limits, and the harness heights to evaluate how long they will last. </p> <p><a href="https://csftl.org/recommended-seats/#combination" rel="nofollow">https://csftl.org/recommended-seats/#combination</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-recos#post-2878305 Tue, 26 Mar 2019 17:52:51 +0000 PurplePeony 2878305@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, your DS is too small for the Graco Turbobooster to be used backless in any event (it’s for 43”+) and is very young to be in even a HBB. We first used a HBB for travel just after my DD turned 5 (can’t be used on the plane but it was easy to transport and use at our destination and we weren’t driving that much there). It went fine but she’s staying in a harnessed seat for regular use until she’s at least 6. A combination seat is definitely your best bet. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-recos#post-2878290 Tue, 26 Mar 2019 15:31:17 +0000 lioneyes 2878290@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ahhh thank you! Didn't know that HBB isn't the next step. </p> <p>SO, will look for a COMBO seat instead and start with the Gracco and Chicco ideas. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-recos#post-2878289 Tue, 26 Mar 2019 15:28:42 +0000 kiddosc 2878289@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You don't really install a booster, some have latch just to hold them in place, but many you just set on the seat. Since your DS is still young, he may need to use the belt positioning strap that runs up the back for a backless booster which is pretty much the same no matter which seat you choose. </p> <p>Personally, I would still want my 4.5 yr old harnessed and would look for a combination seat rather than a HBB. Something that will harness until he's responsible enough for long term booster riding and then can convert to a booster so that you're not buying a new seat. I recommend the Graco Tranzitions/Ways since it is a fairly narrow seat and relatively inexpensive. The AAPs new guidelines are that you keep a child harnessed until the reach the limits of that mode for the seat... but realistically, I think most kids can transition to booster between ages 6 and 7. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-recos#post-2878286 Tue, 26 Mar 2019 15:22:47 +0000 bees_knees 2878286@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would hand down the convertible and get DS a combination seat (harness that transitions into booster). It is recommended to keep kids harnessed until age 5 (very minimum) and we plan to keep them harnessed for even longer since DS1 still occasionally falls asleep in the car. We have two Chicco MyFits which we like, and they are very narrow as far as carseats go!</p> <p>For a booster, if it's just occasional use I would do a Graco Turbobooster Take Along. They collapse so we just keep one in our vehicle for unexpected carpool kids! :) DS1 also uses it for preschool field trips. I have no problem boostering our (mature, tall) almost 5 year old for just around town! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-recos#post-2878284 Tue, 26 Mar 2019 15:16:24 +0000 lioneyes 2878284@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Need to buy a Booster Seat for my parents car. They have a tiny backseat and DS rarely rides in it, and never on the highway (really only short distances in slow city traffic) so I'm fine with a Backless. Any recos? Easiest install and smallest size are my main priorities.</p> <p>And then for my car, should I move DS (4.5, 41") to a high back booster and give DD his convertible (this would be in about 3 months),<br /> OR,<br /> should I buy DD a new convertible and keep DS in his Maxi Cosi Pria longer (and if so, until when?) Our Pria seat will be 4 years old this summer. The only downside to this besides cost is that I would like to be able to have a 5th passenger in my car and the middle seat will be very cramped with 2 convertibles. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/diono-vs-clek#post-2853151 Thu, 25 Oct 2018 06:57:02 +0000 Anagram 2853151@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a Foonf and Radian--I like them both, and the kids switch up which one they sit in. I like the crotch strap more on the Radian and the kids can unbluckle and buckle themselves into it--I have to tighten it. My 2nd kid can't buckle OR unbuckle the foonf because the straps are just harder to get on and unclick, but they both like sitting in each seat. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/diono-vs-clek#post-2853139 Thu, 25 Oct 2018 01:12:24 +0000 MACSUNSHINE 2853139@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@qbbride the quirks I am hearing about is what has me considering other options. Someone recently said the car seat needs to be supported at least halfway up his head, I had to remove my headrest to get the seat in. Little quirks like that is what makes me nervous. Great seats otherwise!</p> <p>I appreciate the feedback on moving my son and going to look into that now.. we are hoping for a third baby so trying to be smart in buying narrow. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/diono-vs-clek#post-2853138 Thu, 25 Oct 2018 00:43:01 +0000 bees_knees 2853138@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have Britax Advocate clicktights that we love. A Clek Fllo that we HATED and sold. And a Chicco MyFit which we don’t mind. If we didn’t need a narrow seat, I would get the Britax Frontier CT, but the Chicco MyFit is narrow and not bad at all to install! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/diono-vs-clek#post-2853133 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 23:01:04 +0000 QBbride 2853133@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m a CPST and in my area, Dionos are never recommended anymore because they’re prone to misuse (so many finicky things to remember), have overinflated limits, and can be tough to install correctly in many cars and even incompatible in some thanks to the seat bight. </p> <p>I also agree that if your oldest is FF, you might as well buy a combination seat instead. We have a Harmony Defender and really like it, and I’ve heard great things about the Graco Tranzitions. We also have a Britax Frontier Clicktight that I love (can’t beat the clicktight install!) but it’s pretty wide and can’t be tethered properly in certain vehicles with a ceiling tether anchor. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/diono-vs-clek#post-2853118 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 21:35:40 +0000 Lilbear 2853118@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have the clek fllo and the radian r100, and we hands down prefer the radian. I feel like they take up the same room rear facing. (Use the angle adjuster for the radian.) The radian also has a removable cover, which is great in case your kid throws up in the car. (The clek has to be scrubbed/wiped down and then left to dry.) The clek also regularly pinches my son’s neck when I am tightening the straps. The only thing that I like about the clek is the anti-rebound bar. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/diono-vs-clek#post-2853108 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 19:27:01 +0000 MACSUNSHINE 2853108@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hitchhiker that is actually helpful as our back up seats are Britax and I really like them. Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/diono-vs-clek#post-2853102 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 18:57:43 +0000 hitchhiker 2853102@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>FWIW, I hated our clek compared to our Britax. The thing was huge front to back and a pain to install. I also hated the straps. I finally sold it and got another Britax and I am so happy. But I know you are not asking for comparisons to Britax! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/diono-vs-clek#post-2853093 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 17:51:48 +0000 MACSUNSHINE 2853093@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@catgirl thanks that is helpful. I will look into that option, we can make it work with the Diono rear facing. We both have suvs, Explorer and Edge, but the Explorer is the one it is really hard in. We use my car the most ultimately though. </p> <p>Hoping she can make it to thanksgiving in her infant seat to take advantage of sales. Thanks again! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/diono-vs-clek#post-2853084 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 17:32:07 +0000 catgirl 2853084@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MACSUNSHINE: There are some narrow combination seats that would be more useful going forward. If narrow is a concern you could look at the harmony defender, graco tranzitions/wayz, or the chicco MyFit. </p> <p>Then you could use the diono rear facing. But if you already have the angle adjuster and felt it took up too much room I'm not sure you want it rear facing again. I definitely wouldn't purchase more Dionos while you have some available that are forward facing. But if you really want the clek instead that's definitely an option. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/diono-vs-clek#post-2853083 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 17:28:01 +0000 MrsBucky 2853083@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have both (long story) and I 100% prefer the clek foonf over the diono rxt. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/diono-vs-clek#post-2853080 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 17:14:07 +0000 MACSUNSHINE 2853080@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks everyone! </p> <p>@catgirl we just turned him, he is about 38” and 38 pounds. Would you recommend moving him to something else? We do have the angle adjusters. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/diono-vs-clek#post-2853075 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 16:48:36 +0000 catgirl 2853075@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Is your older LO rear or forward facing? If forward facing I would pass the Dionos down and get new combinations seats for the older. </p> <p>If still rear facing it's really a toss up. The Dionos have overinflated limits and a booster mode that is generally unusable. But if you are used to them and like them that's great. The clek could be worth trying. </p> <p>Also do you have the angle adjuster for the diono when rear facing? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/diono-vs-clek#post-2853074 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 16:20:54 +0000 MsMini 2853074@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have 4 Dionos (2 radian 2 RXT) and tried a Clek Foonf, it is my nephews and we tried it in our car during a family trip. I HATED it (as did my husband) it was super awkward to install in our SUV, and sat really high so gave us a weird blind spot. I honestly wouldn’t use one if we got it for free after having it in our car for a week! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/diono-vs-clek#post-2853066 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 15:36:04 +0000 pinkb 2853066@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Clek 100%. We have 2 foonfs love them. Easy install, love how it sits higher and the color options are fun. Also LOVE the fabric and the minimal padding, living in a hot climate year round and most seats just over heat the kids. We have 1 diono and I hate it. Install is impossible, padding/fabric is just ok and our buckle is really hard to click in. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/diono-vs-clek#post-2853057 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 15:07:24 +0000 maddyz 2853057@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have two clek fllos and love them. I find the instal really easy. we dont own a car and have installed them in MANY different cars with out proplems.</p> <p>The rebound bar on the Clek Fllo is optional and it makes the seat take up more space front to back. I have installed without when space is tight. But when my older kid was still rear facing it was nice because it gave more space. We rear faced until my 3.5 yeah old hit to hight limit (i know, he's tall).</p> <p>I can sit between the carseats in every car we have installed them in, but just it's a tight fit. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/diono-vs-clek#post-2853045 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 14:38:35 +0000 MACSUNSHINE 2853045@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Alright anyone have both? Preference?</p> <p>We have Radian RXTs for my son and now debating what to get my daughter as she outgrows her infant seat. Both are narrow and can fit 3 across? We install and leave, not moving them often so the weight/size is not a problem. </p> <p>The Diono is big when rear facing, wondering if we will get a little more leg room with a Clek, and overall the install is tricky for Diono seats. I don’t hate it though, the low profile sides are nice. </p> <p>Just second guessing sticking with what we know, for no particular reason. TIA! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/twin-mom-hack#post-2778689 Tue, 10 Oct 2017 15:08:19 +0000 bees_knees 2778689@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know you said you can’t maneuver the infant seat out of the car while you’re in the garage...but have you tried yet with their “big kid” seats? You might be able to squeeze in enough to just unbuckle one (and let him/her walk across to meet you at the other door), or be able to lift LO completely out of the door short on space. Infant seats are huge and hard to finagle! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/twin-mom-hack#post-2778563 Tue, 10 Oct 2017 09:17:30 +0000 BSB 2778563@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We still use our PnP. The twins are 25 months old now. </p> <p>If there is risk of fighting (which does happen pretty often), I would put one in the PnP and the other in a gated area. I have that twin PnP and a travel PnP, so each would go in one. Give them some toys or turn on Pandora to distract them while you pull in the car. </p> <p>If you don't have two PnPs, I would put them in the crib for a few minutes. They sleep in there so it should be safe.</p> <p>I forgot when I stopped using the infant car seats. My babies were tiny so we might have been using them for a long time. I know when they were still using them, I would place the car seat with them in it, in the kitchen while I packed the car. It was a less than 2 minutes and they were usually content. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/twin-mom-hack#post-2778469 Mon, 09 Oct 2017 18:08:47 +0000 meadow 2778469@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kiddosc: we have this exact baby jail but havent had it set up for a long time (they disliked being put inside so it wasnt all that helpful). We repurposed sections to block them out of certain zones (eg. A coffee table in the corner). We actually talked about setting it up again last night for this but DH thinks they will drive it around or try to push over a side. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/twin-mom-hack#post-2778348 Mon, 09 Oct 2017 10:58:37 +0000 kiddosc 2778348@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meadow: I don't have twins, but I did need to keep one mobile baby contained while I went to the bathroom or switched laundry, or whatever. We got this hexagon playard and affectionately call it baby jail. This will give them more space than a pack and play and is probably a bit harder to escape from. </p> <p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000G1YW98?tag=amz-mkt-chr-us-20&#038;ascsubtag=1ba00-01000-a0032-win70-other-nomod-us000-pcomp-feature-scomp-wm-4-wl-prc0&#038;ref=bit_scomp_sav0&#038;th=1" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000G1YW98?tag=amz-mkt-chr-us-20&#038;ascsubtag=1ba00-01000-a0032-win70-other-nomod-us000-pcomp-feature-scomp-wm-4-wl-prc0&#038;ref=bit_scomp_sav0&#038;th=1</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/twin-mom-hack#post-2778304 Sun, 08 Oct 2017 21:21:26 +0000 Becky 2778304@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have twins but I've never had an issue sticking my now 17 month old in the house or leaving her alone while I switch the laundry in the basement or get dressed upstairs (also she's my second). I wouldn't say our house is super duper safe, but she's totally fine for the 2 minutes it would take (I've been down no similar things for months). We don' t have any stairs gated (we have 3 sets of two steps leading into our living room, and the stairs going to the upstairs are off the entry), and maybe I'm taking a risk but we didn't do much baby-proofing (the blenders and knives aren't reachable, and we don't use chemical cleaners, but we also taught them how to safely do potentially dangerous things like walking up and down stairs versus climbing when we realized trying to stop them wasn't effective). Also at 16 months they can probably crawl out of their car seats and onto the floor and over to you fine so you could pull into the garage and the twin on the tough side could crawl out. And one last thing but my daughter often just watches me bring stuff back and forth from the car--can they see you from the door? That's probably enough. </p> <p>We have a lot of big families where we live (we have two neighbors who each have 8 kids, with 2 sets of twins per family, and 4 kids isn't a lot around here), so even though I only have two that's helped my perspective. I try to think, what would they do in a family that size? When one set of twins was 3 and the other set of twins were newborns someone (or two or three) was going to be left standing in the hallway crying. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/twin-mom-hack#post-2778235 Sun, 08 Oct 2017 06:31:42 +0000 meadow 2778235@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meganmp: thanks!</p> <p>@2littlepumpkins: there is a gate to keep them out of the kitchen (I can't bring myself to lock every cabinet &amp; drawer.....so the sink and one other are locked and otherwise they only go in there supervised. We keep doors to bathroom &amp; bedrooms closed so they have free reign of livingroom, diningroom and the hallway. Mostly I am with them.....but there are occasions where i leave them alone for 2 minutes to go to the bathroom or switch laundry in the basement.......</p> <p>Thanks all for the ideas.....I am probably stressing out over the transition more than i need to! Hah </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/twin-mom-hack#post-2778228 Sat, 07 Oct 2017 23:39:22 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2778228@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meadow: mine arent twins but they are kind of wild and climbers so I get where you're coming from. Honestly I would just stick them in a safe area in the house and shut the door and pull the car in as quickly as possible. Not sure how they play indoors (run of the house? Gated area? Or just constantly supervised?) but I picture this taking a minute tops. Otherwise I think a pnp would be fine, or if their room/s is/are on the same level maybe the crib. </p>