The Evenflow Horizon V was not my first choice in car seats. Our dilemma was this, we could not find ANY car seat that would fit in our car. We tried three brands first, including Eddie Bauer and Cosco. Finally I found a GREAT website that shows car seat and car compatibility. Luckily there were a few posts for our car, so we tried what they had recommended. Well, they were right! The Evenflow Horizon V fit in our car perfectly! I have recently bought a second Horizon V for my second daughter, as I know it is one of the ONLY seats that will fit our back seat.

REAR FACING:
In most cases, this is the first way you will use your car seat. Also, this will be the hardest way to install the car seat and any compatibility problems will show up here. Your child MUST ride rear facing until 20 lbs (9kg). In most cases, this is always the safest way for a child to ride, but as the child grows they may become to big to sit rear facing. The top of the child's head must be at least one inch (25 mm) below the top of the car seat. If it is any less than this, the child should be placed in the forward facing position. Once the child is between 20 and 30 pounds, you may use the car seat in either direction.

Placing the Horizon V in your car in the rear facing position can offer some challenges. This is the only direction we have had our problems with. For some cars, the back seat is to sloped for a wide based car seat. Luckily the Horizon V is one of the slimmest models out there, and should fit most cars wonderfully. You will need to find someone able to actually climb into the back seat with the car seat and lean onto the seat as you buckle it in. This insures a nice tight fit. A rolled up towel may need to be used to prevent any gaps under the car seat. For added security you should have your car seat checked by a professional at one of the many places available, such as car dealerships.

FORWARD FACING:
Essential the car seat is the same forward facing as rear facing, although installing the car seat is a little easier. The same idea as above is also helpful, as putting as much weight into the seat makes it nice and secure. Remember your child should be more than 20 pounds and also over a year old before you use this position. Once you decide to use the car seat in the forward position, the maximum weight is 40 lbs (18 kg) and the maximum height is 40 inches (101 cm).

A unique feature of the forward facing use is a tether strap. This a fairly new concept, although other countries have made this feature mandatory for many years. A strap is hooked from the back of the car seat and hooks onto a latch installed on the rear shelf of the car. (or floor of the car if you have a station wagon or SUV) The tether strap is used in addition to the regular seat belt and helps to limit movement of the child's head in a crash. If your car does not have a tether hook, car your car dealership and they should install one for free.

FEATURES OF THE HORIZON V:
Convertible- Rear facing 5 to 30 pounds, Forward facing 20 to 40 pounds

5 point harness- believed to be the BEST way to go- adding extra security with 5 points of impact safety.

Tether strap-Properly used is helps to limit the movement of a child's head in a crash, thus reducing injury. This should ALWAYS be used in a vehicle whose lap belts only lock during a sudden stop or crash.

Locking clip- A locking clip is included with the car seat. This is used if your seat belts are the lap/shoulder type. This keeps the buckle from sliding and keeps the seat secure and the belts tight.

Seat within a seat- This option is not available on all models, but if yours does come with one- you are in luck. The seat within a seat is a three piece insert that is used to support an infant by giving added cushion around the child.

In conclusion, the only problems I have found with this car seat are these. The top of the car seat becomes faded from the sun after a few months- to me this is not really a big deal, as safety is whats important. The straps also sometimes twist- but in my opinion, I havent seen a car seat yet that doesnt have this problem. All in all, I love this car seat. Its very easy to install and works wonderfully. As a matter of fact, I liked it so much- I currently have one for each daughter!!

For anyone having trouble finding a car seat to fit their car- here is the above mentioned website:
http://www5.ewebcity.com/carseats/


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 60
Age Range of Child: 0 to 12 Months