We have the 5 point version
Written: Feb 24 '00 (Updated Nov 20 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Five point restraint, level indicator, comfortable seating angle
Cons: Hard to release from shopping carts
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| iowamommy's Full Review: Century Smartfit Plus 22 |
This is our fourth child, and knew we had to purchase a new infant car seat, since our other one was already 9 years old, and we knew that you are no longer supposed to use seats that are more than 5 or 6 years old. Things had changed A LOT since we had that other seat! So many fancy features and patterns and decisions to make. We did know that we wanted a five point restraint, though, so many other seats were eliminated.
Features I like
I have liked this seat a lot. I like the level indicator so you know if the baby is at the right angle, not pitched too far forward with their head flopping down. I've noticed that some seats have such a deep angle for baby when sitting, like their bottom is so far down and legs up so high, it doesn't look comfortable to me. This one has a nice curve to it and seems supportive. I like the handle, too. Those other seats have that twisted side-ways part of the handle, but honestly, I think those feel awkward to carry. Maybe it's because I'm used to the other style from my previous seat, but that's my opinion. Back then there wasn't any type of padding at all, and it dug into your hand. What an improvement!
We get a great, tight installation in the captain's chairs of our 1999 Windstar. Since not all seats fit all vehicles, it's a good idea to try it in your vehicle before purchasing it, if possible.
Another thing to note is that with two sets of harness slots, this seat is superior to some other that only have one. Since the shoulder harness should come from below the babies shoulders when rear facing, some of the other seats with only one set of slots have the straps coming from the wrong spot for such a small infant.
Any drawbacks?
One area on this seat definitely needs improvement, though. You can attach this to a shopping cart by positioning two grooves onto the wire part of the cart seat. One side has a tab or clip that locks onto the wire. When it's time to leave the store, it's nearly impossible to release this tab to get your baby off the cart! You nearly have to mangle your fingers to do it. I'd rather just set the seat in the basket of the cart, anyway. They never seem that safe to me way up high, it's such a high center of gravity and some of those carts are so narrow-based already. Also, just a few times it has been difficult to release the seat from the snap-in base when I'm ready to take it out of the van. That has been rare, though.
Some words about the 5-point harness on this seat
Like I said previously, I knew I wanted a 5-point harness for safety. It is more difficult to use, but worth it to me. On this model, the adjustment is done in the back by inserting a rod through loops in the harness straps, not simply by pulling a strap to tighten it up. This means it is tricker to get the right fit, but it can be done. If you would be frustrated by this system and tend to keep the straps looser for ease of use, this seat wouldn't be for you. They need to be snug on the baby. In this case, a 3-point seat used correctly would be better than this 5-point one used in the wrong fashion.
They now make some other 5-point seats with a front adjuster in other brands, but I think one of these seats is very shallow and another one has a lower height limit, so they would be outgrown sooner. Our seat accommodates an infant up to 20 lbs. or 27 inches. Check the restrictions before purchasing a seat. There are new seats being made all the time, so 5 point seats with front adjusters may become easier to find.
Recommendation
Overall, I like this seat and feel safe having my daughter in it. I know she's comfortable in it and actually prefers naps in this seat to ones lying on her back. She seems cozy in there. The five point restraint is a plus. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
Recommended:
Yes
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iowamommy
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Location: Iowa
Reviews written: 144
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Mother of four product testers!
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