The Most Recent Graco Atlas 65 Booster Car Seat Review

Graco Atlas 65 2-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat

The Graco Atlas 65 2-in-1 harness booster car seat, model number 1946242, is a combination forward-facing car seat with a built-in 5-point harness system plus a high back booster seat. This means the seat will grow with your child, from toddler (22 to 65 pounds, 27 to 49 inches) to youth (30 to 100 pounds, 38 to 57 inches).

It’s a well-built, versatile car seat that easily transfers from one vehicle to another and is FAA approved for airplanes. It also can be used for RV and bus travel. Kids even love it for the deep cup holders on each side.

The Graco Atlas 65 Is Perfectly Sized for Various Vehicle Types

A car seat that is sized to fit the back seat of different types of vehicles is always on the minds of parents. Also important for families with multiple car seats in use is whether it will fit with the other seat models.

(more…)

Is the Graco Extend2Fit convertible car seat the answer to keep your child rear-facing longer? Find out in our new review

Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat, Gotham, One Size

Extended rear-facing (ERF) in car seats has been a huge topic in the car seat realm ever since the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended rear-facing for a minimum of 2 years. Currently, the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) recommends rear-facing for as long as possible. A British study found that a minimum of 4 years is even better.

Since most infant seats max out at 25-30 pounds, it would be a good investment to buy or upgrade to a convertible car seat with a higher rear-facing limit. Whether you start out with a convertible or infant seat is up to you, though many child safety experts recommend using a dedicated infant seat for your baby’s first year.

The Graco Extend2Fit convertible has one of the highest rear-facing limits we’ve seen at 50 pounds. Since the average 4 year old weighs about 40 pounds, this seat could allow a vast number of children to ride rear-facing well past their 2nd birthday.

But what about their legs? Won’t they be cramped? This is the #1 concern with ERF. Many studies have shown that it’s actually more dangerous riding forward-facing, particularly because children’s heads, necks and spines are much more susceptible to injury than their legs. Plus, kids are a lot more flexible than adults, and a broken leg is less life-threatening than a neck or head injury.

However, the Graco Extend2Fit convertible car seat has taken the issue of cramped legs into account with this innovative model for growing toddlers. We’ve broken down the stats for you so you can decide if this car seat is worth the hype.

(more…)

Is the Britax Pinnacle G1.1 Harness-2-Booster seat a good choice for your child? Find out in our review

Britax Pinnacle ClickTight G1.1 Harness-2-Booster Car Seat, Mosaic

The Britax Pinnacle G1.1 is one of the top multitasker players on the booster seat team. It’s actually a combo forward-facing harness seat and booster seat. With the highest weight and height limits of any other booster on the market, it should be able to fulfill its roll from the time your child is too big for rear-facing and until he no longer needs a booster.

The Pinnacle is the top tier of a triad of similar booster seats from Britax, including the Pioneer and the Frontier. Premium seats like the Pinnacle come with a premium price, but with the sturdy construction, excellent side impact protection and easy installation, it’s likely a great investment.

But have a look at our review before you make a commitment. We’ve broken down all the stats for you in one convenient place.

(more…)

Our Review of the Evenflo Symphony All-in-One Convertible Car Seat

Evenflo Symphony Elite

The Evenflo Symphony Convertible car seat debuted in 2008. Since then, it’s gone through a few iterations, including the current Elite model, also known as the DLX model. It comes in a few other slightly different variations exclusive to specific retailers. Here, we’ll focus on the Symphony Elite.

If you’re looking for a seat that will last from birth until your child no longer needs a booster seat, the Elite is one you’ll want to consider. It’s loaded with features, is about as user-friendly as a convertible seat can get, but it’s a little on the large side. So your choice may very well depend on your vehicle model and/or if you need to install alongside other car seats. You should also keep in mind that like other convertible seats, there is no portable infant carrier option, so this is an install it and leave it alone kind of seat.

As far as price goes, it averages around $200, but since you may not have to replace it as you would other single-function seats, it could save you money in the long run. But is this plush all-in-one seat really the only seat you’ll need?

Let’s break down the stats so you can decide for yourself.

(more…)

Is the Snoozer Lookout II a good car seat for dogs? Find out in our detailed review.

Snoozer Lookout II – Dog Car Seat

The Snoozer Lookout II dog car seat is a little step up from the Lookout I. While the differences aren’t many, they’re significant enough to make this an upgrade option, particularly if you travel a lot with your pet.

Like the Lookout I, the Lookout II is a highly rated seat that comes in 3 sizes and a variety of color/pattern options. It’s faux wool lining and boosted height makes for a good sleeping spot or a perch to see the world go by from the car window.

Snoozer Lookout II Features:

  • Soft foam frame
  • Faux wool interior lining
  • Several color and pattern options
  • 3 sizes – S, M, and L
  • Plastic slide-out storage drawer
  • Removable cover – machine washable and dryable
  • Quilted nylon exterior repels pet hair
  • Connection strap for seat belt to hook onto pet harness

As with the Lookout I, the product description suggests that a Lookout Travel Rack for food and water is included. However, this product is sold separately. Many pet owners use the built-in storage drawer on the Lookout II to keep small covered bowls of food and water (or bottled water) on hand.

Customers love that the cover is easily removed for machine washing and drying on the gentle cycle. A few people expressed wanting a waterproof cover since pet accidents or water from a wet dog can soak through onto the foam frame.

Helpful tip: Remove the cover, place a waterproof diaper changing mat or garbage bag over the foam, and then replace the cover. This will help keep the foam from soaking up spills that can lead to mold and bad odors.

Note that there is an option called the “Luxury Lookout II” which has a removable/washable microsuede cover and a pillow with a separate removable/washable cover. The price is up to $60 higher than the Snoozer Lookout II.

Snoozer Lookout II dimensions
Small LWH17″x15″x19″
Small Product Weight4.3 pounds
Medium LWH22″x15″x19″
Medium Product Weight6.4 pounds
Large LWH30″x18″x18″
Large Product Weight7.5 pounds

The Lookout II can be used in both front and back seats, depending on the size of your car interior. Many people found that the medium and large sizes did not fit well in the front seat, but had no issues putting it in the back seat.

Safety tip: If you want your dog to ride in the front seat, you should disengage the passenger air bag. Pets, like children under 13, can be hurt or killed by an airbag.

Will the Snoozer Lookout II fit my dog?

Snoozer Lookout 2 Large Size

With 3 sizes to choose from, you’d think there’d be a bigger weight range, but it maxes out at 35 pounds. So, if you have a large breed, you’ll need to look at other options like crates and car harnesses that fit directly on the seat.

Small up to 18 pounds
Medium up to 25 pounds
Large up to 35 pounds

One pet owner has a pig that’s about 30 pounds, so the large size fit her pet well. However, the owner thought the pillow wasn’t thick enough. Also, her pig nibbled on the foam when the cover was off for washing and ate some of it.

The pig is fine, but if you have any pets who like to chew, be sure to keep the seat out of reach while the cover is removed.

Is the Snoozer Lookout II safe for your pet?

Snoozer 2 Dog Booster & Harnesses

Like the Lookout I, several customers felt the front edge of the Lookout II was too low and were afraid their dogs would fall out. They also shared the complaint about the safety tether sliding freely on the seatbelt, which allowed their pets to easily jump out.

Safety Tip: If you have a dog that won’t stay put, instead of using the attached safety tether, use a car harness that attaches to the car headrest.

Several customers have seen an improvement in pets that suffer from carsickness with this seat (as well as the Lookout I). This might be the result of stabilizing the pet’s movement or allowing them to see out the window.

Others felt the seat belt didn’t hold the car seat in place very well, so that it slid around too much. Using a car harness attached to the headrest would be a good backup plan if you have the same experience.

Best Car Seat Hub’s Final Verdict

Lookout II Dog Car Seat with Storage Tray

The Snoozer Lookout II is a very comfortable car seat for dogs (or any pet) 35 pounds and under that need to be boosted up in order to safely look out the car window. It may also help carsick pets with motion sickness.

Those with small car interiors will probably find the medium and large sizes way too big for the front seat, but those sizes should work well in a backseat, provided you don’t have bucket seats.

So long as you are able to firmly secure the Lookout II with the seat belt and keep your pet latched in and unable to jump out, this pet seat should be a very safe option.

pros
  • Boosts pet up to look out the window
  • May help with carsickness
  • Removable, washable cover
  • Soft faux wool lining
  • Pull-out storage drawer
  • Outer lining repels pet hair
  • Lightweight
  • Can also be used as a pet bed
cons
  • May be difficult to firmly secure the seat with the seatbelt
  • Safety tether may allow pet to jump out easily
  • Front side may be too low for some pets
  • Cover is not waterproof
  • Does not come with travel rack as product description implies
  • Pets may chew on the foam if exposed

Optional Accessories

  • Flush Puppies Doodie Bags
  • PetBonus 4-pack Silicone Collapsible Dog Bowls
  • Snoozer Pet Car Seat Lookout Travel Rack

Why should you even bother traveling with your pet?

While many people would rather leave their pets at home or at a kennel, traveling with them can be beneficial to you both. Of course, there are pets who do not enjoy traveling at all or situations in which traveling with a pet would be hazardous for both of you.

But for many pets, they will love spending time with you as you explore your world, whether it’s just a short trip to the dog park or a big camping trip to a national park. Pets benefit from the enrichment of different activities, both physically and mentally. They get exercise and the chance to socialize with your family, other pets and people.

If you practice the following travel tips, you’ll be better able to enjoy a vacation with your pet.

  • Proper training – Make sure your pet is well-trained in the basics: sit, stay, heel. If you have a pet who darts out the door like a rocket, that can spell disaster. Just make sure you’re in control at all times.
  • Pet-friendly places – Always plan ahead so you’ll be able to stay in a pet-friendly hotel or camping spot.
  • Leaving your pet alone – If you’ll be visiting any places pets can’t enter like restaurants and museums, be sure you can leave your pet alone in a safe hotel room or RV. Dogs who incessantly bark or have severe separation anxiety should not be left alone.
  • Frequent breaks – Long car trips can be hard on pets. Plan frequent stops for potty breaks and to stretch their legs (and yours). Be sure to pack extra food, fresh water and treats. If you have time and space, you might even be able to play a short game of fetch or tug of war.
  • Have shot records and nearby vet addresses handy – You can take pictures of immunization records with your mobile phone and find apps that will direct you to local vets.
  • Clean up after your pet – Stepping in dog doo can ruin someone’s nice vacation, so don’t leave your pet’s mess lying around. Be considerate and bring along biodegradable or flushable doggie doo bags.
Check Snoozer Lookout 2 Price

Our Review of the Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 Infant Car Seat

Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 Infant Car Seat

The Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 infant car seat first joined the extensive Graco family of child restraints back in 2005. Since then it’s been through a few iterations, one of which was to lower the minimum weight range from 5 to 4 pounds to better fit preemies.

The newer seats also have a longer expiration (7 years instead of 6) to better allow for extended rear-riding (to 2 years old) according to the AAP’s recommendation. The ClickConnect technology was designed to make it easy to attach to both a base and stroller with one step.

It’s on the upper range in prices among the other Graco SnugRide models, but it’s still a pretty affordable seat compared to similar models of other brands. While not a huge investment for most families, you still want to get what you pay for.

Is the Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 worth the investment, and is it a safe and reliable seat for your baby? Let’s break down the stats so you can decide for yourself.

(more…)