The Great Carseat Debate

So after I posted this picture on Finley's 14 month post, Beth called me and said "Finley looks HUGE in that carseat!  I can't believe how much bigger she looks in it than the last time I saw her in it."  Well, I admit I was embarrassed and my mommy-ego was a bit hurt (though I know Beth didn't mean it that way) and I tried to justify the fact that Finley was still meeting the height and weight requirements of the seat, but after I looked at the picture again, I realized that Devin and I needed to stop dragging our feet and buy Finley a new carseat!!!!!

We have been looking at convertible carseats since before Finley turned one, but have had major problems deciding on one.  We finally narrowed it down to two different ones.  They both had great ratings and were the same price.  The problem was I liked one of them better and Devin liked the other one better.

Pros of the one I liked:
Very comfortable
Could face forward or rear facing... this was particularly important because I had read that it's best to keep toddlers rear facing until they are 2 even though most everyone turns their child front facing at 1.

Cons of the one I liked:
Fairly large-- which is probably why it is comfortable! =)
Doesn't convert into a booster seat so we'll have to buy her a 3rd carseat at some point (though booster seats are very inexpensive!)

Pros of the one Devin liked:
Slender design
Turns into booster seat

Cons of the one Devin liked:
Only goes forward facing
Not quite as comfortable

So I gave in and decided to go with Devin's favorite since everyone I know faces their child forward at one year/ 20 pounds.  I was planning to go get it on a Saturday, but for some reason, something came up every time I was going to go shopping so I put it off until Sunday.  Well, after church, Devin was reading the paper and read an article about how they're seriously considering changing the carseat regulations to require babies to stay rear facing until they are 2.  Devin looked at me and said "Choose whichever one you want.  I'm fine with you picking either one."

So I chose the one I liked (though I loss the fight to get the cute, girly pink version) and Finley loves it!  It is so comfy, but granted, it is HUGE in my car and when we were installing it, I did have a few moments of regret.  Both Devin and I are a little sad that we still can't turn around to tickle her toes, hand her binkies, stare at her in the rearview mirror, etc.  Of course, we would rather do what is considered safest for her especially since she continues to be in the 10th percentile in weight.  I think if she was heavier I wouldn't be so worried.... or if I was a better driver and was surrounded by good drivers! =)  I just know if anything happened, I would wonder if it was because I didn't have her rear facing...