Review: Safety 1st Complete Air 65 Convertible Car Seat

Ian is making his way out the infant stage and just a couple weeks away from turning one!  He's outgrown his infant car seat and upgraded to a convertible car seat.  Before purchasing the right one for him, I researched, read reviews and looked for the best price.   

I chose the Safety 1st Complete Air 65

Like all mothers, I chose this particular product based off price and reviews.  

I can't say I'm completely happy with it so here is my own review.

Pros:
Price- on sale at Babies R Us for $149.99. Originally $169.99 and on Amazon for $173.99
Rear-facing car seat: 5 - 40 pounds and 19" - 40"
Forward-facing car seat: 22 - 65 pounds and 34" - 49"
(*most affordable with the highest weight capacity)
QuickFit padded headrest adjusts the harness in one easy step - no re-threading and no uninstalling from the car.

Ian is 25 lbs but I have him rear facing just because I think it's safer.  I thought about having him face the back until he's 2 but I'll see how it goes.  His feet touch the back seat so I might have to switch him around sooner than I'd like.

It also looks very comfortable.  When Ian was in the infant seat I used a baby neck pillow for him.  Now with the air cushions, he could probably do without it.  I installed the Air 65 before going on a 2 hr trip and he slept most of the way.

It's pretty bulky but Ian's comfort is worth it.  Luckily I have a SUV and it fits perfectly in the middle while leaving the side passengers enough room to be comfortable as well.

Cons:
Installation was a bit more difficult than I expected based on the reviews I read.  I didn't loosen the straps until I got to the car and it was about 90 degrees outside.  The heat got me more frustrated than I should have.  At first I used both the car straps and the lap belt thinking it would be safer, but then eventually just stuck with the car straps after the 2nd install.

After the 1st install, and putting Ian in, I didn't like that it was too upright for him.  His chin rested on his chest when he fell asleep.  I also didn't like that the height eventually blocked my vision from seeing him through my rear view mirror to a mirror I put in front of him.

As a simple fix, I cut up a pool noodle, tied it with rubber bands and used it to recline the seat.

I was happy with the 2nd install which enabled him to be in an inclined position, and allowed me to see him through my rear view. When I decide to have him front facing, I hope the need to have an incline doesn't become too much of a factor.

 

One major con for me is the bottom buckle is SUPER difficult to unlock.  I broke a nail trying to unbuckle the right side.  His grandparents take him out a lot and if I have a hard time with it, they are likely to complain.  I didn't read reviews with this complaint so I might have to do an exchange this week.  

Overview:

Great convertible car seat for the price, longevity, safety and comfort.

By the looks of things Ian is happy with the Air 65. 

If I can get a better buckle I'll be happy with the purchase.

<3

Melissa