Eddie Bauer Adjustable Booster Car Seat Review

When looking for a carseat, especially that first transitional carseat, it's important to look at so many features you really don't have answers to - is it safe? Will my child like it? Will my child fit? Will my child outgrow it too fast? How easy is it to use?

Purchasing the Eddie Bauer carseat seemed like a deal - not only was it rated safe by Consumer Reports, but it was also very stylist. The little headrest/pillow seemed like such a cute idea and although our son look small in the seat, it was big enough that he could grow. Plus the price was right - it was at our local Target for less than $80, compared to the $110 at Babies R Us. Needless to say we were pleased.

Well, it's been 2 years now. We know everything about it - the ups and downs.

The ups:

1) Stylish - it doesn't feel like your average carseat. It's clunky, but it looks nice in nearly any car. For those who are suburban parents and want to fit in with the soccor-mom crowd, it's going to be a hit.

2) Small luxuries - For example, two cup holders. Arm rests. A little pillow for your angel to rest his weary little head on. It's quite impressive for a carseat! If they had these back when I was a kid, I'm sure I would have actually stayed in one!

3) Ease of installation - This one is tricky. For me, it's tough. For my husband and his long arms, it's not. We use the seat belt method, so I can't respond to the LATCH system. BUT it isn't impossible for those of us with short arms; it'll just take a little time.

4) Happy child - I can relate to this one first hand. My son has been very happy in the seat! He can pack the toys into the cup holders and go to town.

The downs

1) Hard to clean - on a long road trip, my son leaked through his diaper and wet the carseat. No problem, right? At our destination we managed to take the cover off and wash it. Getting it back on, on the other hand, was impossible. We didn't have the instructions and there's no way to get it online without emailing or calling (which didn't yield any help).

2) Frustrating "pillow"  - it doesn't matter if your child is 2 years or 5 years. That head is going to flop. The pillow does not help. I don't care how many parents say it helps, it doesn't. It's attractive, but ours never helped a bit.

3) Restricted mobility - I know in a car you don't want your child going crazy. That's not exactly safe. However, the arm rests, even when in an upright position, restrict your child from reach toys within an arm's length. That means there is a LOT of screaming "MOMMMMMY!" while you're driving 70 mph to your next destination.

4) Cup holders that don't always hold a cup - most toddler cups are just too big.

5) Hard to adjust straps - Transiting to and from winter is tough - you have to make sure the straps are long enough to accomodate a large jacket without giving too much slack. I believe a new study came out saying that big poofy jackets should be removed PRIOR to the carseat (yeah, like that's easy to say to a parent who has a screaming toddler in the middle of a blizzard!) though. However, these straps are just nearly impossible to adjust. It's MUCH easier to tighten than to loosen.

Overall, it's not a bad buy. Just be sure you work with it and learn how to use it. AND KEEP THE INSTRUCTIONS HANDY!!