Product Reviews Facts and Notes

It might seem really unnecessary by some people for me to spend $250 on a car seat when Walmart offers them for 1/5th that amount. However, I have good reason. If I were to get in a serious accident, I’d want to be 100% sure my kids were as safe as they could be. I wouldn’t want to have any regrets about what they were sitting in when the accident happened.

Unfortunately, my fears have a basis. There are numerous stories all over the internet about how seat belts used with boosters have failed when they were needed the most - in the middle of a car accident. Someone I know lost their 10 month old baby because the car seat belt failed when their car lost control and rolled.

Because of my concern for safety, I’ve done quite a bit of research on car seats. There are two brands that stand out as being extra safe, especially because they have seats that allow children to remain in a 5-point harness as long as possible. Those brands are Britax and Sunshine Kids.

While the Britax car seats are fantastic, I decided to buy the Sunshine Kids Radian 80 seats. These have wonderful safety ratings as well, and fit my needs better than the larger Britax seats. My kids will be able to sit in the Radian 80 seats until they are 80 pounds, double the normal weight limit for the cheaper car seats! The Radian 80’s also have some other great features I like as well.

Steel frames - these frames won’t deteriorate in the hot sun like other car seat frames. Plastic is far too susceptible to damage by heat and sun.

Convertible options - these seat can be set both rear-facing for infants and forward facing for older kids

Stylish - you can’t beat the cute patterns they have for little girls’ seats.

LATCH - I love the fact that you can harness these seats directly to your car without depending on the car’s seat belt system. Seat belts unfortunately have been known to fail far too often.

Foldable - these car seats are heavier due to the steel frame, but they do fold up nicely and can be carried like a backpack for easy transport

Nice and narrow - unlike most any other car seats, you can actually fit 3 of these across the back seat of most vehicles. This feature is fantastic!

I never regret buying my Sunshine Kids Radian 80 car seat. My kids are in one of the safest car seats on the market and comfortable to boot. The extra money was definitely worth it!