Eddie Bauer Deluxe Convertible Car Seat Review

Filed in:

Autos, Baby, Car Seats, Cars, Child care, Children, Family, Kids

Pin It

Also see our full Car Seats review:

Summary:
Installation seems to be a major problem with the Eddie Bauer Deluxe. Consumers gripe that the instructions are complicated and the seat doesn't seem tightly secured. There are also complaints about comfort, with poor head positioning and straps that dig into tiny legs. The five-point harness system is adjustable, although the manufacturer doesn't say how exactly. The seat is equipped with the LATCH system and a removable, washable pad. It's on the heavy side, at 13.8 pounds, but can accommodate rear-facing riders up to 35 pounds, forward-facing passengers from 22 to 40 pounds, and booster-seat riders from 40 to 80 pounds.

Complaints about comfort and installation are common in Eddie Bauer Deluxe (starting at $100, Amazon) reviews. The straps chafe and dig into legs, according to Eddie Bauer Deluxe reviews at Target, and kids' heads flop around when they sleep. Other reviews at Target report that installation is nearly impossible, with uneven latches and unorganized directions. We saw similar comments in Eddie Bauer Deluxe reviews at Sears, where parents say the car seat doesn't fit tightly in the car and doesn't feel secure. They, too, note that it pushes kids' heads forward in a way that appears uncomfortable.

Kids can ride facing backward in the Eddie Bauer Deluxe Convertible Car Seat from 5 to 35 pounds, in a forward-facing position from 22 to 40 pounds, and in a booster seat from 40 to 80 pounds. That makes the Eddie Bauer Deluxe by far the most versatile convertible car seat on our list. The seat is a bit on the heavy side, at 13.8 pounds. It comes with a five-point harness and the LATCH system, along with machine-washable fabric. The manufacturer notes that it is adjustable but doesn't say how.

Given that this car seat lets kids ride rear-facing, forward-facing, or in a booster seat, in theory you could never have to buy another car seat. However, user reviews indicate that this seat is difficult to install, doesn't feel safe, and isn't comfortable for tiny passengers. It's also at the top of our price range. You might be better off springing for more than one tried-and-true car seat.

By Cheapism editors – August 4, 2011

Other Recommended Car Seats

Evenflo Titan Elite

Consumers say the Evenflo Titan Elite is very secure and provides a comfortable ride. It can hold a child up to 50 pounds, exceeding the weight limits of other low-cost convertible car seats by 10 pounds or more. The seat itself weighs 12.7 pounds, comes with a removable and machine-washable seat pad, and uses the LATCH system. The five-point harness offers four shoulder-strap positions and two buckle positions. Read more »

Safety 1st OnSide Air Convertible Car Seat

The Safety 1st OnSide Air Convertible Car Seat allows children to remain rear-facing up to 40 pounds, the highest weight limit of any convertible car seat we researched. Kids can also face forward from 22 to 40 pounds. The five-point harness is highly adjustable, with four shoulder-strap positions and three buckle positions. This car seat uses the LATCH system, features washable fabric, and weighs 12.1 pounds. Read more »

Graco ComfortSport

The Graco ComfortSport impresses parents with its easy installation and perceived comfort. Weighing in at 12 pounds, it seats children rear-facing up to only 30 pounds and forward-facing from 20 to 40 pounds. It uses a five-point harness with three shoulder-strap positions and the LATCH system for installation. The seat pad is removable and machine washable. Read more »