Choosing Between Sunshine Kids and Britax Car Seats

There are so many manufacturers and design options to choose from when buying a car seat, that one can’t criticize a new parent from becoming totally befuddled. Naturally, a parent wants the best seat available for the child, but also doesn’t want to break the bank spending for unnecessary expenses. The selection becomes somewhat simplified if you limit your choices to the two car seat manufacturers that are known as the top tier for crash safety of their car seat products: Sunshine Kids and Britax.

Both manufactures make an excellent selection of car seat products, although Britax does have more variety in safety seats. Both companies, however, provide high quality car seats, convertible seats, and high-back booster seats. Britax and Sunshine Kids both offer several styles of single seats that can be used from infancy to early childhood.

The Britax line includes the Marathon, the Roundabout, the Boulevard, and the Advocate. The Sunshine Kids line includes the Radian XTSL, the Radian 80SL and the Radian 65SL. Britax also offers two styles of high-back booster seats including one that is the convertible type. Sunshine Kids offers one type of high-back booster seat that can be converted into a backless booster for the older child.

All manufacturers market car seats that are designed to keep children safe during sudden stops or accidents. Britax and Sunshine Kids products all are certified to conform to the latest government regulations and standards. The major difference among manufacturers is the manner in which they engineer the child’s protection. Some car seat models are secured through the vehicle’s frame; some are configured to use the automobile seat belts; and some simply rely upon the weight of the child. Britax and Sunshine Kids both offer standard restraint systems in the first two categories mentioned above.

Britax and Sunshine Kids both use EPS foam in their padding. EPS, an acronym for expanded polystyrene foam, is an energy absorber that is designed to provide additional safety during a crash or a panic stop. Both companies have steel reinforced frames and tether systems for both forward-facing and rear-facing models. Regarding the weight limits of rear-facing seats, the Sunshine Kids Radian models are designed for a maximum weight of 45 pounds, while the Britax model is rated at 35 pounds. Both Britax and Sunshine Kids are highly rated by Consumer Search as well as most child passenger safety technicians.

While safety is the critical consideration, a good looking car seat is nice to have. Both Britax and Sunshine Kids manufacturer seats with durable fabrics and fabric patterns that look nice and are attractive to both parent and child. Both manufacturers include adequate features to ensure the comfort of the child, such as memory foam and pillow inserts. Of the two brands, the Britax models are usually slightly higher priced that the equivalent Sunshine Kids models, but not enough of a difference to drive the final selection.

Here is my final note of safety. Regardless of the minor differences between the Britax and the Sunshine Kids car seat products, none of their car seats will provide the needed protection if they are not properly installed. The products of both manufacturers are given top ratings for ease of installation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It’s up to you, the purchaser, to install the car seat properly or to have in installed by a professional.

Livesnet.com is a website where baby products reviewed. If you feel confused about choosing a best convertible car seat or other baby products for your babies, then you should come to our site for more professional guidelines and shopping tips.