As a Mom to three young children, I know the importance of car seat safety, however, it can be really confusing for first-time Moms.

- What type of car seat is right for us?
- Rear facing or forward facing?
- How do I use the vehicle latch system?
- High back or no back booster?
- What is the law in my state?
- Is my child EVER going to be out of a car seat?

There are so many questions and options out there, no wonder new Mothers are confused. Texas has a new law regarding older children, which directly affects my family. Both my 7 and 6-year-old must still use booster car seats. So, we've decided to forgo the High Back seats due to limited space in our vehicle and opted for the convenience of the No-Back booster for my older two.

Momma Findings has the scoop on two new Car Seats hitting the market for families this year. This weekend we'll let you guys know how we like Safety 1st's Air Protect seat for my toddler, but today I want to let you guys in on the LiteRider Booster Seat made by Harmony Juvenile.


About LiteRider

The ideal solution for transporting your child. This lightweight car seat exceeds the most stringent safety impact testing in the world, and is exceptionally comfortable and easy-to-use.

Features:

• Exceeds US FMVSS 213 standards.

• Fits children 30 - 100 lbs.

• Extended weight range ready for new ASTM standard.

• Ultra-plush, durable fabrics made with comfort foam throughout seat for maximum comfort.

• Full-wrap premium seat pad is removable for machine washing.

• Seat-saver design.

• Visually pronounced belt guides promote correct installment of the seat belt.

• Belt path design prevents child from sliding under the lap belt on impact.

• Belt guide included.

• 3-month (limited) warranty.

My kids are constantly switching transportation, from the school bus, to our SUV, to Ganee's car, to Aunt Mona's SUV, to Papi's truck, ..... you get the picture. I have to move one big car seat for my toddler (thank goodness for the easy latch system on that one), so I don't want to spend more time and energy towing heavy, bulky, booster seats for my other two children. In fact, I'd like for them to carry their OWN booster with ease so my hands can carry all the essentials. You know, Nintendo DS, Barbies, and Blankies (just kidding). Let's get down to business, shall we?

What We Liked:

• Base: Ganee, my Mother-in-Law, mentioned immediately that she liked the bottom of the seat. It doesn't have a rough/ragged bottom like others, saving her leather seats from getting worn out. The LiteRider is on the left and another (we'll leave the brand out) seat is on the right. Notice the difference?



• Cushion: The seat is very well padded making my daughters little tush, a little more comfortable.

• Easy-to-Clean Cover: The seat's cover comes off REALLY easy, no loops, no bands, just slips on and off, almost like a very snug pillow case. Throw it in the washer, dry it, and you've got a clean cover for your next car ride.



• Color: Need I say more? When my daughter FIRST moved to a booster seat we searched high and low for a "girly" seat. She wanted flowers, hearts, princess, SOMETHING to embrace her sweet personality, but options were very limited. We ended up with a black seat. Imagine her excitement when her LiteRider in PINK showed up on our doorstep, thanks to Harmony Juvenile. It also comes in Tan.

• Weight: The LiteRider is SUPER light. Remember how I said, I'd rather my children carry it so I can help my toddler with his "essentials"? Well, she can carry this with ease, being that it weighs just under 3 lbs (2.86 lbs. or 1.3 kg to be exact).

• Belt Guide: It's, often, too easy to buckle your child wrong. My children are old enough to buckle themselves in, but sometimes they need a little help. The Belt Guide promotes correct installment of the belt buckle, making sure children are safely buckled for the ride.



• Price: Harmony Juvenile has your pocketbooks in mind when they priced this baby! You can buy it for less than $15.00, giving you the option to purchase an extra for Grandma's car.

Momma Improvements & Suggestions

• Armrests: My daughter mastered buckling her into her old booster, however, this one she had trouble with due to the armrests being so close to the base. I can see if she had one more inch to work with, in the height from the base to the armrest, she'd buckle with ease.

• No Cup Holder: This is a luxury we've gotten used to. My children, often times, have drinks with them and can't reach most of the drink holders in our SUV. The LiteRider does not have any cup holders, making it easy for them to drop their drink onto the floor of our vehicle.

• Absent knee protectors: I've researched and used quite a few booster seats and noticed there isn't a lot of lower body protection. There are no raised knee protectors on the LiteRider, however, it DOES pass safety impact testing. Knowing this makes me feel comfortable with my daughter in it.

All in all, the Harmony Juvenile LiteRider has been a great addition to our family of car seats. With three children, neighborhood friends, nieces & nephews, it's always great to have an extra booster seat for play dates and carpools.

Buy It

The Harmony Juvenile LiteRider can be purchased at your local Walmart store or by visiting www.harmonyjuvenile.com, for the suggested retail price of $13.50.