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Hi there, DS is 2.5 years old and nearing 17kg, and he is getting toward the top of his Royale carseat.  So we are tossing up between the Maxi Rider II with additional protecta harness and the Recaro Young Sport.  We like how the Maxi with harness means he would be harnessed for longer, but we like how the Recaro goes up to a higher weight range.  I also have heard that despite not having a tether the Recaro is quite secure in the car and may even 'wobble' from side to side less than a tethered seat.  Not having a tether would be a little easier in terms of transferring between cars and avoiding the need to have another tether bolt fitted in our Caldina (had no end of trouble with the first one).  Of course, we realise that the greater weight range of the Recaro is no guarantee we'd get DS to stay in it that long. 
Can you advise of the pros and cons of both?
Thanks  :)
Hermione

Hi Hermione

You may be getting the Recaro Young Sport sold in New Zealand and the Recaro Young Sport sold in American confused. The one sold here only harnesses till 18kg and the one in America till 36kg (80lbs).

Therefore your option might just be the Maxi Rider II. However - there is also the Brio Zento that rear-faces till 25kg (though only to 18kg forward-facing) It's also not reliant on an anchor bolt. That is another option for you, anyway.

FWIW A tethered seat that "wobbles" is not installed correctly.

Bonnie

Sorry, didn't make it clear, I know that the Young Sport doesn't harness past 18kg but was wanting your opinion of it despite that.  Not too keen on the rear facing one, he's been forward facing for over a year now so don't like my chances of getting him to turn back, and I know I am prone to carsickness so don't want to test that on him.  That would be a great seat for a new baby though.

Hermione

Ok at 2.5 and 17kg I would most likely not suggest a Recaro Young Sport. For one, you wont get much use out of its inbuilt harness and for second - there are some very nice boosters to purchase (for much less) for when he does outgrow a harnessed seat. And at 2.5 I would definitely try keeping him harnessed for longer therefore perhaps the Maxi Rider II is the way to go - providing of course you can get it fitted firmly in to your vehicle. You may also find this Britax Bulletin informative http://www.childrestraintsafety.com/downloads/britaxbulletin.pdf as the info pertains to Maxi II's as well.