Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Car Seat
From Safety 1st
- Amazon Sales Rank: #10933 in Baby Product
- Color: Titanium
- Brand: Safety 1st
- Model: 22456TTN
- Released on: 2008-01-15
- Dimensions: 25.25" h x 20.00" w x 19.50" l, 14.60 pounds
The Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite is a convertible car seat that offers three modes of use. It can be used as rear-facing for an infant, forward-facing with a five-point harness and then converts to a belt-positioning booster for a toddler. It never needs re-threading and EPP energy absorbing foam. The quick-fit harness system easily adjusts without re-threading.
BEST seat for the $$$
This seat is AWESOME. It is sturdy, easy to use, easy to clean, inexpensive, comfortable, long-lasting, and more. I had an older version of this same seat (about two years ago) and bought two of this version--the old one for my hubby's car and these two for my minivan. My two-year-old LOVES the soft, cushiony seat--she always takes her shoes and socks off to rub her feet on it, and my 6-month-old loves the extra room and freedom of the bigger seat (she got too big for the Graco carrier kind.) The tilt is very easy to use and it installs fast and quickly--with LATCH--I haven't tried any other method. They fit beautifully into both my hubby's VW Passat and my Hyundai minivan--we're both tall and still have plenty of room to have our seats all the way back and these seats installed in both front and rear facing positions. It also cleans easy--straight into the wash and cool-setting dryer.
I hope this helps you with your car-seat purchase decision. I know I was a little overwhelmed by all of the choices and price differences. This seat was $90 with free shipping (from Amazon via BabyAge, I think--got here in two days!!) when I got it. I did go to a local store first to check these out (it was $160 in the store) I found the cheaper seats (Graco, Evenflo) had thinner padding. The more expensive seats (Brittax, etc.) had lots of colors and similar padding to this seat. I don't really think the kids care that much about the colors--their butts are on them, you know? I like that this fabric seems to hide everything my two-year-old can dish out on it--and then wash easily if it gets stinky. Oh--the other thing I really like about this seat is how easily the straps adjust--I haven't seen any that are easier--if you look at the picture you'll see these little red handles at the top--you simply push/pull these and the straps slide up or down--other car seats you have to rethread the things--who has time for that!?! Also, the arm rests are adjustable--I have them up and out of the way for now--when we transition to the booster, I'm sure I'll bring them down.
Good luck!!
p.s. I've read a few of the negative reviews and have some tips--
1. For the ones who couldn't remove the infant headrest, it is very easy to remove. Unthread the belts from the clip in the rear, thread out through the front and the headrest slides off--then rethread (the instructions are in the back of the book--look under cleaning.)
2. For the tilt--for cars with bucket seats, you will need to use a prop to adjust the front of the seat when rear-facing. You can purchase a $10 adjuster, cut up a $1 swimmers noodle, or roll up a towel--all are safe--and you can ask you car service dept or safety official to help with the install (most local police departments have monthly safety seat checks.)
I still love this seat--I think it is super easy to use.
Great price but not the same as the one sold at Babys R us
I have been looking for a car seat for our 7 month old son and wanted to buy a car seat that will grow with him. I purchased the Cosco Alpha Omega Elite 3-in-1 Car Seat at Baby's R Us for $159.99. My cousin was looking for the same seat and found it here on Amazon for $89.99. I could not believe the price difference. In reading the reviews many mention it is the same as the one sold at Baby's R Us. So I ordered it from Amazon intending to return the one I bought for $159.99. I received the car seat yesterday. It looks similar has most the same features but one major difference. The $159.99 version Features EPP energy-absorbing foam which makes the seat much softer, yes it's a small difference and might not be worth $70.00. Also it is a different color and different model number then the Baby's R Us model. But I'm going to keep the one for $159.99 and give the other to a family member. I wanted to write this review to point out the difference so that anyone else wanting to buy this car seat knows that there is a difference between the two car seats. I do recommend this car seat just be aware for the differences.
Big and Uncomfortable!!
This seat has a lot of great convenient features. However I ultimately returned it after having it only one day. It is a bit complicated to install and is really large in size. I drive a Jeep Liberty and the front seats had to be pushed quite a ways forward for it to fit. However the main and most negative for me is the pillow that is built in and NOT detachable! Even in the full reclined position it pushed my 9 month old daughters head forward and made it slump onto her chest when she slept! Do these manufacturers not put an actual baby in these seats before they finalize the design?!? If you are looking for a seat for you baby to be comfortable in absolutely don't buy this!! We purchased an Evenflo Triumph Advanced and it is super comfortable for her and based on my research got top marks in the safety tests.
