Customer Reviews

Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Car Seat, Brianna

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have had this car seat for over 2 years now and I love it.

First, I'll say that I never did use it as rear-facing, I haven't been in an accident since my DD was born, and I don't have this exact color (I have pink and grey). Also, I actually bought a second one a few days after the first so I wouldn't have to constantly move one between cars. I love both of them and they have both held up equally well to about 75k miles between them (in 2 1/2 years). Sure, the colors have faded in the sun, but the fabric is still sturdy, even after 3 or 4 washings per carseat and 2 1/2 years of no garage (in SC, CT, and NH).

I love this car seat because it's such a beast and easy to operate on a daily basis. It fully and sturdily protects my DD, it seems to be comfortable, and it is easy for me to use. I also consider it a plus that at 3 1/2 years old, my DD still is unable to unbuckle herself (mothers of multiple children may disagree, lol!). Cons that might bother other people are its size (if you have a small car and/or multiple children) and how difficult it is to clean, although I'm not sure that other car seats are any easier to disassemble and clean.

My specifics: We have put it into our '92 Galant, our '03 Ram 2500, our late-model Charger and Challenger, and friends' various minivans, all without difficulty (as forward facing only). We only have 1 child, and we bought it just before her 1st birthday.

The rest of my review includes (hopefully!) helpful tips:
-I have learned to adjust the straps to my daughter BEFORE it is installed (forward facing) as it is MUCH easier to pull on the straps when you can pull down on the metal joiner in the back, while at the same time pulling up the smaller strap between the legs.

-Keep your instructions handy for a LONG WHILE - when baby gets carsick, the WHOLE THING comes apart for washing, but it's tricky and time-consuming. I honestly don't know how the manufacturer recommends to clean it, but after my DD throws up in it, I throw everything fabric in the washer and then in the dryer. The only thing I don't dry is the actual carseat strap! The molded plastic cleans up just fine any way you choose - hose, bathtub, baby wipes, whatever!

-The key to cleaning the Alpha Omega is to know that you'll NEED to pull off the base (as if to make it a booster, when looking in the instructions for how-to) in order to fully clean all the plastic as well as in order to get the fabric off for machine washing. Take off the plastic grommets that hold the fabric to the molded carseat. Those are VERY HARD to get off, but try a large flathead screwdriver (or maybe pliers?) and go slowly and try to squeeze the grommet in on itself to slide it up through the molded seat, being careful not to break them. (They go back in MUCH easier than they come out, though!) There are two in the seat, next to baby's bum, and two in the backrest. I don't always need to take the backrest fabric off to clean the seat, but if you do, that fabric takes some serious effort to get off and on.

Here is some universal advice, not necessarily specific to the Alpha Omega line:
-The LATCH buckle (not the metal loops that go on the car, but the plastic buckle that keeps it cinched tight) is very strong and it can be frustrating trying to uninstall the carseat once you have it cinched down. Kneel into the seat, push on the release button and push down and away from the carseat. You have to get the angle right or the buckle will just keep tight. To get the loops off the car, try pushing the release flap and twist the whole carabiner-like loop 90-180 degrees, then pull it away from the car. I can't get them off any other way!

-DO NOT DRY THE BELT IN THE DRYER!!! It can damage the fibers and make them less effective in a crash. Just hang it to dry and it'll be good to go by the next morning. Also, LATCH belts don't come off, so don't bother trying. And don't be like my hubby on our original infant carrier and cut the strap off with scissors, LOL!!!! New parents...geez! ;)

-Take your time when rethreading the seatbelt through all it's holes and putting the accessories back on, or you'll wind up with things on backwards and either redoing it all (if you're a neat-freak like me) or twisting the straps to make it work. I have rethreaded the seatbelt three and four times before trying to make all the accessories perfect, LOL! So just think it all through before you go threading it all on there!

This is a very nice car seat. It is easy to fit to your child and install in the vehicle! My child just turned one so she is still rear facing, it's nice but it is a very tight fit rear facing in a small vehicle, I own a 2007 Chevy Cobolt and it is very tight, i don't have to worry about the seat going any where, the front seats will not go back any more cause of the seat! With the recline feature it is nice but you still have to put a towel or something (which the owner's manual says to do if needed)underneath the seat to get it reclined enough for rear facing so you child's neck doesn't fall forward! I would not recommend using this for a child younger then about 9 months just because of the recline feature jsut does not recline enough, but for child 9 months and older I think it will be a great purchase. I think it will also be a great seat for forward facing and as a booster seat!! I would recommend this seat to friends for a child 9 months or older!!

Appears good value for the money. Cup holder is a little flimsy. Could do with moveable "wings" for sleeping child comfort.

Fabric is ultra cute in terms of color. However the pink fabric is not stain resistant like a corduroy or textured fabric might be. Buckle is only OK and not high quality. 2 year old daughter likes it, and says so. Easy to install.

I am rating this as a rear facing seat, because that's what we tried to use it for. It reclines, but when installed properly, it sits straight up. I have to return mine for this reason.

I bought this item for my daughter I havent gotten it yet but so excited and what funny is that I just notice is name like my baby is cool can't wait to get it

I purchased this car seat for my 10 month old girl. It is very cute and "girly". The shoulder straps are very cushioned and comfortable for her. There is extra padding in the seat. It cost more than I was planning on spending, but I suppose I had to pay for the style/colors. I also purchased this one since it will grow with her. I will not have to buy another car seat for her since it can be used rear-facing, front facing, and then later as a booster seat. I justified the extra cost that way. I would recommend purchasing this seat if you like the looks of it, want a little extra comfort, and want to use it as a booster when your child is older. I'm sure you will be impressed with it, and won't mind the extra cost once you receive it.