When our friends at Safety 1st asked us what our readers might think about the idea of a convertible car seat with a 50 pound rear facing weight limit, we were thrilled to pose the question on our Facebook page. The comments were clear — such a seat would be a welcome addition to the marketplace. Safety 1st responded with the release of the Advance EX 65 Air + and we couldn’t wait for our seat to arrive!
Safety 1st Advance EX Air +
- Rear facing weight range: 5-50 lbs.
- Rear facing height range: 19-49″
- Forward facing minimum age: 2 years
- Forward facing weight range: 22-65 lbs.
- Forward facing height range: 29-49″
- Shell height: 28″
- Lowest harness position: 7.5″
- Highest harness position: 18″
- Expiration: 8 years
- Lower anchor weight limit: 40 lbs.
- 3 crotch buckle positions
- No re-thread harness
- 3 recline positions
- Integrated cup holder
- Air Protect + GCell HX foam
For all intents and purposes, the Advance EX Air + is quite similar to the Safety 1st Advance SE Air +, but there are a few key differences.
- The 50 pound rear facing weight limit
- 2 year minimum age for forward facing
- 18″ top harness slot instead of 17″
- 49″ rear facing height limit for rear and forward facing
Advance EX 65 Air + installed rear facing
It’s also not particularly lightweight, though it does have a handle on the back that makes carrying it around pretty easy.
But.
And this is a big but.
This is a reasonably priced, plush seat that is likely to fit most children until they’re ready for a booster. The 50 pound rear facing weight limit means that following best practice of rear facing for as long as possible is truly an option for many families. Children who would have maxed out the rear facing capabilities of most other convertible seats on the market could remain rear facing for much longer in the Advance EX Air + than almost any other seat on the market.
