Safety 1st Alpha Elite 65 Convertible Car Seat, Dexter

We bought the Alpha Elite 65 car seat a year ago because it was a top safety pick and because our son was outgrowing his Graco car seat. Over all it has been a good car seat. Below are some draw backs we had when using the car seat.

I HIGHLY SUGGEST THAT BEFORE YOU BUY THIS CAR SEAT YOU TRY IT OUT IN YOUR CAR FIRST! (toyRus will usually let you do this) ESPECIALLY IF YOU PLAN ON USING THIS IN THE REAR FACING OPTION!

Issues-

REAR FACING- Unless you have flat back seats you will probably have to use a fun noodle or rolled up towel to get the car seat in the correct elevated position. This car seat would not fit in our car in the rear facing position. We drive a Toyota Yaris 4 door Sedan (a sub compact) but from the other reviews I have read it won't fit in SUV in the correct position either. This is why you should check to make sure it fits correctly before you buy it.

CLEANING- This car seat is a pain in the butt to clean. I just spent an... Read more

I purchased this for my 11mo old son, but went to BRU to try it out and see how it fit him first and he seemed really comfortable in it. He passed out the first time we used it in the car. I've used it in both of our cars, a Honda Civic and a Ford Edge, it was a little tight in the Civic and my husband had issues with it because he couldn't put the seat back any further (but was fine for me at 5'5 and I like my seat straight up anyways). I keep in the the Edge now and it works great, just a little close if you have a person sitting on either side though but I don't really have to worry about that...one side has plenty of room, other is a little tight, but you can at least reach the seat buckles. But that's going to be an issue with any convertible carseat. No complaints so far after almost 2 months, didn't want to spend $100 more when this one is just as great as some of the others. I attach his... Read more

We got this for my son, looking for something a bit smaller than the Britax Marathon my daughter has. It turned out to be about the same size as the Britax, but it is very comfortable for him and fits well (forward facing) in our little car.