I am ready to purchase some new carseats for my boys and I guess I am totally clueless about this.

Right now I have the following:
DS1- 2 1/2, 32lbs in an Evenflo Titan 5. The tops of his ears are barely in his seat (long torso). I have 2 of these seats, one for each vehicle.

DS2- 7 mth, 22 lbs in a Safety 1st designer 22 bucket.

DS2 has reached the weight limit on the bucket and I would like to switch him to the Titan seats and get something new for DS1. What i am clueless about is can he safely go into a 5pt harness HB Booster or do I need to find a convertible seat with a higher back? I would like to stay under $130 as I need to buy 2 seats again for daycare pick-up/drop-off.

Also rather than start another thread I hope someone can answer is it safe to use the seatbealt and LATCH at the same time?

For DS 1, as long as he is in a five point restraint it doesn't really matter if he is in a convertible or a combination seat. Neither is safer than the other

Since you like the Evenflo, you might want to consider the NEW Evenflo Triumph Advance (not the old Evenflo Triumph). It goes to 50 lbs forward facing and has 17 inch top harness strap height (comparable to the Britax Marathon). This is a convertible seat.

If you are more interested in a combination seat (that converts to a booster), I'll recommend the Cosco/Safety First Apex/Biltmore. It harnesses to 65 lbs (17 inch top strap height) and then converts to a belt-positioning booster to 60 inches and 100 lbs.

Both seats cost roughly the same amount....(130 for the Triumph Advance, 100-130 depending on fabric cover for the Apex/Biltmore)

To answer your question, no, you cannot use LATCH and seatbelt install simultaneously. You must use one or the other. Neither is safer...use the one that gets you a better install. Of course, you should always secure the top tether in a forward facing install regardless if you have used lower anchors or seatbelts.

HTH

Outnumbered, you seem to be the official carseat guru. Thank you very much for your help! I will be out shopping this weekend!!

Glad I could help

just because i'm not sure this was fully answered- the 5pt must be a convertible and installed RF for your DS2. He has to be rf until he is at least 1 yr, and standing on his own.

you probably already know that, but I'm obsessive and a bit of a stickler

Thanks Divy!

I was actually asking if it was okay for DS1 to go into the Booster. DS2 will still be rearfacing in the convertible seat for awhile (past his birthday). My van has rear air so until he's too big or uncomfortable he will stay that way!