I have two older versions of the alpha omega elite. They were on clearance at Costco for $85. They can be used rear facing until 35 lbs, but the seat is pretty tall and doesn't fit in our cars too well, so I didn't use it too much rear facing. I use graco my rides for rear facing until 2 years. They are really comfy. Forward facing is great, and if you are using latch to hold it in, when you have a bigger kid jump in the car they can just use it as a high back booster with the seatbelt. They will have to sit on the harness straps though. The one drawback is that it is a pia to remove the cover to clean. Don't put your carsick kid in it.