After much umming and arhing, went out today to buy stage 2 car seat for ever-bloating bubba, currently 7m. Researched online til I was blue in the face and finally decided on Britax Club class (because it could be rear and forward facing)and set off for Mothercare with account card in hand. After an assistant had a go at fitting it she asked if dd was sitting up (yes) and was she 20lbs yet (nearly - she's 19) and said I'd be much better off choosing a forward facing seat - more choice was her reason. Went back in and chose stylish Maxi Cosi on offer at about £90. A different assistant tried it in my car (oldish Vauxhall Cavelier) and said it wouldn't fit. In fact, said the only ones that would fit my car were Britax Club Class (£99) and Renaissance (£135). Was ready to choose Club Class but she started sowing the seeds of doubt in my mind and ended up persuading me that Renaissance was better as had more height fixtures or something and would be safer. Bought it and drove away with the distinct impression I'd been pushed into something I didn't really want. Have since read some online reviews of Ren. which seem generally good but need some reassurance before I take it out of packet and fit it. Can dd start using it now even though she's 19lbs? I thought the experts recommended that babies stay rear-facing for as long as poss.? I'm confused!