We're all about extended rear-facing and got this monster non-convertible Britax that's supposed to last until she's 6 ... but it's true that it's not always practical. It doesn't even fit in my husband's car. So for that we got a $50 Costco forward-facing from Target. It's only 8lb so it can go literally anywhere with one hand, and it fits comfortably in any car. We use it for babysitters and for quick trips/dropoffs to/from school, then the monster rear-facing seat the rest of the time.

Get a FF seat that has a 5 point harness and is a booster as well for later on.

If you ever travel, one of the huge bonuses of a harnessed booster is that they're lightweight. I'd get the convertible you know and like, and get a lightweight harnessed booster that converts to backless booster later, when you're ready for it.

If you know you like the 4ever, no reason not to get it, even if you end up using it mainly forward facing. For the drop-off lane, it mostly depends on whether you can reach the buckle when she's rear-facing. I could do that with no problem, so it was not an issue one way or the other. But if you can't, then that would be a good reason to switch. If you have to get out of the car to let her out, that's what will cause drop-off lane frustration.

If you do want to switch her, it's a perfectly reasonable time to do it, and then you could consider a harnessed booster that might cost less, though. The 4ever is a bit pricey IMO.

My daughter (will be 3 in November) is about to start a preschool with a drop off lane. She still sits rear facing in our cars although I think she’s forward facing in the babysitters car when she’s picked up from her current program. She doesn’t complain about it at all.

I need to replace the seat in my car— it was a hand me down from her cousin and it’s old and losing the stuffing under he seat. Hoping to take advantage of Prime day to get a new seat. Question is, do I get another 4ever which is what we have in her dads car or do I give up read facing given the drop off hot lane and get a convertible harnessed booster? Recommendations?