The twins are in Evenflo convertible carseats, I want to say Triumph, but I'm not sure. Anyway, Shane has been using it as a belt-positioning booster for a while, since he is well over 40lbs, and meets the height requirements. Madison has just hit the weight, so I took off her 5-pt harness today. The seats go up to 80 lbs, and I know it's best to use a 5-pt as long as possible, but it was becoming a major PITB. Anyway, I wasn't sure if I could strap the seat in with the LATCH hooks, and then have them use the seatbelt. Can you use LATCH with a belt-positioning booster, it has a full back, so I wasn't sure.
Also, they are flying to FL this Christmas, and I noticed it says their seats are not FAA approved when used without the 5-pt. What do I do there? Their aunts are flying with them, and have carseats for them, but I don't know if those are approved or not. I want them to be as safe as possible, but I can't buy another set of boosters just for this trip.
TIA!!!

By Bobbie~moderatr on Wednesday, November 28, 2007 - 08:22 pm:

Hey Crys, I am sure Trina will get with you as soon as she notices this.. just keep it bumped up.

By Trina~moderator on Thursday, November 29, 2007 - 01:27 pm:

Sorry, I didn't see this earlier.

The Evenflo Triumph is a convertible seat. Sounds like you have combination car seats. You'd have to read the manual to be sure, but most combination car seats do not allow LATCH or tether use in the booster mode. The harness goes up to 40 lbs. and then it's used as a booster seat up to 80.

Belt positioning boosters require both a lap and shoulder belt. Airplanes only have lap belts so boosters are not allowed on aircraft. They would have to fly without a booster, but obviously would need them once they reach their destination. I would find out what car seats your aunts have. Do they have boosters or harnessed car seats? If they only harness up to 40 lbs., obviously that's not an option for Shane. How much does Madison weigh?

Oh, and remember to buckle up the boosters even when the kids aren't riding in them. They can become dangerous projectiles if not buckled in.

By Crystal915 on Thursday, November 29, 2007 - 04:22 pm:

Thanks, Trina!! What is the difference between combinations and convertible seats? Maddie weighs 39 or 40lbs. I will make sure they have acceptable seats for their trip. Thanks for the reminder to buckle them in when not in use, I often forget.

By Crystal915 on Thursday, November 29, 2007 - 04:44 pm:

Ok, I searched and searched, I have the Evenflo Chase Comfort Touch carseats. I'm tempted to just get them new seats, these go up to 80lbs, but I'm not even sure I have the instruction manuals now, after 4 moves with these seats. Do you know where I could find manuals? I checked Evenflo's site, and couldn't find anything. TIA!!

By Trina~moderator on Thursday, November 29, 2007 - 07:02 pm:

Convertible car seats can go rear facing and then front facing. They don't transition to a belt positioning booster. Combination car seats are forward facing only, typically harness up to 40 lbs. and then transition to a booster.

What is the date of manufacture of your car seats? It should say on a white label somewhere on the back or bottom of the seat, along with the model number. I might be able to get instructions for you.