We have the Alpha Omega Elite Deluxe 3-In-1. DS is just under 1 year and about 20 lbs. I still have him rear facing and will continue with this as long as possible.

My problem: I have one strap that is constantly twisted and I can't get it untwisted. Once I have DS strapped in and I tighten the straps only one side tightens properly. One side is really quite snug and he complains because it's too tight and the other side I can get my whole hand underneath his shoulder. Everytime I leave with him in the car, I'm thinking "Please don't let me get into an accident". Sometimes it tightens properly and there is no problem.

Do you know anything about this seat? Any suggestions as to what I'm doing wrong?

Thanks!

By Trina~moderator on Monday, March 7, 2005 - 05:50 pm:

Good for you for keeping your DS rear facing. Twisty straps are a common complaint with this car seat. I would uninstall it and check the harness to be sure it's not twisted or caught on something underneath or in the back. It's hard to say when I can't actually see it and play with it myself. LOL! If you're unable to fix it I recommend finding a CPS Tech in your area at SeatCheck.org or SafeKids.org in the "CPS Certification" section. Let me know how things turn out.

By Heaventree on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 12:40 pm:

Thanks Trina! In our area we sometimes have to wait for new dates to have car seats inspected, hopefully some new dates will come soon. I'll have the seat inspected.

Thanks again.

By Trina~moderator on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 03:01 pm:

Oops sorry, I forgot you are in ON. I have a few cyber friends who are Canadian Car Seat Techs. I'll ask if they have any helpful info concerning Car Seat Clinics or permanent fitting stations, etc..

Not sure if your car seat is involved but I found this at the Transport Canada web site.

Information Notice -
Cosco Alpha Omega Elite and Eddie Bauer Deluxe 3-in-1 Restraint Systems

BTW, I was born in Wingham, Ontario. Ever heard of it?

By Trina~moderator on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 03:19 pm:

To find a Canadian CRS Tech or Car Seat Inspection Station call:

Your St. John Ambulance Provincial Council

OR

1-866-FIT-4-A-KID
Five Star Daimler Chrysler Dealerships


I'll let you know if I get anymore info.

By Heaventree on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 04:37 pm:

Trina,

I've heard of Wingham but I'm not sure how far it is from us, I'm orginally from British Columbia though. We live in the Toronto area.

I've tried calling the Peel Health Line, they hold regular clinics, but I have been unable to get through today. I've tried St. John and Chrylser before, they both have long waiting lists and are usually being held on the opposite side of the city. I'll keep trying Peel Health, they use local police, fire and ambulance workers who have been trained in car seat installation.

As for the link you provided, good info, we had this problem when installing but didn't know about removing the base. I'll get my husband to look at it this weekend and in the meantime I'll make sure that DS is properly reclined.

I wish I knew about you before I bought the seat.

They have just recently started selling Britex here in Canada I have heard they are the best although we paid $229 for our seat the Britex seat was going for just over $300. Do you have any comments on the Britex products? I'll have to buy another car seat in a year or so for the next little munchkin.

By Trina~moderator on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 05:08 pm:

Wingham is on the Lake Huron side of Ontario, not far from Kincardine. I still have lots of relatives in Ontario.

Britax
They are quite pricey, more so in Canada. They are known as the "Cadillac" of car seats because of their quality and features. However, there are good options more reasonably priced, such as Graco and Evenflo car seats, off the top of my head. Be sure to get one with a 5 pt. harness and front harness adjuster.

By Trina~moderator on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 12:13 pm:

Peel Health Free Car Seat Clinics

A Canadian CRS Tech:

"A couple of stores in Toronto will check your seats. I think they charge a small fee if you didn't buy the seat from them. Dearborn and Kiddie Proofers are the only names I can think of. The Safety Super Store and L'il Niblets & Baby Sprouts may also check seats. However, I have no idea if their staff are properly trained or not."

By Trina~moderator on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 04:53 pm:

Heaventree,
Please e-mail me at cpstmom @ gmail.com. I have info for you.