Trina

Moms View Message Board: Parenting Discussion: Archive January-June 2005: Trina

We ended up buying the Graco Snugride for the baby and we are going to buy the Marathon in a few months. After numerous talks with DH about how long (tall) our girls are and how they grow out of their infant seats by the time they are 3 or 4 months old, we didn't see spending the $170 on the companion as very logical. So we installed using the LATCH last night and I am not happy with the movement from side to side. Did you say there was a pad I could buy to put under the seat so it wouldn't slide on the leather? and where can I get it? I am also going to go out and try to get it tighter. Thanks for any information you can give me.

By Trina~moderator on Friday, May 20, 2005 - 11:56 am:

Oh gosh, I can't imagine trying to tightly install a car seat in your condition! That may very well start labor. LOL! Recruit your DH for help.


We use a thin rubber shelf liner. You can get it at Home Depot. Just one piece a wee bit bigger than the car seat base is all you'll need. I have some in the garage. Let me look at the label.
Cont-Tact Brand
Non-Adhesive "Grip Liner"
You don't have to get that exact kind but just to give you an idea of how thin it is.

If the shelf liner doesn't help with the LATCH install, try the seat belt. Sometimes one gets a better installation than the other. If you're still not happy don't be afraid to find a CPS Tech in your area.
SeatCheck.org

SafeKids.org
Click "CPS Certification" and then "Locate a Technician"

(Have to try out the new blinkie I found. )

By My2cuties on Friday, May 20, 2005 - 12:30 pm:

Thanks. If it starts labor that's all the better, lol I will get the liner today.

By Tonya on Friday, May 20, 2005 - 12:45 pm:

I use both my seat beat and the LATCH belt it puts it in a lot stronger. Why not use what you have.

By Trina~moderator on Friday, May 20, 2005 - 02:37 pm:

Tonya, what is a "seat beat"?

By Trina~moderator on Friday, May 20, 2005 - 05:29 pm:

Do you mean seat belt? If so, using both the seat belt and LATCH to install car seats is not recommended. One or the other but not together at the same time.

Taken from the '05 LATCH/Tether manual (a reference manual for Automotive Service Personnel, Child Restraint Technicians and Child Safety Educators)...

Page 26 in the LATCH FAQ section:
Is it safer to install a CR (child restraint) using both LAs (lower anchors) and the safety belt?
The two systems serve the same function, although the safety belt has a much higher weight capacity. Generally, it is not recommended to use both systems at one time. Doing so could interfere with correct installation and affect crash performance.

By My2cuties on Friday, May 20, 2005 - 05:53 pm:

Oh and Trina, is the handle supposed to stay up or down in the car? I have heard both and want to make sure before the baby gets here.

By My2cuties on Friday, May 20, 2005 - 05:56 pm:

and to tell you the truth I have totally forgot what I did with the girls in their infant seats. Seems like I put it down in the car... That must be mommy brain, forgetting in a matter of 2 years..lol

By Trina~moderator on Friday, May 20, 2005 - 06:10 pm:

Generally speaking, the handle goes down when traveling in the car. Actually, the Graco Snugride is one of the very few seats that does allow the handle to be in one of the up positions during travel. I don't remember which specific position it is. Check in your manual.

The reason infant carriers require the handle to be down during travel is because the carrier rebounds toward the back seat during a crash. There is a documented case where the handle hit the back seat, shattered and then impaled and killed a passenger. If the handle is down this will not happen.

By My2cuties on Friday, May 20, 2005 - 09:49 pm:

problem solved! I got it tight enough with putting the liner underneath it. Thanks alot for your help. Although I think I might have it checked out just to be sure.

By Trina~moderator on Saturday, May 21, 2005 - 06:56 am: