Britax Marathon Owners...

DS is 2 1/2 and small - def not ready for a booster seat but we have a major problem on our hands!

He discovered the strap adjustment between the legs and I have scolded him numerous times but I am just waiting for him to climb out of his carseat as I am driving.

I have heard of other people having problems with this before and I think the newer models have a slight modification of some kind but I'm stuck with my 2005 model.

DS is not tall by any means and he is about 28lbs so like I said a booster really isn't an option for us...
I must also note that although my DS is small he is a little acrobat and has been able to climb out of his Maclaren stroller since he was a little over a year - containing him is quite a challenge, but he always sat peacefully in the car seat until now...

I am going to call Britax tomorrow and give them a piece of my mind on this matter! They make an great seat from a safety stand-point but what good is it if my kid can climb out.

Re: Britax Marathon Owners...

UGH, I hope my kids don't discover it as well

DS is ALWAYS examining the straps on the stroller and high chair... I practically see steam coming out of his ears trying to figure out how they work... his grandfather (my dad) could take anything apart and put it back together so I hope it's not hereditary, at least not yet.

Seriously, we have 4 seats... over $900. worth of Britax. If this becomes an issue for us then they better help... no way can I buy other seats.

Re: Britax Marathon Owners...

I'll be sure to post an update after I speak with them tom but I don't know what can be done. The strap release obviously has to be functional and can't be disabled b/c we adjust it daily depending on the thickness of clothing, etc...

I think the newer seats have the strap release a bit lower than it is on ours (the 2005 model) - our strap release is like right below the crotch buckle.

I just keep thinking to myself what is the pt of having a seat that is good until 65lbs or so...ugh!

Re: Britax Marathon Owners...

You're telling me, Aidan discovered that trick at about 15 months....

I called Britax back then, they never called me back -I actually don't even think they believed me. The Rep questoned me about how a 15 month old could reach down there if the straps were tight enough. Oh but they were tight enough, barely even room for a finger.
I also posted it on here and it didn't seem that anyone else had that problem.

I just kept reinforcing the "do not touch!" everytime I heard that tell tale RRRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPPP of the velcro! He finally stopped doing it.

Re: Britax Marathon Owners...

Oh yes, my son discovered it too... I have two Marathons - one from 2004 and one from 2006 and didn't notice any difference on them..... I'll have to look tomorrow.

Anyway, the few times he did do it, I made a point of telling him NO, and that it was unsafe and we didn't want a police officer pulling mommy over and getting a ticket. Surprisingly, he never did it again!

Re: Britax Marathon Owners...

Here's something you can do - they actually sell this item but I forget what it is called - and you can easily do it yourself. Get velcro that is sticky on the other side - preferably the circles but you can get the velcro tape and cut your own pieces. Then use the part of the velcro that is the plastic teeth and stick it to the part that he is pushing to loosen the belt. It will be only slightly more uncomfortable for you or your DH to push but will deter little fingers. I am surprised my kids have never done this bc they are always in at stuff but for once I lucked out - probably my little guy will be doing it tomorrow now that I said this. I don't know if I explained it clearly but it should help, esp if you feel he is too young to really get the gravity of the situation if he is loosening the straps. HTH