Insatlling a Car Seat - If it seems wrong, it is

Just wanted to give a post on things that have been observed in inspecting and installing seats.

Please adhere to this:
If at any time in your installation you think to yourself - "I can't believe I have to do this to get the seat in?" The answer is most likely NO!

If you use the LATCH system to install your seat - you CAN NOT use the seat belt system also.

The majority of cars do not have center LATCH - check your owners manual for the car to see if you do. Do not use LATCH if the manufacture does not say you can.

Also, with the exception of a few models, prior to 2002 cars did not come with LATCH, you cannot just hook the seat latches to anything. You cannot hook, tie, tape the car seat latches to seat belts, springs, head rests, or anything you decided to use. If there is no LATCH in your car, you can't make one up.

You can not use more than one seatbelt to install a car seat. This means you do not place the seat in the center and use the center belt and the 2 outboard seatbelts also. 3 sets of belts are not correct.

You can not use ropes, chains. rachets, bungee cords, rubber bands, string, hooks, clamps, nuts & bolts, bolts, wood, plastic, cinder blocks, bricks, mite-e-tites, duct tape, masking tape, electrical tape - any tape, dog collers, nails, or anything else that leads you to say - "I can't believe I have to do this."

Do not laugh at he above list, I have seen them all.

If it takes you hours to install the seat - you probably did not do it correct. Not all seats fit all cars. Not all seat can fit in the middle of all cars. Middle is best, but a number of cars for a variety of reasons, cannot fit seats in the middle.

if your rear facing seat is pulling up as a result of locking the shoulder belt, use a locking clip.

Only the Britax line may "rear-teather" their seats.

If your brother, brother-in-law, neighbor, sales person at a dealership or baby store, a well meaning individual offers to help you install your seat with the following quote: "I have 3 kids and I know what I am doing," - RUN AWAY! Believe it or not, they don't. In fact their kids have been riding wrong for all those years also.

Well there is my rant, just remember,

If at any time you say to yourself this can't be right. - IT'S NOT

As the months get warmer, I will post several seat events that will be going on in the end of April, May and June. Nassau County Traffic Safety is going on the road around all points in the county.

Re: Insatlling a Car Seat - If it seems wrong, it is

I'm sorry, I know you said not to laugh, but a few of the things you wrote made me laugh out loud -- that parents would really do those things.

Thanks for the info on the carseat events that will be going on.

Re: Insatlling a Car Seat - If it seems wrong, it is

It's scary that you've seen all those things.

This is definitely a good post for everyone to read!

One reason we bought our 2002 PT Cruiser was because it was one of the first cars available with LATCH (on all 3 seat locations).

Re: Insatlling a Car Seat - If it seems wrong, it is

I should add misuses of the car seat also in another post. This one dealt with the installation. Youe would be surprised at the misuse.

Chrysler was one of the first auto makers to include LATCH in multiple locations, as well as installing LATCH in pre 2002 models.

Re: Insatlling a Car Seat - If it seems wrong, it is

Helpful post, thanks!