Are you using a Car seat protector mat?

I have one and just scheduled my appointment with my local police to have the car seat installed and he said he will not use the seat protector. He said they are not crash tested and he won't install them for anyone. I have a brand new car with leather seats and I'm affraid it'll rip the leather but he said they're just not safe. Did anyone else encounter this same issue?

Re: Are you using a Car seat protector mat?

We have them in our car under 2 seats. Even with the protectors, the seats get damaged. There are severe dents in leather from the car seats. Without the protectors, I'd be certain that the leather would be ripped.

Re: Are you using a Car seat protector mat?

Not putting anything except what comes with the car seat since it's not tested, so I dont feel it's safe.

So nope, nothing extra in the car seat

Re: Are you using a Car seat protector mat?

I have one in my car which is brand new. I don't care what the story is, I'm using it. Again, clearly Mother of the Year material over here!

Re: Are you using a Car seat protector mat?

I really do want to use it but I don't think I can install the carseat as well as the police could and that's my main concern. If i have him do it he will not use the mat no matter what so i have no choice unless i find another police station that would or I can manage to do a good job myself.

Re: Are you using a Car seat protector mat?

Nope, they aren't crash-tested. Won't take any chances. Car seats are directly on the leather.

Re: Are you using a Car seat protector mat?

I have the same problem...I got the seat protectors...bc I have leather seats and my car is leased! I cant imagine bringing the car in with ripped leather.....

Its a toss up......but I think we are going to put them down.

Re: Are you using a Car seat protector mat?

DH and I both lease and have leather so we will have to use the seat protectors. You can try Hassel in West Babylon, I know they inspect the car seats there. Not sure if they will do it with the seat protector but it's a possibility.

Re: Are you using a Car seat protector mat?

I lease and when I returned my last one the leather seat had dents from the carseat. The company did not say a word about it. I assume the same "damage" is occurring with my new car but I really don't care b/c I find my child's safety more important than seats in a leased car. I am assuming from their silence that either the dents are temporary or they are just used to seeing it and it is considered a part of normal wear and tear.

Re: Are you using a Car seat protector mat?

i have leather seats and i didn't use one. My leather never ripped.

Re: Are you using a Car seat protector mat?

Posted by aliwnec10

i have leather seats and i didn't use one. My leather never ripped.

Re: Are you using a Car seat protector mat?

I am using one.

Re: Are you using a Car seat protector mat?

yes

Re: Are you using a Car seat protector mat?

Re: Are you using a Car seat protector mat?

I asked the carseat inspector about them and he told me the same thing as the PP...they aren't tested and are not considered safe so I decided to take the chance of having ripped leather seats. 17 months later and my seats are dented but haven't ripped.

Re: Are you using a Car seat protector mat?

Nope. Not worth the risk IMO. When we weighed the options of making it safer for our kids vs. having nicer leather seats, it was a no brainer. My husband's car has leather seats and our son's carseat has been in there for 18 months and no rippage.

Re: Are you using a Car seat protector mat?

We've been using one since DD was born 3.5 years ago.

Re: Are you using a Car seat protector mat?

Message edited 8/9/2011 9:13:29 AM.

Re: Are you using a Car seat protector mat?

Mats should not be used. They are not crash tested and they interfere with the proper installation of car seats.

The seats on the marked DO NOT rip the automobile seats. As far as leaseing companies, I have not had any of the parents that have come to me tell me that they had to pay for the dents or marks left by a child safety seat.

Again, mats should not be used. I also have not seen a seat installed properly where a mat was used. So if using a mat, the seat is not installed properly.

Re: Are you using a Car seat protector mat?

My truck is leased too, I will not be using them. If the leather gets damaged, I will pay for it

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They are not safe, what's more important a few dents or your baby? This is no brainer! The police are specially trained at a school for over a week and recertified for installing car seats. I would listen to what they say and not try to find someone who probably isn't quailifed but will install a mat for you.

Re: Are you using a Car seat protector mat?

I haven't used them. I have a leased car with leather and it has just left indents in the seats.

Re: Are you using a Car seat protector mat?

I didn't even know these existed ... after reading the responses I will not be using these.

Re: Are you using a Car seat protector mat?