Where are people getting the center seat is the safest? Every tech I have ever talked to and resource I have ever read has indicated there is no "safest" seat. I am interested in sources.
The tech we saw spent an hour with us going over car seat safety and how to install our infant seat. She told us the middle was the safest if the seat could fit there.
I didn't see anyone mention it yet, but check your car's owners manual. It may tell you what the safest position is for your specific model. Mine does not allow center seat installation for car seats.
And to piggy-back on that - make sure that your RF seats have a good inch between the top of the seat and the front seat, if that makes sense? The passenger seat cannot touch the RF seat at all. Especially when you have someone in the passenger seat.
This actually depends on the vehicle and the seat. Some do not allow bracing and some do. Some only require you can slip a piece of paper between them. An inch is simply not possible in all vehicles or configurations.
Where would you find this information? I mean regarding if your seat/car require space between the car seat and the front seat. I've had a few car seats and I don't remember reading this anywhere.
We're planning to have the infant seat behind the driver and DD1 behind the passenger. DD1 is still rear facing and I'd like to continue this but I don't think we could have two rear facing seats without touching the front seats.
DS - Alexander, b. 10/22/08, our 'went to hell and back IVF Miracle' DS - Andrew, b. 9/15/11, our 'holy shit we have a bed baby' baby DD - Adrianna, b. 5/8/15, our 'lightening strikes twice' baby
This actually depends on the vehicle and the seat. Some do not allow bracing and some do. Some only require you can slip a piece of paper between them. An inch is simply not possible in all vehicles or configurations.
Where would you find this information? I mean regarding if your seat/car require space between the car seat and the front seat. I've had a few car seats and I don't remember reading this anywhere.
We're planning to have the infant seat behind the driver and DD1 behind the passenger. DD1 is still rear facing and I'd like to continue this but I don't think we could have two rear facing seats without touching the front seats.
This is in my car seat manual for my Guide 65. I'll see if it's in my Britax. Also the techs in the CSFTL group all confirmed this. An inch is truly not possible in all vehicles with all seats.
Post by CaptainLeela on Feb 18, 2015 12:40:59 GMT -5
Okay so is there a website I can go to that will walk me through the basics of car seat installation? I know absolutely nothing about car seats - how to install them correctly or how to make sure my infant is strapped in correctly, and I need someone to explain it to me like I'm a five year old. I'm also slightly concerned about how I'm going to explain these things to my mother, who will be caring for the baby several times a week. So, is there a Car Seats 101 type thing that I can read through?
The only place that has CPST here is our police station, and they won't do the install for you, they'll only check that you've done it correctly.
Okay so is there a website I can go to that will walk me through the basics of car seat installation? I know absolutely nothing about car seats - how to install them correctly or how to make sure my infant is strapped in correctly, and I need someone to explain it to me like I'm a five year old. I'm also slightly concerned about how I'm going to explain these things to my mother, who will be caring for the baby several times a week. So, is there a Car Seats 101 type thing that I can read through?
The only place that has CPST here is our police station, and they won't do the install for you, they'll only check that you've done it correctly.
The car seat lady youtube channel has some really helpful videos that go over the total basics of installing a car seat and how to make sure a baby is properly buckled in!
Okay so is there a website I can go to that will walk me through the basics of car seat installation? I know absolutely nothing about car seats - how to install them correctly or how to make sure my infant is strapped in correctly, and I need someone to explain it to me like I'm a five year old. I'm also slightly concerned about how I'm going to explain these things to my mother, who will be caring for the baby several times a week. So, is there a Car Seats 101 type thing that I can read through?
The only place that has CPST here is our police station, and they won't do the install for you, they'll only check that you've done it correctly.
The most important thing is to read your specific manual. It will tell you if you can:
-Hang anything like a car seat canopy off of your handle in use. (remove minky in car ones regardless as they are flammable). -Distance required between seat and seat in front. -What position handle needs to be in for use. -What the maximum weight and height are for seat and how many inches head needs to be from top when you stop using it. -Whether you can use a mat under the seat.
All seats have these same rules: -Straps must come from below shoulders for rear facing. -No aftermarket products can be used. Only products made by brand can be used so no covers, pillows, strap covers added. -No bundle me or puffy coat or snowsuits can be used. -regardless of what the weight says it cannot be used if straps for rear facing are not at correct height. Babytrend infant seats and Alpha Omega 3 in 1 are not safe for infants for this reason eventhough they say they fit newborns. There are a few other seats that have straps too high for newborns that are marketed as safe for nbs.
www.car-safety.org/ I like this forum because they have sections you can ask about your specific seat and car and sections you can read about a specific seat.
So the head/neck support thingies are a no no? What are you supposed to use to keep their heads from flopping around? I'm pretty sure my car seat didn't come with anything.
This was information from our rfing days, 2 years ago.
I do think information on car seat safety and installs change so frequently that just like a PP said, a manufacturer today may say bracing is okay then say tomorrow maybe not.
DS - Alexander, b. 10/22/08, our 'went to hell and back IVF Miracle' DS - Andrew, b. 9/15/11, our 'holy shit we have a bed baby' baby DD - Adrianna, b. 5/8/15, our 'lightening strikes twice' baby
Post by meandmylove on Feb 18, 2015 13:47:41 GMT -5
Op you've gotten awesome advise and a great discussion here. They only thing I think to add is to tell your DH to add some random pornos to his car so the noisy coworkers shut up and stop inspecting the insides of his car.
But on a more serious note I'm kind of stuck with DS's booster seat situation. He's 7 just over 4 feet tall and like 65 pounds. I'm in WI and the law here is in at least a booster until 8 80 pounds and 4'9". The booster he has now is suppose to be good for his size and hasn't expired yet. I just don't think it's a good fit anymore. Idk if I should/want to buy a new one since he is so close to not needing it. Or if he is really ok with the one he has now and I'm just worrying for nothing.
I haven't read all the responses, but you shouldn't put the car seat in the car yet. Most seats need to be replaced after ANY kind of accident, so if you have a fender bender etc between now and when the baby is born, the seat will need to be replaced. It has nothing to do with weather. Car seats are designed to last in heat and cold temperatures for the number of years they are valid for.
As far as the middle seat goes, statistically it is a wee tiny bit safer to put in the middle, but the best place is where you can get a safe and secure install. For a lot of cars and car seats, this happens to be the outboard position. Also, remember that if you install in the middle you likely will need to use the seatbelt, and NOT the LATCH anchor system.
ETA: Ok I see all of the above has been addressed! By the way, I am a tech in Canada, if anyone cares lol.
Op you've gotten awesome advise and a great discussion here. They only thing I think to add is to tell your DH to add some random pornos to his car so the noisy coworkers shut up and stop inspecting the insides of his car.
But on a more serious note I'm kind of stuck with DS's booster seat situation. He's 7 just over 4 feet tall and like 65 pounds. I'm in WI and the law here is in at least a booster until 8 80 pounds and 4'9". The booster he has now is suppose to be good for his size and hasn't expired yet. I just don't think it's a good fit anymore. Idk if I should/want to buy a new one since he is so close to not needing it. Or if he is really ok with the one he has now and I'm just worrying for nothing.
Good fit for his body or fit for your vehicle/configuration needs?
CaptainLeela, definitely go to the carseat lady website, and check out her youtube channel, and the website www.csftl.org
It is good that they won't INSTALL the seat for you, you need to be able to install it on your own When installing you should have less than 1" of movement at the belt patch (checking with only your dominant hand at the belt path and only as hard as a firm handshake), if you are installing with latch then you can press down on the part where baby's butt goes and then pull on the latch strap to tighten.
Typically with a seatbelt install you will click it then pull the shoulder strap all the way out until it can't go anymore, then feed it back through and then repeat the process of taking all the slack out so that it again has 1" or less of movement at the belt path.
straps should always come from At or Below (better to be safe and have them a little below just in case baby slouches) the shoulders and that you cannot pinch any of the harness between your fingers at the shoulder (that will show you it is tight enough)
I'd check on FB to see if anyone knows someone who is a CPST or who has extensive knowledge that could walk you through things
This is in your manual. Recaro had said you could brace the seat (when the front seat touches the back of the rear facing seat) but they just last week said maybe not. Most brands have different rules but almost all require a piece of paper width between the two. Some seats say an inch. You need to read your manual carefully. The other part that factors into this is where your seat handle needs to be. Some require it to be all the way back which also makes the seat more likely to touch the front seat. Some seats also sell an angle adjuster that makes it less of an issue, but you can only use one made by the manufacturer.
Thank you to everyone who brought this up. I've never heard this.
DD1 has a chicco nextfit and we're planning to get a keyfit for DD2. I just pulled out my manual to reread and still can't find any mention of the required spacing between the car seat and front seat. I talked to an aquantance who was a car seat technician a few years ago (not sure if she still does it). She said chicco seats are ok to gently touch but not "brace." She also said this is only an issue for the passenger seat and not the driver's seat, as the driver's seat doesn't have weight sensors. Has anyone heard that before?
I work with a few technicians on Sunday, so I definitely plan to ask them.
This is in your manual. Recaro had said you could brace the seat (when the front seat touches the back of the rear facing seat) but they just last week said maybe not. Most brands have different rules but almost all require a piece of paper width between the two. Some seats say an inch. You need to read your manual carefully. The other part that factors into this is where your seat handle needs to be. Some require it to be all the way back which also makes the seat more likely to touch the front seat. Some seats also sell an angle adjuster that makes it less of an issue, but you can only use one made by the manufacturer.
Thank you to everyone who brought this up. I've never heard this.
DD1 has a chicco nextfit and we're planning to get a keyfit for DD2. I just pulled out my manual to reread and still can't find any mention of the required spacing between the car seat and front seat. I talked to an aquantance who was a car seat technician a few years ago (not sure if she still does it). She said chicco seats are ok to gently touch but not "brace." She also said this is only an issue for the passenger seat and not the driver's seat, as the driver's seat doesn't have weight sensors. Has anyone heard that before?
I work with a few technicians on Sunday, so I definitely plan to ask them.
I'd check the car manual to see whether the car allows touching (weight sensors would be the issue here)
At my hospital they have people trained that you can go someday before giving birth and have the car seat installed by them and ready to go. I think this would be helpful for some moms.
Post by SassyPants150 on Feb 18, 2015 14:53:38 GMT -5
I will still never understand why something so important to the safety of children is so challenging to get right. It's so hard to keep up with the constant changes and then if/then scenarios.
I will still never understand why something so important to the safety of children is so challenging to get right. It's so hard to keep up with the constant changes and then if/then scenarios.
I think it is challenging in first learning how to do it, then it just kind of becomes second nature, but it does take some up front work, it isn't just something you instinctively know how to do IMO
I will still never understand why something so important to the safety of children is so challenging to get right. It's so hard to keep up with the constant changes and then if/then scenarios.
Since my youngest is four, I find myself rereading car safety and trying to keep up with the new standards and requirements because I want baby to be as safe as possible. It's very overwhelming and I'm not even a FTM.
I remember going through something similar when I had DS2 because they would say he had to sleep on his side not on his back or stomach, becuase of SIDS. But it was totally different when I had DS1. I was so confused.
I will still never understand why something so important to the safety of children is so challenging to get right. It's so hard to keep up with the constant changes and then if/then scenarios.
Since my youngest is four, I find myself rereading car safety and trying to keep up with the new standards and requirements because I want baby to be as safe as possible. It's very overwhelming and I'm not even a FTM.
I remember going through something similar when I had DS2 because they would say he had to sleep on his side not on his back or stomach, becuase of SIDS. But it was totally different when I had DS1. I was so confused.
so true, and SassyPants150 I forgot to say it is hard to keep with the things that change as far as recommendations, I was speaking to the basics of install/how to tighten the harness etc as far as being hard in the beginning and then easier.
Post by purpleroses on Feb 18, 2015 15:12:21 GMT -5
My two cents -- I could see not buying a car seat a year in advance and driving around with it, but this seems like a reasonable time frame to me. I have never heard the weather thing -- we're in Texas, so the car seat would be more likely to melt than to succumb to cold temps. As far as an accident goes, if I get in one at this point, I'm going to be a lot more worried about other things than having to replace a car seat.
We do keep DS in the middle since our car will accommodate it, but will probably be switching both kids to outer seat positions because his convertible seat (a Britax) takes up a lot of space. We can't use the latch system for our middle seat, but are able to use the seatbelt. In our area, there's a children's hospital with a car seat check clinic every few weeks.
Op you've gotten awesome advise and a great discussion here. They only thing I think to add is to tell your DH to add some random pornos to his car so the noisy coworkers shut up and stop inspecting the insides of his car.
But on a more serious note I'm kind of stuck with DS's booster seat situation. He's 7 just over 4 feet tall and like 65 pounds. I'm in WI and the law here is in at least a booster until 8 80 pounds and 4'9". The booster he has now is suppose to be good for his size and hasn't expired yet. I just don't think it's a good fit anymore. Idk if I should/want to buy a new one since he is so close to not needing it. Or if he is really ok with the one he has now and I'm just worrying for nothing.
Good fit for his body or fit for your vehicle/configuration needs?
For his body size. Is the 8th birthday really have to be exact if he meets the other requirements just a few months before?
Good fit for his body or fit for your vehicle/configuration needs?
For his body size. Is the 8th birthday really have to be exact if he meets the other requirements just a few months before?
what does the law say? 8 & 80 or 4'9 or something else, I'd go by how it is worded. And if the lap portion is still at all on his stomach or the shoulder part on his neck then he still needs a NBB for the fit.
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