tether straps - Page 2

[beth568]

I'm surprised and REALLY disappointed to hear that dealers are charging to install tether anchors. Everyone I've ever known who had them installed in an existing car was able to get it done for free. I thought it was mandatory that dealers do so upon a customer's request and do so without charge.

Britax seats are the only ones that use tether straps rear-facing, and it's correct that those can be attached to any part of the car that's welded in (for example, to the rails that hold your front seats into the car). When the seat is turned around front-facing, however, it was my impression that the tether strap needed to be attached to a properly installed tether anchor to insure that the seat wasn't pulled at an unsafe angle.

I still think it's absolutely worth calling your car dealership and asking about installing tether anchors.

None of this has anything to do with LATCH, but it didn't sound like that's what the OP was asking about.

[Piglet68]

trish, are you sure about transport canada requiring tether straps? we have a front-facing seat and tether anchors, but i never used them...we bought the seat in canada and nothing in the manual said they needed to be installed...i don't think i know anybody who uses them.

[mammabear]

I am talking baout the tether straps the hook at the top of the seat and onto an anchor. I don't think it is mandatory in NYS to use them- but is a good idea for the extra protection. My DD's seat moves from side to side when we turn sharp corners- and the tether would help to stop that from happening.

[Katie's Momma]

Originally Posted by Piglet68

trish, are you sure about transport canada requiring tether straps? we have a front-facing seat and tether anchors, but i never used them...we bought the seat in canada and nothing in the manual said they needed to be installed...i don't think i know anybody who uses them.

Yes, it is law that all forward facing car seats be tethered!! Booster seats are not required by law, to be tethered.

My van did not have any in it when we bought it (a 95) but our dealer put it in free, no questions asked.

piggy - I found this on my CAA website:

http://www.caasco.on.ca/member/crusing.jsp

[dallaschildren]

Originally Posted by Piglet68

I'm pretty sure you still need to use the seat belt with the LATCH System, but perhaps dallaschildren or someone could confirm that.

The LATCH system is to be used WITHOUT the vehicle belt. It is in replacement of. However, please remember that your vehicle and seat must have LATCH capability. You must have a seat that has the lower anchors attached and your car must have the factory installed lower anchor locations to click the seats anchor straps into. The top tether is an added safety feature introduced to minimize forward head excursion (or in other words, the amount of distance the top of the car seat moves forward in a wreck). The top tethers can be installed after market. Please verify in your vehicle owner's manual, any rules with regards to the proper and safe installation of a CSS into your vehicle. Also, it is strongly recommended that you always read your CSS manual and familiarize yourself with your particular seat installation do's and don'ts. I will BUMP some of my prior posts with more details for all of you.

(DISCLAIMER: The above advice given from a CPS tech within the US and certified within the US only. If you do not reside within the US, please refer to your local city offices for the laws which pertain to your place of residence.)

CPS tech and mom to 2 sons in seats
"Making a difference one car seat at a time"

[Katie's Momma]

Originally Posted by moondiapers

The tether strap at the top of the carseat is NOT required. It's suggested for additional protection.

This is not the case for us Canadians.

Here it is LAW that they be used.

[Piglet68]

Thank you, Katies' momma!! Unfortunately, I think we left the tether straps at home, but we'll be there in 5 weeks, and at that time I will attach them (I have tether anchors in my car).

dallaschildren: thanks for the info re: LATCH. I always thought it sounded like a great system. We're hoping to get a new car within the next year, and look forward to using the LATCH instead of seat belts (which I am never convinced are tight enough!).