Carseat Installation Question

[BlueIrises]

I am wondering which type of restraint you chose to use with your infant carseat and why. My car can use either the seatbelt or the Latch system to keep the carseat in place. My DH and I aren't sure what the difference is...is one safer than the other? Can you use both? I am going to an carseat inspection station some time in the next weeks or so, but just wanted to get a little info first.

If your car has both systems, which did you use and why?

Do you know of any research out there that describes the difference in both?

Thanks for the help!

[LizaBear]

You can NOT use both. One or the other, whichever you find you get a tighter installation with.

Our car doesn't have LATCH, so we need to use seatbelts for all our seats.

[TwinMomWendy]

AHA! I mistook the tether for the LATCH system. My fault! Sorry ladies!

[InstinctiveMama]

When I took my son's car seat to be inspected at the fire station, the firefighter told me the LATCH system is safer. I wish I could remember if he gave me a reason but since he took the "car seat safety" class and I did not, I chose to trust him!

The funny thing is even though I had been installing my son's car seats for 3 years, I still did a number of things incorrectly. After I left the fire station I was very glad I had the car seat inspected.

[sedalbj]

For our infant seat base, we used the latch, because once it was installed by the installer we didn't move it. i have since installed those, and i have no idea how to get them in really really really tight, they always swing sideways! I use the seatbelt w/ our convertible seat just because it is difficult in my car to find the latch hooks, and it goes in and out constantly. our installer also said you can't use both (my DH was over zealous I guess :lol ).

a tip from the installer i visited - When installing on a vinyl or leather seat, use the non-skid shelf liner, it keeps it in there a lot tighter.

[Eaglevoice]

The latch system is best if you have the option.

[ktmelody]

Latch system is best. If you have a tether strap too it helps keep the seat from going forward.
You have to loosely strap it in then kneel in it and pull as hard as you can on the strap to get it to be really tight.
I have 2 seats now and they dont budge in any direction.

[BlueIrises]

Thanks ladies for the input. I have the Graco carseat and I'm surprised at how big it is. We have a 2004 Suburu Forrester which has the Latch system...however, we apparently have no space in our back seat. I want the carseat in the middle spot b/c I feel it is safest from side impact crashes. But no matter where I put it, when I use the base the carseat touches the backs of the front seats. Is that bad? Should I go base-less? Is the carseat as safe w/o the base? I like the way the carseat just clicks in and out with the base though. We bought this car last year b/c we wanted a family car...apparently I need to give birth to extremely tiny people in order to fit in our back seat.

[adtake]

The best is the LATCH system. You can even by LATCHs for your carseats that dont have them.

The best way to put one in is to hook it up, tighten as best you can there. Then getting on your knees, get in the car seat completely. Have someone else (I prefer males because their upper body strength) tighten the seat as best they can. Get out wiggle the seat from side to side. If the part of the seat near the seatbelt wiggles more then 1" (I prefer 1/2') get back in and keep tightening.

The last time I had my seats checked the van moved when he wiggled the seats :)

I was told to not use the teather with rear facing. But do use it with forward facing seats.

As far as the actual baby straps go. You should not get more than 2 fingers under the strap while fastened. The middle clip should be at babies arm pits.

I joke and say there are 2 things that I am passionate about ..breastfeeding and car seats. I catch myself checking eveyones seats. .. :lol Drives me crazy to see little babies in loose straps and car seats wiggling!!

Good luck!

[MommytoTwo]

We use the LATCH because its easier and the carseats are in there so tight they do not wiggle one milimeter. One day we had to put the carseats in my moms car because I got in an accident and she doesnt have LATCH and we did all we could and they still moved. A teeny-tiny bit, sure, but they are like a ROCK when we use the LATCH.

[Mommy Cat]

*Definitely* use LATCH. Seatbelts can fail (rare, but it happens).