PDA

View Full Version : Apex 65 and Headrests



Very Snoofly
08-06-2007, 01:15 PM
I've seen a lot of people mention that you must have high seatbacks or headrests to install an Apex 65 seat.

I just purchased one for my father-in-law's car -- my daughter is 2 and almost 40 pounds. (I bought a Regent for my own car, btw.) I read through the instruction booklet from cover to cover before installing it and it doesn't have ANY mention of the height of the seats or having headrests. And just looking at the seat, I don't see why it would be a necessity. The upper portion of the seat does adjust upwards for height, but it locks into place.

(FWIW, I haven't installed the seat yet, because I had to order a new crotch strap, which is on backorder, so it may be a while. And my FIL's car does have headrests anyway, so it won't be an issue either way.)

Anyone know the answer to this one?



ThreeBeans
08-06-2007, 01:24 PM
The manual actually states very clearly that you MUST have high seat backs or headrests. That head rest is NOT crash worthy. You absolutely cannot use the seat without the seatbacks/headrests. Unfortunately I do not have the manual in front of me but I'm sure someone will be along to refer you to the page in a jiffy :)
lil_stinkyfeet
08-06-2007, 01:54 PM
I am on a hunt for my manual right now...
Very Snoofly
08-07-2007, 10:38 AM
Okay, I found this in the manual:

Warning -- Do not use this child restraint if the midpoint of your child's head is above the top of the vehicle seat back or headrest.

I installed the seat in my husband's Saturn sedan, which has seatbacks of normal size, and then sat my two-year-old in the seat. The top of her head was a good two inches below the top of the seatback. So, this seat should work fine in this car for my daughter until she grows a few inches, correct? I just need to keep track of where her head is, essentially.

Incidentally, I also made my (very tall) 5-year-old sit in the seat, and the midpoint of her head was just about an inch above the top of the seatback. So I expect that the seat would work for my youngest for at least two more years.
ThreeBeans
08-07-2007, 01:47 PM
Yes, it's safe as long as your child's ears are contained in the seatback of the vehicle :)