Help! I have a carseat question!

[Sonya]

OK, my dad bought a conversion van for our trip to WDW ( ). However DS's carseat is having problems. We have the Alpha Omega and you thread the seatbelt through the base and the locking mecanisim (sp?) of the seatblet locks the carseat in place. However this van desn't seem to have the locking seatbelt. DS is heavy enough for the booster seat that it converts into but he isn't tall enough. The seat we are trying to put him into is in the middle of the van, and is a captains chair. Could we put him in the very back on the bench seat? It MIGHT work that way. Anyone have any adice? We really don't need another carseat, and I'm not sure any would work, it seems to be the seatbelt. We leav Saturday ( ) and I don't know what other options we have! Help!!!!!

 

[floridafam]

Does it use the latch system?

If you can put him in back, I would try. I just don't like my kids sitting all the way in back when we go somewhere in our vehicle.

 

[AnaheimGirl]

If it's a new van, I believe it ought to have the hooks for using the latch system. If the van does, but the car seat doesn't, you can buy a retro-fit kit. Alpha Omega is Cosco, right? This one looks like it ought to work. Of course, call the manufacturer first to see what they recommend.

(I know you don't have the time to order the kit on-line, but I'd think Babies R Us or other baby stores might have this item.) Good luck, and have a great trip!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I thought locking clips would be used on seats in that situation. Requires effort to secure the seat tight enough--but retractability I don't think would be an issue with that. I'm remembering that from car seat discussions on the other boards.

Check in the seat--if it is a brand new van it shoudl have latch and you should feel two metal loops that the latch system of the car seat would attach to.

You can use just a lap belt with the car seat as well (but not a booster).

 

[golfgal]

If I am understanding your problem correctly I think you need a locking clip. IT is a large paper clip looking thing that you thread the seat belt in to hold the seatbelt in position. They are a PAIN in the rear but I got pretty good at installing the seats this way.

If you need to do this, do it this way:

-Install the seat and hook up the seatbelt.
-Pull the seat belt as tight as you can.
-Unhook the seatbelt holding it in the "locked" position, don't let the material move.
-Tighten the seatbelt a bit more then on the side away from the latch, put the locking clip on.
-When you go to rehook up the seatbelt, kneel in the car seat depressing it into the van seat, put most of your weight on the carseat.
-Lock the seatbelt in place and it should be very tight and safe!

 

[Sonya]

It is a 1999. I don't think it has LATCH. DH thinks he has found a solution, something about clips on the seatbelts. Anyone ever done this?

Also, since there will be 4 adults putting him in back wouldn't be a problem, just a saftey issue. Is it OK to have him in the back?

 

[Sonya]

Thank you golfgirl and Lisa, DH thinks that is the way to go! Whew! Can you tell I was stressed? My dad goes out and buys a van for our trip and we can't use it? Now on with the packing!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

It is a 1999. I don't think it has LATCH. DH thinks he has found a solution, something about clips on the seatbelts. Anyone ever done this?

Also, since there will be 4 adults putting him in back wouldn't be a problem, just a saftey issue. Is it OK to have him in the back?

We use a mighty tight.

AS far as clips--every seat comes with a locking clip and is definitely used on a non-retractable seat belt. You can only use one as well.

Some will argue that mighty tight hasn't been safety tested blah blah blah. It works well for us and we have had no problems and it upheld in a collision (though relatively minor). It has been safety tested by teh company--just not the people who do the crash tests and stuff as they do with car seats. And it is reliable.


You install seat--getting belt as tight as you can--but not stressing over fit--and we use the mighty tight on the outside lap portion of the shoulder harness belt. (facing outer part of vehicle--locking clip goes near buckle)---in a few cranks--all slack is removed from the belt and seat is secure.

We have the worst time with it in compact vehicles and the back seat of our minivan as far as having enough access to do the cranking. BUt in the chairs (that are like captains chairs)--no issue as there is plenty of room for cranking.

We bought ours at Toys R Us.

 

[RadioNate]

Here's some info on using locking clips correctly

http://www.carseatsite.com/lockingclips.htm
http://www.car-safety.org/faq.html#Q49

By 1999 is should have some sort of locking mechanism (they were made manditory for 1996 on). What happens when you pull the belt all the way out? or is it a Chrysler with Gen 3 seatbelts and light weight cinching latch plates?

A locking clip should solve your problem.

There should be no problem putting the car seat in the back row as long as they are forward facing seats and you get a good install.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I have a 2000 Chrysler 300 M and I do not have belts that lock. Only when breaking suddenly or in an accident will it do that.