[Impatientmummy]

I have a 2008 model Lancer & need to find a car seat that fits it better. I cant think of the one I have at the moment but it moves around quiet a bit in my car but it doesn't in dh's, since ds needs a new one for dh's car we are going to put this one in it & get me a new one. I was hoping someone might have some suggestions of tried & fitted car seats for me as a baby shop to try them is a couple of hours away! He is 3 & currently in a ff that converts to a booster, happy to spend around the $200 mark as we also need a rf for dd when she is born. TIA

[ednaboo]

While it is true that some restraints fit better in some cars, it should still be possible to improve the installation of the seat you have in your car. I'm just going to address this because this is a worry to me - it sounds like it is not installed properly if it is moving around.
1. A restraint shouldn't move more than 2.5cm side to side at the seat belt path - is it moving more than this?
2. Do you have locking seatbelts? If you pull them out to maximum length, do they lock as they retract?
3. Does the car seat have a lock off, or do you use a locking clip/gated buckle? if the seat doesn't have a lock off, you need a locking clip. Using a locking clip.

What stores do you have nearby? Do you have Kmart, Target etc? You can get good seats at these stores.

[Impatientmummy]

It worries me too! I have locking seat belts but don't feel that it is restraining his seat properly, I think it probably moves a bit more than 2.5cm which is why I'm concerned cause I know it shouldn't move further than this but I could be worrying over nothing I don't know but I want to be safe than sorry. I have tried a gated clip as well but it didn't have instructions so have only gone off what I could find on the net but think I need dh to give it a try to be able to pull it tighter. Maybe I will just swap seats with him for now since ds seat in his car fits mine, he hasn't quiet outgrown it yet & I will try to find a car seat fitting place, do you know how I find someone who fits seats? I will take the capsule for bub as well & get them to fit it so I know its done properly. I usually get car seats from Target & such but thought maybe a certain seat might be know to fit good but guess I will just have to get any seats fitted professionally first & shown how to make sure we are doing them properly. Thanks for the link will show dh so he can have a go

This post has been edited by Impatientmummy: 01/08/2012, 02:03 PM

[ednaboo]

Using a locking clip is tricky, and it will be easier if you get your DH to help you. There is some debate on where to install it - on that link they put it on the side of the buckle, but I put it on the other side, near the car door. I install the restraint, work out where the locking clip needs to go, undo the seatbelt, put the locking clip on. Then one person kneels into the seat and the other person does up the seatbelt. You can then tell if the clip is in the right spot - I usually keep tightening it again and again until the only way I can do up the seatbelt is when the restraint is pushed down hard into the seat of the car. This is how to install it really tightly. If you need to remove the restraint, you leave the locking clip on and just undo the seatbelt. I use a locking clip and I lock the seatbelt.

Also check whether the restraint is reclined - I used to find I couldn't install our Maxirider properly in the reclined position, it had to be upright.

You can of course get a professional to install it if you still can't get it right. Most baby stores have them and there are mobile services in metro areas, but it sounds like you are in a rural area?

Are you wanting to buy 2 RF seats for the new baby or just one? How much do you want to spend?

[Impatientmummy]

I ended up having another go with dh & the locking clip & thanks to mr muscles we got it fitted a lot better Thanks for the link. We are only after 1 seat rf as we have a capsule which will go in my car since bub will be with me most the time. I've notice Big W & Target have a sale on seats & I am going over to the next town which has them stores on Friday so will have a look while Im there but very open to suggestions of good seats

[ednaboo]

I'm delighted to hear you got that seat installed properly! (Why is it that the manual doesn't tell you any of that stuff?)

Re: a second seat for the baby, there are a number of newish seats out that haven't yet been tested in CREP. They do however meet the newer 2010 Aus standard, so should hopefully perform better than the previous incarnations did.

The Hybrid Convertible is in Big W for $138. I would happily use this seat - it's not too bulky. The old version got 2 stars Rf and FF in CREP. The same shell is also sold under the name Hipod Cairo and Milan at Target ($119 and $249.) Then there is the Babylove Vantage in Kmart, which is a taller version of this seat. It is only $129 when on sale or $159 every day. The old version got 3 stars RF and FF.

I really like the new SnS Guardian from Target. They only seem to have it occasionally though, when it is on sale for only $199. The Sleep N Recline in the Big W catalogue for $238 is the same shell with different covers. I would probably go for one of these personally, but that's just because I find the side wings on the other seats to be a bit larger and cumbersome (but also probably safer!)

If you are happy to spend more the new SnS Compaq is very popular ($400).


I would avoid the RF/FF seats by Infa, Mothers Choice, IGC etc as they only RF to 9kg and when used FF are typically outgrown well before 4yo as they are short backed.

HTH.

[Impatientmummy]

I wish they had a lot more info easier to find on installing car seats, some just aren't as easy as they look! Thanks a lot I will have a look what they have tomorrow when I go shopping.