Please tell me DD didn't just break the Britax!

CubbyMama

I took the Marathon out of the car to remove and wash the cover, and left the car seat sitting in the laundry room. While I was on the phone yesterday, DD went in there to play with the car seat buckles, took the styrofoam shell out, and then stood on it and snapped it in half, right down the middle of the seat belt slots.

I tried gluing it back together and it seems to have worked OK, but I'm not sure if that's an okay thing to do, or if I now need to replace that shell (and if so, how to get a new one without buying a whole new car seat).

Anyone know?

AnnapolisLari

If there is any damage to the foam, I think the seat needs to be tossed. Gluing is not an option. I'd check the Britax website.

goodhartedmommy

No, you can't reuse it like that. Not sure how you're supposed to handle that until you get your new piece in, though.

Here's the product replacement list from britax. I'm pretty sure they ship quickly.

https://www.britaxusa.com/shopping/parts.aspx

AZ_Erica

I think you should probably get a new shell, but I believe Britax will sell you one.  I would call them in the morning, but I'm pretty sure they sell all their replacement parts.  I have heard their customer service is great.

eclaires

I'm not sure I'm understanding correctly, but I would think it would have to replaced... wouldn't it be the same as having an accident and the seat being damaged?  In the force of an accident, would the glue hold it properly and protect her?

I hope you can find a way to not have to buy a whole new seat, but I don't know that I've ever seen that piece available... maybe call Britax?   Plus if I'm understanding correctly, wouldn't that piece be the most expensive part of the seat (like the seat besides the cover and styrofoam shell)?

I really have no clue, but good luck.

Hooray2005

My internet connection is soooooo slow, I couldn't read the entire post, but if it's just the foam that was damaged, Britax DOES sell new foam inserts (the shipping will likely cost you more than the foam piece(s) itself!) but you do not need to get an entire new seat   This is sadly speaking from experience when a chipmunk got in our car and chewed up both DS's stroller and carseat - thank goodness he only ate the styrofoam

CubbyMama

OK, I used the link above and ordered a new one ($3 for the shell and $11 for shipping).  It's the styrofoam part that lines top half of the plastic shell of the seat, so it adds cushioning but I wasn't sure if it mattered safety-wise or not...I guess it probably helps to absorb any impact, too, though. 

Frick--we're supposed to go to breakfast with my family and a Hanukkah fair with IL's today, and now I can't take DD because the other car seat is in DH's car at work with him already.  Guess we're stuck at home all day...great.

Thanks for the help!

eclaires

Oh that's great news!  I was thinking you meant the plastic part of the seat, but I see I read wrong.  Glad you're getting it for a cheap price (despite the expensive shipping!).

does your h have a break where he could run home and give you the other seat?

AZ_Erica

Oh no, do you have a neighbor or close friend you could borrow a seat from for the day?

CubbyMama

Nah, DH works an hour away.  He only left half an hour ago, but I stayed in bed late and should have thought about it last night when he was home, so it's my own fault.  Grrrrr.  I also weighed myself and found that I gained 5 lbs. this past week (which more than makes up for not gaining any the week of Thanksgiving--I kinda knew that might happen) so I'm pretty annoyed with today already, and it's not even 9am yet! 

capemom

You CAN glue/tape it together and use it while you are waiting for your replacement foam. ?If it makes you feel better, call Britax and ask them--they will tell you to glue it. ?DS broke the head-wing foam on his Boulevard and they told me to glue it and I know from talking to the techs on car-safety.org that this is standard advice from Britax. My new foam came within days, btw. ?

CubbyMama

capemom:

You CAN glue/tape it together and use it while you are waiting for your replacement foam.  If it makes you feel better, call Britax and ask them--they will tell you to glue it.  DS broke the head-wing foam on his Boulevard and they told me to glue it and I know from talking to the techs on car-safety.org that this is standard advice from Britax. My new foam came within days, btw.

Hmmm!  Britax customer service isn't open on weekends, but I went to that site and posted the Q on the boards, so we'll see if I get a response.  If I can find some "official" source that says it's okay, maybe I'll do it just for today, but I'm just nervous about tempting fate and regretting it later, you know?  Thanks for the info!

cristiana

capemom:

You CAN glue/tape it together and use it while you are waiting for your replacement foam.  If it makes you feel better, call Britax and ask them--they will tell you to glue it.  DS broke the head-wing foam on his Boulevard and they told me to glue it and I know from talking to the techs on car-safety.org that this is standard advice from Britax. My new foam came within days, btw.

 

I've heard the same thing.

CubbyMama

CubbyMama:

capemom:

You CAN glue/tape it together and use it while you are waiting for your replacement foam.  If it makes you feel better, call Britax and ask them--they will tell you to glue it.  DS broke the head-wing foam on his Boulevard and they told me to glue it and I know from talking to the techs on car-safety.org that this is standard advice from Britax. My new foam came within days, btw.

Hmmm!  Britax customer service isn't open on weekends, but I went to that site and posted the Q on the boards, so we'll see if I get a response.  If I can find some "official" source that says it's okay, maybe I'll do it just for today, but I'm just nervous about tempting fate and regretting it later, you know?  Thanks for the info!

OK, I found several posts where people had the same question and several responses that Britax said it's okay to tape/glue it until the replacement piece arrives.  (It's not that I didn't trust you, but hearing it from multiple sources makes me feel better!)  I'll go ahead and use it today and then get the seat out of DH's car when he gets home.

Thanks, everyone!

CubbyMama

LOL....DH just called and when I told him the story, he said, "I carpooled today and we met at the Vons by the freeway and left my car there. You can just drive to Vons and switch cars or car seats!"  I guess that solves the problem even better!

Vanessa11

AT least the foam is really cheap to replace and they generally replace it for free if you call.

 And yes, it is fine to glue or tape in place until the replacement comes. On Graco seats as well.

Vanessa11

Oh and the foam is EPS foam, like the stuff in bike helmets. It is a safety feature (not comfort), but some seats do not have it. I have had broken foam in several of my seats. A lot people actually have cracked foam and don't even notice because they don't take the covers off very often. I usually have the problem when the seats are in the house and the covers are off. I just keep spare parts around, it is easier then ordering things as I need them.