Those w/o LATCH system -

auburnbride2be

Do you worry that it isn't as safe? I drive a 96 so there is no LATCH option. It is also such a bigger pain to take out and put in.

breezey2323

OMG! YES! It just doesn't feel right to me. I have read my car book and the car seat pamphlet like 5 times over and it still feels off. How do we fix this problem?

jenifairies

No, if it's installed correctly it doesn't matter.

SuperCuteBenz

No. We don't have latch in our 2nd car, and I feel it is just as safe. I have to install that seat though, and when I do, it doesn't budge at all. DH on the other hand is not so good at the install.

breezey2323

SuperCuteBenz:

No. We don't have latch in our 2nd car, and I feel it is just as safe. I have to install that seat though, and when I do, it doesn't budge at all. DH on the other hand is not so good at the install.

How do I get it too not budge? Mine budges...

nbjenni

Take it to your local fire station and get the hotties to install it for you. You'll feel safer, AND get some eye candy.

allieoop80

I don't have this problem but when we go to my parents house, they have an older durango with no latch.  I think it just takes practice, and once you get it down and you can make it tight enough, it is just as safe.  FWIW, our car seat install guy at our hospital when Collin was born said the seatbelt is just as safe as the latch.

ElizC

The LATCH system is not any safer than a seat belt.  It just make installing a car seat more fool proof and easier.  Just take the seat to get inspected and they will make sure it is in safe.  We don't plan on moving are car seats.  There is one in every car that DS rides in so I guess I am not to concerned about the taking in and out part.

SuperCuteBenz

breezey2323:

SuperCuteBenz:

No. We don't have latch in our 2nd car, and I feel it is just as safe. I have to install that seat though, and when I do, it doesn't budge at all. DH on the other hand is not so good at the install.

How do I get it too not budge? Mine budges...

As dumb as it sounds (and looks), I climb into the seat and then tighten the belt. I never have any issues with it moving. I have a Roundabout it that car though, and it is tethered as well. 

jenifairies

nbjenni:

Take it to your local fire station and get the hotties to install it for you. You'll feel safer, AND get some eye candy.

That's awesome.

breezey, what's loose about it? The carseat I have you have to wedge something in the seat for RFing (fun noodle or towel). The carseat's instructions say to, and I had a pro install it the first time and show me how. It's not hard to move either.

auburnbride2be

Yeah, I know it is just as safe, however I feel there is much more room for error. I was also told in our area you couldn't just show up at a fire station and have them check. There is one Fire Station that does it like the first monday of the month and you have to get an appt. Anyhow, I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way.

Oh, to get our Evenflo Triumph tight, I had to literally kneel all my weight into the seat. DH had to buckle it and put the belt lock thing on it. That thing is what makes ithard. We decided we are never taking it out of my care b/c it is such a pain to get in there tight. I know it will loosen up over time, but we are only messing with it when we have to.

auburnbride2be

Also, about the tether, is it only for front facing and/or for certain cars?

SuperCuteBenz

auburnbride2be:

Also, about the tether, is it only for front facing and/or for certain cars?

I have 2 Britax seats and they can be tethered rear-facing as well as forward facing. Only Britax and Sunshine Kids offer that feature.

Coleslawcat

LATCH isn't any safer, it's just more convenient. Once a child hits 40 pounds you can't use LATCH even if you have it and everyone needs to use the seatbelt. You'll be a pro at installing with the seatbelt by then.