carseat / latch question

amiamish

I was just reading about the Graco My Ride 65 and saw this:

Note: Graco prohibits using the LATCH system for a child weighing over 48 lbs.  This is an issue with almost all child restraints that have a harness rated above 40 lbs. At some point, it will be necessary to use the seatbelt for installation.

I've never heard that before-- have you? I thought the latch system is safer than the seat belt, is that incorrect?

jessicaclare

Yes, I have heard that before. Also, LATCH isn't necessarily safer than installing with a seat belt. Seat belt installation and LATCH are equally safe when done correctly. LATCH is just easier to use for most people, so it results in a proper installation more often.

amiamish

Ok- thanks Jessica! I guess I need to find out what the weight requirement is for the LATCH on the Nautilus (maybe its 40something too).

I think the seatbelt is easier than the LATCH, but I can't get the seatbelt to hold down as tight as I can the LATCH.

GrowingFamily

Yes, I had heard this prior to in the owner's manual for the My Ride 65.  I think it's not very common knowledge, though.  LATCH is only a safe alternative to seat belts up to that 40lb weight limit. 

penguingrrl

Ditto Jessica.  Also, your car will have a latch weight limit.  After a bit of poking around (can't even remember where, but google was a help) I discovered that my car's latch has a 40 lb weight limit, after which I have to use the seatbelt to install a carseat.  I'm assuming that this limit includes the weight of the seat itself and will switch to seatbelt installation once DD is 35 lbs just in case (I have a radian 65, so it's a very heavy seat).

goodheartedmommy

LATCH isn't safer than a seatbelt. Whichever you can install your seat correctly with is safest. I almost always use seatbelt--our first car we had when Ethan was a baby didn't have it, so I was good at installs without LATCH. You also have to read your car's manuals. E has a nautilus in my moms car and my FILs car. My FIL drives a Toyota, and I think it does not allow latch after 40 lbs. My mom drives a dodge, and it allows latch to 48 lbs.

darlene'smommy

Latch and teether have differant limits and your car will have a limit as well.  For rear facing I use latch and for forward I use the seat belt for my car seats.  When im installing seats for parents at seat checks I always tell them the weight limits and ask what they want to use. 

 

Seat belt and latch are just as safe as the other.  Latch was installed to make it eaiser for parents to use so there was less misuse.  It does help with missuse but people dont know they must switch it in a convertible seat, people dont know the weight limits (its not in all manuals), people use both seat belt and latch together and the use latch in a middle seat that does not allow it (either the car, car seat or both).  So there is still alot of misuse of latch.

amiamish

I guess I'll have to practice using the seatbelt. I have a good 10-15lbs before I have to use it, but I like to be prepared. LOL

Thanks for all the good info ladies!