Car seat installation ??

atwtchick

We just bought a Britax Marathon and I had installed in in my car.  We were able to have it checked it by a state trooper who is supposed to be trained in installation.  When he saw that it was installed using the latch system, he said that wasn't right and you couldn't use the latch system rear-facing.  I also asked about the tethering and he said only forward facing could be tethered.  Please tell me that I'm not crazy.  I thought the latch system was the best method to use if your car was able to do it.  Our infant seat used the latch method.  He reinstalled it using the seat belts but is the latch system safer?  What would you recommend about having it checked?  I figured the state troopers were the best route to take.  Thanks!!

LynnJones

I don't think the latch is safer, I don't think that would be legal if one way was safer than the other, I think it's just latch is easier. 

JARbaby

He does NOT know what he is talking about. He should not be checking car seats. RF Marathons can be tethered. RF Marathons can use LATCH.

LATCH is not best it is just a convenience. 

Frankly I would report him. I have been to 9 safety inspections infant seat/base in 3 cars and 6 conv car seats.  The last time I went they told me I did not have to come anymore, lol.

NDwife07

I'm confused. Did the manual not give the instructions for both front- and rear-facing? What did it say about tethers and LATCH?

atwtchick

That's what I thought!!  It doesn't have to be tethered though does it??

atwtchick

NDwife07:

I'm confused. Did the manual not give the instructions for both front- and rear-facing? What did it say about tethers and LATCH?

 

It gave both and I told him I used the manual to install it with the latch and he asked to see it but he then he starting talking about the belt paths and all so I let him install it with the belts.

emiliemadison

Ugh, sorry you got a dud inspector. Unfortunately, a lot of them dont have a clue but give "advice" since it's part of their job. Lovely.

1) Yes, you CAN use LATCH for RF (except in most center seats, since only a very select few cars allow for center LATCH installation). LATCH and seatbelt are equally safe, LATCH is just usually more convenient. 

 2) There are only two brands of seats that allow for RF tethering, and you've got one of them (Britax and Sunshine Kids). 

3) It's best to find a certified inspector who ISNT affiliated with a police or fire department. People who become certified because they're passionate about seat safety really know their stuff, whereas the police/fire often take one class and really have more important things to worry about and miss a lot of the VERY important details.  You can find a certified tech here.

emiliemadison

atwtchick:

That's what I thought!!  It doesn't have to be tethered though does it??

No, it's not required. Just an option

atwtchick

Thanks!  I now have an appt on Monday morning to have a certified inspector take a look at it.  I'll probably have it reinstalled using the LATCH system just because it's more convenient.