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Woah! Big time PSA re car seats and "hooks" for install!

DiscusCoachDiscusCoach
in 3rd Trimester

I am a driving instructor and ended up talking to the Deputy who inspected my car seat install for about 45 minutes. He said that one of the biggest problems out there right now is that people are installing car seats with the hooks in places that aren't designated for them.

Sounds weird? I thought so to. Then, on Saturday, DH and I purchased a 2008 Volvo S80. During the test drive I asked about car seats and the sales lady proceeded to tell me how wonderful it was that you could install the baby seat w/ the hooks in any of the three rear seats. 

I went to the Volvo book (glove compartment) when we got back to the dealership and the book says ABSOLUTELY DO NOT install the seat using the hooks in the center seat in this model. The hooks are only designed to work in the left and right back seat.You would be stretching the strap wide to the left and right to get to the place to hook on the baby seat in the center position which totally changes the dynamics of how that seat and the hooks (being at such an extended angle) would respond in an accident.

This is exactly what the deputy was talking about. He said some cars are OK for the hooks in the left and center, some in for the right and center but you need to look at your car's manual. If the info isn't there then contact the manufacturer.

I can use the seat belt to strap in my car seat in the center. I am a BIG believer in putting the car seat in the center if at all possible so I will be installing it there with the seat belt. We can get in to a discussion on crash dynamics later if you wish. I am swimming in info. 

 

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Re: Woah! Big time PSA re car seats and "hooks" for install!

  • Lucky_N_LoveLucky_N_Love member
    Most cars do not have LATCH ("hooks") in the center and unless your manual says you can "borrow" then you can only use left and right LATCH. That is a shame that the lady at the dealership is misinformed and I hope that people are doing their own research as far as car seat safety.  I would almost go back and say something to her in nice way just so she can be better educated about the LATCH system. Glad you did your research. 
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  • Sheeks88Sheeks88
    I think she was only interested in selling you a car. She would have told you whatever you wanted to hear. DH and I have a friend who used to sell cars. They are not the most honest people (when at work).
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  • DiscusCoachDiscusCoach

    imageLucky_N_Love:
    Most cars do not have LATCH ("hooks") in the center and unless your manual says you can "borrow" then you can only use left and right LATCH. That is a shame that the lady at the dealership is misinformed and I hope that people are doing their own research as far as car seat safety.  I would almost go back and say something to her in nice way just so she can be better educated about the LATCH system. Glad you did your research. 

    I talked to her before we left. I just said what was in the manual. 

    Thanks for the correction on the "LATCH". 

    Every car 2002 and after is required to have that system. Some from before also have it. My 2001 Volvo doesn't have that system. 

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  • meghann0409meghann0409
    To add to that: https://vimeo.com/2994502
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  • Lucky_N_LoveLucky_N_Love member
    well heck while we are soapboxing it Smile  Extended Rear Facing is the cool way to be. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8gU9zzCGA8  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2DVfqFhseo
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  • Mandalyn8Mandalyn8
    UGH - yes, we just discovered this about our Nissan Versa. Latch is only available in the Left or Right seats. I love my car, but I can't believe that such a "safe" car disregards the advice of all the car seat companies about having the seat in the middle. I know we can still use the seat belt technique, but it's irritating to feel mislead.
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  • kristin7701kristin7701 member

    imageMandalyn8:
    UGH - yes, we just discovered this about our Nissan Versa. Latch is only available in the Left or Right seats. I love my car, but I can't believe that such a "safe" car disregards the advice of all the car seat companies about having the seat in the middle. I know we can still use the seat belt technique, but it's irritating to feel mislead.

    Your car is not any less safe for LO. A seatbelt installation is just as safe as latch; latch was just intended to make proper installation easier. 

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