- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
Toddlers: 12 - 24 Months
talanswife
member
Broken latch cover on carseat...
talanswife
member
Hi guys, I have a question and was wondering if this has happened to anyone else... We have a britax marathon 70 convertible seat for DS. Today the black, plastic cover that covers the latch broke (the latch that attaches to the LATCH bars in the car). The latch itself is not broken or cracked that I can see and still seems to be latching securely. I called the company and they said there are no replacements for those. The lady also basically said she thought it would be ok but she couldn't tell me it was ok to keep the seat since it was no longer in original condition... Ugh so now, I am thinking we should maybe buy a new seat? It stinks, because this one was several hundred dollars and isn't even a year old. Has this happened to anyone else's seat? Thanks!
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Broken latch cover on carseat...
I don't use our Britax latches, so this would be a non issue for me. As long as it is not effecting the way the latch works, I don't see why you would replace it. In all honesty, If it did effect the use, I just wouldn't use the latch. Our seats are always installed properly and securely without it. I know they suggest the use, but we move our seats so darn often we stopped bothering. So, no I would not go spend the $$$ on a new seat just for the latch
I would call Britax again and see if you can talk to someone else. They are known for having really amazing customer service. It wouldn't shock me if they just replaced your seat. Especially if you've only had it a year or two. I would push back on them for sure. I do think though that for the time being, it's fine to use it with the seat belt but that kinda stuff shouldn't happen and they should fix it for you.
Oh, ok I misunderstood. When I read your post I thought you meant the tether piece. We always use the latches to install. Unless they are going with my brother, he doesn't have latch clips in the truck.
Personally I feel like I get a better fit with the latches. But it is 100% ok and safe to use the seatbelt. My sil was freaked that I took my nephew to the store while I was sitting him. I am a car seat natzi. She was like, well how did you do that, you don't have a base?
Lordy Lordy. Lady latches and bases have only been around so long. Not all cars are outfitted with latch clips. You are still safe to use with just the seat belt.
I would call B again and see. They do have great service
For someone who is a "car seat nazi" you would know that Britax strongly recommends the use of the tether RFing and FFing. It helps secure the car seat even better and Britax is one of a few car seats that allowing RFing tethering.
You will also then notice that in my FIRST comment where I thought she was talking about the tether, I said we used to use it, but with the moving seats all the time we haven't been. My seats are installed and used just fine. FYI the Tether is not always an option in all cars.
You will also then notice that in my FIRST comment where I thought she was talking about the tether, I said we used to use it, but with the moving seats all the time we haven't been. My seats are installed and used just fine. FYI the Tether is not always an option in all cars.
OP I am sorry for the mix up in my first post. I am blaming working long days, sleepless toddlers and pregnancy brain. It is embarrassing how many times I used the word latch thinking it was the tether.
Another thing. The tether is a PITA. I NEVER used it when we FR. Flame away.
I did read your first post. When you claim to be a car seat nazi, you would think a tether which is stongly recommended and proven to safer in car accidents, would be something that you would use, especially as I said, when Britax is one of the few car seat manufacturers that allow you to use the tether RFing with a d-ring.
Here is a link from Britax saying the importance of tethers:
How does my child benefit from a seat with an Energy-Absorbing Versa-Tether?
The job of a car seat is to prevent injury to your child during a crash; seats featuring an Energy-Absorbing Versa-Tether can help to minimize injury by:
And this is from the Car Seat Blog about the importance of the tether
This simple strap can keep a child?s head from moving forward?a movement called ?head excursion??in a crash by 6-8?. That?s really a huge number in the carseat world! It can mean the difference between the child sustaining head injuries from hitting the front seat (yes, even while harnessed) or side pillar in a crash and walking away giggling. Tether use mitigates serious neck injuries by reducing head acceleration and neck loading.
I am sorry that you change out your car seat frequently, but please don't encourage other people not to use the tether, especially when it is provided to make the car seat even safer.
I would absolutely call back and if they refuse to replace the seat see if you can talk to someone higher up. You also might try posting about it in their fb group. Nothing like a little negative publicity to "encourage" them to fix the problem.