Question: Are car seat protectors safe to use under child car seats? I'm talking about the protectors that sit on the regular built-in seat of the car and help prevent the child/infant car seat from scratching up/wearing down the upholstery.
I think it depends on what they are used for. I don't put them on just to protect seats, however will put them on leather seats in order to get them tighter?
@PSUBecky23 thank you for starting this. I am learning a ton from CSFTL on FB, but it's definitely an intimidating group to post to and I'm just lurking right now.
Like a pp said, in both cars we don't have latches in the middle seats so we are limited to either side (would rather use the latch for simplicity than seatbelt). Does anyone have any opinions (research based or just ease of use) on whether drivers side or passengers side is better?
@nativetexan512 I prefer passenger side. Easier to hand something to baby while you're driving. Also, if you park on the street, then baby is on the curb.
@PSUBecky23 thank you for starting this. I am learning a ton from CSFTL on FB, but it's definitely an intimidating group to post to and I'm just lurking right now.
Like a pp said, in both cars we don't have latches in the middle seats so we are limited to either side (would rather use the latch for simplicity than seatbelt). Does anyone have any opinions (research based or just ease of use) on whether drivers side or passengers side is better?
When I went to the installation with the county yesterday, they said the passenger side was slightly safer. However, they showed me how to use the seat belts on the car seat we are using. It was fairly simple. We are using a Chicco Keyfit 30.
@nativetexan512 Both driver and passenger side are equally safe. I also prefer passenger side because it is easier to reach back while driving and give back a paci, toy, etc. Also, props to you for sticking with the group. It can be extremely overwhelming and intimidating at first, but I really learned a ton.
I know that "no after market products between the seat and the baby" is the line to toe, but I have a question related to that.
Apparently I'm pretty good at losing the little strap pads that some with the car seat and go over baby's shoulder. (I lost for both the infant seat, and one for my LO's convertible seat.) I still have one from the convertible seat. Is it ok to replace it with an aftermarket one as long as it's pretty thin? (Using my remaining strap cover as a guide?) My daughter complains that her neck hurts and has red marks on her if I use nothing.
@KimmySchmidt--this is not an "official" answer by any means, but I recently went ahead and got new strap pads for my toddler's seat. I got the Aden and anais ones because they are very, very thin on the bottom part that goes between the strap and my kiddo. Thinner than the ones that came with the seat. The bulky part of the padding is all on top of the strap, so it doesn't interfere with proper tightening at all.
I had his seat checked when I got baby's seat installed and mentioned the pads to the tech. She didn't officially endorse them, but she also didn't raise any red flags.
So, I guess for me, finding something that was very thing between the strap and kiddo--and that doesn't interfere with proper chest-clip placement--seemed reasonable. But definitely a case-by-case call, I'd say. Good luck!
@kimmyschmidt I've heard of people calling the seat manufacturer for things like that and being able to buy them directly. Sometimes they're even replaced for free.
*Major lurker from Feb 17" I do have a few questions! DH and I have been doing some research on the Diono car seats, I've heard they are super safe because they have that massive steel frame and other features that the less expensive seats don't have, is this true? I asked a friend about it (she's a car seat Nazi too) and she said that I would basically be paying for luxury, more features and such. But from what I saw at BBB they don't even have cup holders so I'm not sure what "bells and whistles" she was talking about. Anyways, are the Dionos really safer and that's why they come with such a hefty price tag? Also, as much as I would like to put the baby in the Diono (if it's safer) right from the beginning, I've also heard that the incline isn't deep enough for their little heads to be supported, and that I should consider a bucket seat until they are bigger. What are all of your thoughts? Diono doesn't even make bucket seats from what I have seen, so do you have any recommendations for the infant seats?
@MrsDrKirkpatrick All the car seats on the market have to pass the same crash and safety tests, so none are overwhelmingly safer than the others. Best bet is to pick a seat that works well with your vehicle. (I have a civic, for example, so we don't have much front-to-back space)
I feel like this is a dumb question, but how do you know if you have the latch system available? I never noticed DS's seat coming with them, is it something already preinstalled in the car? We always just used a seatbelt but we have to move is seat in and out a lot if he is being babysat and I worry my mom and MIL don't pull it tight enough. Maybe the latch system would be easier for them...
If you have the latch system it will be in your car--it's basically some metal loops that you can then connect your car seat too. They are hidden in the crack of the seat between the back and the part you sit on. Easiest way to check is to look in your owners manual. If you do have them, there will be little circles on the seat backs to mark where they are too. Hope that helps!
@shiva14 I believe the LATCH system is standard in all cars manufactured after 2002. If your car has it, it will be listed in your manual. Sometimes you have to dig around a little for them.
@shiva14 I believe the LATCH system is standard in all cars manufactured after 2002. If your car has it, it will be listed in your manual. Sometimes you have to dig around a little for them.
I definitely need to go dig around then, ours are 2012 and 2010 so I can't imagine they wouldn't be there.
Re: Car seat safety
@PSUBecky23 thank you for starting this. I am learning a ton from CSFTL on FB, but it's definitely an intimidating group to post to and I'm just lurking right now.
Like a pp said, in both cars we don't have latches in the middle seats so we are limited to either side (would rather use the latch for simplicity than seatbelt). Does anyone have any opinions (research based or just ease of use) on whether drivers side or passengers side is better?
Apparently I'm pretty good at losing the little strap pads that some with the car seat and go over baby's shoulder. (I lost for both the infant seat, and one for my LO's convertible seat.) I still have one from the convertible seat. Is it ok to replace it with an aftermarket one as long as it's pretty thin? (Using my remaining strap cover as a guide?) My daughter complains that her neck hurts and has red marks on her if I use nothing.
I had his seat checked when I got baby's seat installed and mentioned the pads to the tech. She didn't officially endorse them, but she also didn't raise any red flags.
So, I guess for me, finding something that was very thing between the strap and kiddo--and that doesn't interfere with proper chest-clip placement--seemed reasonable. But definitely a case-by-case call, I'd say. Good luck!
I do have a few questions! DH and I have been doing some research on the Diono car seats, I've heard they are super safe because they have that massive steel frame and other features that the less expensive seats don't have, is this true? I asked a friend about it (she's a car seat Nazi too) and she said that I would basically be paying for luxury, more features and such. But from what I saw at BBB they don't even have cup holders so I'm not sure what "bells and whistles" she was talking about. Anyways, are the Dionos really safer and that's why they come with such a hefty price tag? Also, as much as I would like to put the baby in the Diono (if it's safer) right from the beginning, I've also heard that the incline isn't deep enough for their little heads to be supported, and that I should consider a bucket seat until they are bigger. What are all of your thoughts? Diono doesn't even make bucket seats from what I have seen, so do you have any recommendations for the infant seats?