I cant get my rf Cosco Scenera tight enough if it's in the correct position!

[Holly]

I am just now trying to install my Cosco Scenera rf for my 7 month old baby.
It is only about a month old (not sure if that matters or not so I decided to include it) It installs just fine ff (I used it for my 22 month old for a month while saving up for a Radian 65 for her and it was solid in the car then).
I have tried latch and just the car's seatbelt and it wobbles so horribly back and forth! I can get it pretty tight if the angle of the seat is too upright, but that looks way uncomfortable for the baby, and I also think it's not supposed to be that upright because that flat angle part on the bottom does not lay flat against the seat when I get it tight. But I can't get it tight with the seat sitting at the proper angle. I think the plastic part on the bottom of the front of the seat gets in the way of making it tight enough.

This is so frustrating because I can't afford another seat right now. In fact, I told my husband we could make do with the Scenera for $40 if he let me get the Radian 65 for my oldest (He thought it was unnecessary and a waste of money, but I insisted our daughter be in a 5 pt harness as long as she can, we do plan to get our baby a radian sometime next year when she outgrows the scenera)

Is there something I am doing wrong? I have always been able to install any car seats tight enough. Oh, by the way, we have a 2007 Toyota Camry.

[CandCfam]

It's normal, with a non-RF tethered seat (only Britax and SKR can be tethered RF), for the top of the seat to move, you just don't want any more than 1 inch of movement at the belt path - you are striving for no movement, but up to 1" is "ok".

I would encourage you to locate a certified safety seat technician to help you out.
locate one here (https://ssl13.cyzap.net/dzapps/dbzap.bin/apps/assess/Webmembers/tool?pToolCode=TAB9&pCategory1=TAB9_CERTSEARCH&Webid=SAFEKIDSCERTSQL):thumbsup:

[ThreeBeans]

The top *is* supposed to be moving, if that helps :)

[cryswilkins]

Did you try a pool noodle or a tightly rolled towel to get a better angel. Almost every car i have installed our Scenera in has need a noodle to get a good recline. I have also NEVER been able to get a good LATCH install, I use the belt with the Scenera. Hope that helps, its a great seat, really it is. My DD in 6 months and loves it.

[ThreeBeans]

Agreed on the pool noodle. I install it for my 2.5 year old, so I don't need a recline. But installed as is, it is pretty much bolt upright at 30 degrees.

[tjham]

These videos helped me a lot! Scroll down to RF convertible installation. Note how she lifts up the cover to pull the tail of the latch strap through. That made all the difference for me! And the noodles. And the Latch strap should go inside the "horns" on the front bottom of the seat.

http://www.carseatsite.com/videos.htm#rear-facing%20with%20LATCH

[all together ooky]

I think the weird thing about the Scenera, for me, was that the front foot doesn't sit on the seat. It is pressed against the vehicle seat back instead. Can you post a picture of your install? That may help.

[tjham]

Right! And the noodle(s) help hold it up. but they have to be cut shorter than the distance between the Latch anchors (if you're using Latch) or the seat belt and buckle (if you're using the seat belt.)

[Holly]

I went and had it installed today by a professional. She used a pool noodle too and now it's totally secure like it's supposed to be. She didn't cut the noodle though, it sticks out a few inches on one side. Is that a problem? She installed it with latch.