Regent installation - Major confusion!

[enthalpy]

Our new Regent seats just arrived. Now I know where they got the name -- they look like thrones! I have two different sets of questions before I even tackle the actual installation.

1) Car seat #1 is included in the last recall, so if I understand correctly, I just follow the directions in the instructions and get the seat registered so I can get the repair kit. Is this right? Also, DS fluctuates right around 40 pounds (+/- 1/2 pound), depending on when he ate last, clothing choice of the day, etc., so I was planning on doing the 40-80 installation, which is with the SBP using LATCH. The directions have specifics for "typical LATCH installation," and then SBP and LBP for lap-shoulder belt. Am I missing something?

2) Car seat #2 is NOT included in the recall. It is for DD who weighs almost 36 pounds. So I plan on using LATCH on this install, but do I do the SBP or LBP?

Thanks in advance! I'm sure I will have more questions as I actually start manhandling the seats into position....

[enthalpy]

Okay, I just read all of the instructions for the umpteenth time and I think I understand the SBP and LBP, but now my question for the seat under recall and DS who is sometimes less and sometimes more than 40 pounds has changed. Should I do the LATCH install for 40-80 or the LBP with seatbelt for 22-40 pounds?

Hope I'm not causing too much confusion -- my brain is already fried and I haven't even started putting them in the van!

[skiersnowboarder3]

If your child is teetering around 40 lbs, I personally would put the seat in SBP and leave it that way.

[Connor's Mom]

1) Car seat #1 is included in the last recall, so if I understand correctly, I just follow the directions in the instructions and get the seat registered so I can get the repair kit. Is this right? Also, DS fluctuates right around 40 pounds (+/- 1/2 pound), depending on when he ate last, clothing choice of the day, etc., so I was planning on doing the 40-80 installation, which is with the SBP using LATCH. The directions have specifics for "typical LATCH installation," and then SBP and LBP for lap-shoulder belt. Am I missing something?

2) Car seat #2 is NOT included in the recall. It is for DD who weighs almost 36 pounds. So I plan on using LATCH on this install, but do I do the SBP or LBP?

What is the DOM on the seats that you have? You say they are new seats and if the DOM is 6/19/07 or later the seat was manufactured with the enhancements meaning that you do not need the kit. If manufactured before 6/19/07 you will need to register the seat and I personally would do it over the phone and request the kit at that time.
My suggestion is:
For DD weighing 36 pounds, if you have a seat manufactured after 6/19/07 use it (it already has the longer LATCH strap) and install it using the LBP LATCH or seatbelt method.
If DS hovers at 40 pounds I would just install the seat using SBP and leave it that way. When you recieve the update kit put it up incase you need it in the future. :)

[enthalpy]

The seat for DS is model # E9L3969, manufactured 04/11/07. While I was waiting for a response I was able to get a really tight install with the seatbelt LBP to at least get us started and so I know it can be done. I haven't tackled the one for DD yet. Hers was manufactured 08/09/07, so I don't have to deal with the recall on that one. I would just exchange the seats so DS who weighs a little more could have the newer unrecalled one, but it's pink.... No way, Mom!

[joolsplus3]

Switch the covers ;)

[Connor's Mom]

Switch the covers ;)

:yeahthat:

[enthalpy]

So, after wrestling with the car seats, I finally got tight fits on both, but only by using the LBP (one with LATCH and one with the seatbelt). This works for now, but since DS is teetering at the 40 pound mark, I'm not sure what I will do when I have to switch to the SBP. I tried using LATCH and the seatbelt, but I have 1-2" side to side movement and about 1" front to back movement, even with the top tether as tight as I can get it. I tried changing the recline of the seats while I tightened straps and then put the seat back to where it needs to be, but it didn't help much. The seatbelt connector and LATCH connectors are just too close to the recline bar to get enough leverage to really pull it tight. Any other suggestions or tricks I can try?