Volvo s60 and LATCH

[Unregistered]

I have a 2004 Volvo s60 and am having a hard time accessing the LATCH anchors. This hasn't been a problem before because I have been using a Graco SnugRide infant car seat (which I can leave in the car at all times because we have 2 bases for the car seat). Now that my 6 month old has outgrown that seat, I am buying a convertible car seat that will have to be taken in and out of the car on a daily basis. I'm just wondering if anybody else has had this problem with a Volvo and if there are any pointers on attaching the latch anchors more easily. By the way, I am considering getting the Britax Marathon. I'm wondering if it will be too big for my car. (I wish I had a bigger car but this is a company car so I can't trade it in for a new model). Any advice would be great!

[papooses]

Marathon is a good choice & I think it's base is rather narrow compared to some convertables ... our Wizard is so similar & judging by pictures of the Volvo S60 I found online I think it should fit just fine since I've managed to fit the Wizard in a car that looks smaller. I didn't use LATCH, though, just the belt lock-offs on the base of the carseat :rolleyes:

[groovymom2000]

you mean exactly. Are you saying that you are having a hard time getting TO the LATCH anchors(too far into the seat, too small?) or that you are having a hard time attaching the seat to the LATCH anchors. THe ones in my car are kind of difficult to get to, but I generally don't use LATCH, as I have found the Marathon installs so easily with the seatbelt.
As for size--my BIL has a 2001 V60, and a MA, and it is tight. In fact, it is tight with a Roundabout rearfacing in my wagon---for the front seat passenger that is. BIL and my sister are both over 6' tall, and whoever rides as a passenger in the Volvo does not have much legroom at all. :(
Is there any way that you can consider getting 2 seats? Perhaps not 2 Marathons but something else? I would hate to think of having to lug the seat in and out of the car every day--that will get old soon. Also, when someone is in a hurry or running late, will they take the time to make sure the seat is installed properly? If it were me, if I couldn't afford 2 Marathons, I would most likely consider a different, less expensive convertible model that I could get 2 of, thus eliminating a lot of hassle and potential for misuse. Just a thought!
Good luck!
~Beth, mom to Elliot(12/00) and Ian (5/04)

[papooses]

Originally posted by groovymom2000
I would hate to think of having to lug the seat in and out of the car every day - that will get old soon. Also, when someone is in a hurry or running late, will they take the time to make sure the seat is installed properly? So true! :o Maybe these will be helpful.... All carseats currently available (http://www.800bucklup.org/parent/images/2004_guide_final_bw.pdf) ~ prints out for better reading Ulrike's Recommended Carseat List (http://www.car-safety.org/carseats.html) Carseat Combatility Database (http://www.carseatdata.org/selectseat.asp)

[Unregistered]

Thanks for your response. The problem I am having is getting the LATCH connectors attached to the anchors in the car. It is really tight and I struggle with it each time. I think installing the seat would be really easy if I could just get those connectors to clip on the first try. You are right, though -the Marathon is really heavy and might be a pain to take in and out of the car. I like the Marathon because I have heard that it is easy to install and the weight limit is 65 lbs so I am thinking it will last a long time. Do you have any suggestions of other seats that would be lighter/easier to take out on a daily basis? Thanks!

[papooses]

Sorry, I was editing my post to include some links listing some carseats for you.... Pretty much any convertable you get now should last till your baby is about 3-4 years old, except for the Marathon/Wizard which gives an aditional 2 years or so of use, but in another 3-4 years there will probably be better combination seats worth getting anyway ;)