2001 crv lap belt for 6 year old

[Unregistered]

I have read numerous threads on the 2001 crv with suggestions for car seats. We are two adults, an 8 year old, 14 year old, and 6 year old (approx. 55 pounds/45 inches). My 8 year old is still sitting in a booster seat without the back. We sold our Honda minivan due to trani problems and now need a safe seating arrangement for the time being. This car has only a middle lap belt, shorter height for the middle seat, and three ceiling anchors. I believe the sunshine radon may be the safest and tallest option. I also wondered about the safety vests (safer travel vests) and anchoring/vest system with booster in a ez-on 86-y with our existing Graco high back booster. Her head clears the middle seat by several inches over the top of the back seat and I'm certain the back lap belt is not safetly positioned. Therefore, I suspect a booster seat will be needed. I belive the radon is the best seat, even without the tether attatchment. I would like to find the most economical, but bottom line, safest option for my six year old. As an OR nurse, I've seen how improper belting and lack of belting can affect children.
thank you!
PS: I have learned more from this site than visiting hundreds of manufacturers and opinion forums.
Megan

[crunchierthanthou]

Good for you for looking for a harnessed option. Lapbelts simply aren't suitable for use on their own.

Is there a store near you where you can try the radian in your vehicle and with your dd before you buy it? It does work well for three across situations, but can sometimes be a tricky install.

You definitely want something that provides head support. IIRC, the ride safer travel vest cannot be used with boosters. It won't work with your low seatbacks.

The 86Y is a decent option. It can be used with a HBB (actually, must be used with a booster at her weight).

[victoryrocket]

Thanks for your prompt reply! We are relocating and planning a long drive cross country. We will not all be in the same car, but I have a feeling that the Sunshine radian will be available to view/try at some of the larger cities we are going through on our way. So I will use our existing booster as a side passenger option until we purchase.
I read the 86Y has some issues with "slipping" on the lower torso and I worry about the top tether's safety versus the lower anchor. They do have a kit included to install a lower anchor and I know it's not rocket science...but I still worry that this may not be safe. Any opinions about the 86Y used with a Gracco turbo-booster seat and top anchor tether versus installation of a lower anchor by an individual or car repair shop? The 86Y at $56.00 is much more cost effective than $233.00 and this will be our last child.
Also, what is your opinion between the Brittax Husky versus the radian?
thanks for any advice...
megan

[joolsplus3]

The Regent (Husky, but newer model) is MUCH taller...but it's also so wide it won't work in the middle of that car with other kids in there. The Radian is like half as wide. The 86-Y won't require a lower anchor of any kind in your situation.

[Defrost]

I read the 86Y has some issues with "slipping" on the lower torso

I'm not sure what you mean - do you mean the concern about the lap belt riding up on the child's abdomen? This has not been an issue for us. As long as the harness is used correctly, the lap belt will be positioned in the same place it would be without the harness - sometimes that will mean it rides up, but that is a problem with the lap-belt, not the harness.

In any case, a TB's armrests will help prevent the lap-belt from riding up.

and I worry about the top tether's safety versus the lower anchor.

Again, sorry if I'm misunderstanding what you mean - do you mean you worry that using the seat belt instead of LATCH isn't as safe? They are equally safe, as long as they are both used correctly. The difference between using a harnessed carseat and a harness is that the carseat is a 5-pt harness and the harness is only 4-pt; therefore, a harnessed carseat is safer, but it's not because of the difference in how they're installed.

Any opinions about the 86Y used with a Gracco turbo-booster seat and top anchor tether versus installation of a lower anchor by an individual or car repair shop?

I think you've confused some of the terms (understandably - there's a lot of them!) Lower anchors cannot be installed, and they aren't used with a harness in any case. Are you referring to the location of the tether anchor in the vehicle? It is called the "top tether" regardless of where it's located - in the ceiling, on the floor, or on the back of the vehicle seat. The "top" refers to the way it comes out of the top of the carseat, not where it's located in your vehicle.

Lower anchors are the two hooks in the crack of the vehicle seat, and they are only used to secure carseats.

Also, what is your opinion between the Brittax Husky versus the radian?

The Husky is no longer being made - the Regent is the current version. It is extremely wide; the Radian would be more comfortable for the kids sitting next to it.

I also replied to your other post. :thumbsup: