Snugride w/ no base...problems!

[diaperjoys]

We're getting ready to travel, and had thought to bring the Snugride for the baby. Last week I discovered a defect in the base and had to quit using it, and had a go at installing the seat without the base.

I can't do it.

I got tips from the board, and I still can't do it.

So, now I'm questioning the wisdom of taking the Snugride at all...what if I can't get a good installation on the airplane? What about the Odyssey on the other end?

I was trying to put it second row center in a '99 Suburban, with a lap belt. Should be easy, right? But even after I had it very tight and solid, it took just a minimal amount of pressure on the foot of the infant seat (far less pressure than big brother would put on it when he climbs over to reach his own seat...) and the whole thing caccooned forward, and then there was several inches of slack in the belt. I can't imagine that would do much good in a crash.

Is it just my vehicle, or would I expect the Snugride to be a pill wherever I go?? We just got a Diplomat, and maybe it would be best to bring that instead.

[crunchierthanthou]

I'm not a fan of using infant seats without the base. Sure, it's a nice option in a pinch, but I don't like it for every day use for the reason you just mentioned. Are you using a rolled towel or pool noodle under the front of the seat? Will you be able to manage with a fourth convertible? What about only picking up a new base? Did you call Graco about the defect?

[NannyMae]

its not just your car-- all the cars I've ever intalled the safeseat 1 into had the same problem... just try some noodles or tightly rolled towels if you do bring it.

[diaperjoys]

I'm not a fan of using infant seats without the base. Sure, it's a nice option in a pinch, but I don't like it for every day use for the reason you just mentioned. Are you using a rolled towel or pool noodle under the front of the seat? Will you be able to manage with a fourth convertible? What about only picking up a new base? Did you call Graco about the defect?

I didn't try a pool noodle. Given the angle of our seat, it would take probably 4 or 5. Maybe 6. Or a huge towel roll. Not the amount of "cush" I'd want my baby's seat dependent upon, if that makes any sense. If that is what it will need on the plane, and on arrival... :thumbsdown:

Graco does know about the defective base, and after some hassle, they sent me a new one via 2nd day air. :thumbsup:

[Kat_Momof3]

did you have the handle down??

the space where the rolled towels/noodles would go is not that high part of the foot of the seat, but a little further back, where it's shorter... you should never use more than 3 of them, anyway.

[ProudMomof5]

Wow I never knew it could be so difficult to buckle in an infant carseat with out the base! I have done it sooo many times too... I was probably always doing it wrong -- eek!
I'd just put the buckle through, make sure it was tight and there ya go.
Well, since I obviously have no clue how to do it right, I'll stick to the base.

OP.. I hope you can work it out! It sounds like all the noodles/rolled towels would be a really big hassle.

[Defrost]

You have to really compress it into the vehicle seatback to prevent it from cocooning just by pressing on it (keeping in mind, of course, that it's going to cocoon anyway in a crash).

I personally like these installs better, but it's what I started out with back before infant seats came with bases! I know they're really tricky sometimes, which is why they added bases to begin with.