Newly Installed BV question

[Unregistered]

Hi!

We just got the Boulevard (Meghan) from BRU!! Unfortunately the date is 11/07, but I still love it so far! We installed it in our 2002 Suburban today.

But I have a couple of questions:

1. My daughter is 8 1/2 months old and LOVES to sit upright. In fact that's the main reason we moved from the SnugRide when she still has about 2" left. I know the manual says to install it fully reclined, which we did, but does it have to stay that way when it's RF? I think I can reach my hand between the seat and carseat and put it upright, but not sure if it should be upright? Or if it's o.k. to be upright, do I have to uninstall, put upright and re-install?

2. If anyone has installed in a Suburban, did you also have to install it behind the passenger seat? I really wanted it behind the drivers side, but the seat belt buckle is not stationary (if that makes sense) so there is too much give in it and the seat moves too much. The same thing happened with the SnugRide so we moved it behind the passenger seat too. Unfortunately, that's the seat that you move to get in the 3rd seat so passengers have to jump over the second seat. Kind of defeats the purpose of a 3rd seat! And the lap belt in the middle doesn't lock! UGH!!

Any help would be greatly appreciated! We're taking a long trip (NY to GA) in a couple of weeks so I wanted to get her use to the seat before the trip! I'm also wondering if I should swing by the Police Dept. and see if they can double check it!?

Thanks!

[Patriot201]

I never had my BV "fully reclined." It was always at least a little bit more upright. :)


http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/patriot20171/Carseat%20stuff/DSC_2670-1.jpg
If I recall correctly, this was the most reclined I had it.

[racesmom]

No, you can not and shouldn't need it in the upright position. The pic in the post above looks great. Post your pic if you're not sure.

Your lap belt should work fine. I've installed MANY seats with lap only belts. All 3 of my son's seats are currently installed with lap only belts. What problem are you having? The lap belt should have a locking latchplate. I know both my friends' 'Burbs do. If you find the lap belt loosens you can try flipping the latchplate over before you buckle it. Tighten the lap belt so it's snug, unbuckle, flip (turn) the latchplate (male end of the seat belt) over, then re-buckle. That should get it and keep it snug.

http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/lockincss.aspx

[daycaremom2002]

You do have to leave the seat in the reclined setting of the base, but there are ways to help install it slightly more upright. You want a rear facing seat to be between 30 and 45 degrees reclined. When you are installing the seat, push down on the seat where your childs feet would be when you are tightening the seatbelt or latch. This will help the seat sit more upright while still being in the "recline mode" of the base. If this does not make it sit upright enough, retry the install the same way, but before you push down on the seat, pull the base slightly away from the bight(the part where the cushions of the vehicle seat meet). Then you attach the tether and take out the slack. You don't need it super tight, just enough to help stabilize the install. Too tight tends to over stress the tether and the mechanism on the base that reclines a seat.

The lapbelt in the Suburban does lock somehow. What year is it? It should have either a locking latchplate with a tail that you pull to tighten it, or a locking retractor that locks after you pull it out. Let us know what it looks like and someone on here will be able to help you figure out how to install it. I have installed many seats in the center of a Suburban. It can be done.

[Unregistered]

Once I put her in it, I guess the recline seems o.k., but I've uploaded pictures if anyone would like to comment...

A couple of other issues now that I tried her in it:

1. I see why others have complained about the "short" tether on the buckle...it does seem hard to use! But the other issue I have is that it seems like the buckle digs right into her legs. I've attached a picture. I took the infant pillow out and it seemed a little better, but not much. Once she gets bigger it seems like it would be a real issue!

2. I'm wondering if I should take the HUGS off until she's FF? They seem quite long on her little torso...


3. Is the harness the right height?

Lastly, I think I need to call Britax because only one side "snaps" into place. I pulled hard to make sure it was clasped, but I like hearing the click! Also, one time I thought it was in and come to find out, it wasn't!

Thanks for your help!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24999195@N06/

[Defrost]

I couldn't see pics in your link; is your account private?

I can answer two of your questions, though. The HUGS are optional RF, but required FF, so if you want to take them off you can, but don't lose them! Store them in the pouch for the top tether.

As for the harness buckle not clicking - it's supposed to work that way. It only "clicks" when you put the second one in.

[Unregistered]

Sorry! You should be able to see them now!

Yes, I would find a safe place foe the HUGS....they just seem to be in the way now...

Thanks for the info on the buckle "click!" I didn't realize that!

[Nisha]

1. I see why others have complained about the "short" tether on the buckle...it does seem hard to use! But the other issue I have is that it seems like the buckle digs right into her legs. I've attached a picture. I took the infant pillow out and it seemed a little better, but not much. Once she gets bigger it seems like it would be a real issue!
It looks like she's sitting on the belly pad - try putting that up so it sits between her legs and the harness. That should help.

2. I'm wondering if I should take the HUGS off until she's FF? They seem quite long on her little torso...
DS (13 months) fits much better in his Marathon without the HUGS. I've got them stored in the tether storage pouch. It's also easier IMO to tighten RF without the HUGS.


3. Is the harness the right height?
Since she's RF, it should be at or below, but the closer you can get to "at" the better!

[Sarabela]

There is a belly pad that you don't have pulled up. It is a round padded piece of material that surrounds the crotch buckle, it looks like your daughter is sitting on it. If you pull that up so it's in between the crotch buckle and your daughter's legs/belly it will make her more comfortable.

[Defrost]

Yes, I see them now. She's a cutie! (My dd agrees; she just walked up behind me and said "What a cute baby! She looks like a girl." Hm... maybe it's the pink that gave it away? ;) )

I agree, the buckle should fit better with the belly pad under it. I tried to find a pic but I don't have one that shows how the belly pad fits, sorry!

Harness slots look good - "at or below" for RF, and they're definitely below her shoulders. :thumbsup:

[Unregistered]

DUH!! I can't believe I didn't notice that! I'm sure that will help:-) Thanks!!