Compass True Fit for newborn?

[New grandma]

I just received my car seat Sat. for my grandson to use in my car (A 2007 Chevy HHR). I have a great install in the middle back seat using SL seatbelt with lock off, But, when I put Jackson in the seat the shoulder harness seems really wide. It doesn't really go over his shoulders, but sees to come from outside the shoulders to the chest clip. Is this safe or should I just use his parents infant seat until he is a little bigger?

[mish]

Could you post pictures? That would really help us to know exactly what you mean.

[New grandma]

I'll try to het some but he's sleeping right now. Thanks.

[New grandma]

I have some pictures. When I put him in the installed seat he actually looks much better than he did when I had the seat in the house. I had to use a rolled towel to get the 45 angle-is that okay? Also, not sure of lock offs, the manual implies and shows using both lock offs but I thought you only used the one opposite the seat belt buckle? Also, do I lock the lap portion only or the lap and shoulder belt? I haven't used a car seat for 16 years and they were scarily different then. Seat belts weren't even required in cars when I had my first and it's scary to look at the pictures of the car seats I used then! I have already learned a lot from this forum and will keep reading. Thanks!!

http://s297.photobucket.com/albums/mm221/Newgrandma/

[Mommy2Marcus]

He looks good to me! I say he seems to fit just fine as long as you can get the harness tight enough with him in it. It is just fine to use a tightly rolled towel to get the 45 degree angle! Congratulations to you for taking the time to make sure you have it right! BTW: He is just a little cutie pie!

[jewlsvern]

Do you like the Tru fit? I ma considering using one for my 12 mos old daughter.
Julie
DD Andraya 12 mo RF in a SR
17# and 28 in

[mish]

Thanks for the picks. You are such a good Grandma! I am going to try to address all of your questions.

1. A rolled towel is fine, just make sure it is rolled as tight as you can get it. A swimming pool noodle would be fine too. When you install, just make sure it is not moving more than an inch side to side or front to back.

2. I think his harness straps look like they are in the right position. Sometimes pictures can be misleading (due to camera angle, etc) though, so just make sure they are right at or below shoulder level. Also, I think you may need to tighten them just a little. Once again, it is just a picture, but it looks a little loose. You need to do a pinch test. Pinch the harness at his shoulder. If you can pinch some webbing, it is too loose. Your fingers should slide off when you try to pinch. I hope that makes sense! Let me know if it doesn't!

3. I'm concerned with why the one strap is slightly folded. It is the one on his left side. Is the padding just pushed over a little in these pictures? You might check that and try to fix it. The webbing should not be folded or twisted at all. In an accident, you want to spread the forces over the largest possible area. Know what I mean?

If you are uncomfortable with the seat or just want someone to check it, find a technician in your area. They would be more than happy to help! Also, ask as many questions on here as you want. We are happy to answer.

You are doing a wonderful job!

[mish]

Missed the lock-off question. Sorry. I'm not really familiar with this seat as it is really new, but you should always follow the manual! If it says to hang upside down with your tongue sticking out while installing, do it!!.:D Obviously kidding, but if it says use both lockoffs, you should. As far as locking the belt, it looks like you have a switchable retractor. After buckling the buckle, pull the shoulder belt all the way out and then feed it back into the retractor as you tighten. Someone please tell me if I'm wrong, but I don't think you have to lock the belt if you are using the lock-offs.

[New grandma]

I actually do like it. It installed in about 5 minutes and doesn't move even a 1/2 inch in any direction. The padding is great-I was afraid the combo seat would be too big for an infant but the extra padding works well. Also, for the first time in my life I have a small car (Chevy HHR) and was worried about the fit. The side picture was taken to show how much room it has with the drivers seat where I use it, but when I first tried it , it was just touching the corner of the driver's seat. Then I realized my SIL (6' 3" and 220lb.!) had driven the car and it was all the way back AND reclined, so it even fit then. I also tried it rearfacing with the headrest on as it will have to be when over 22 lbs. and it fit very well at a more upright position(no towel) which should be okay by that weight. We will not be using the seat every day as Grandparents, so really wanted one that would last longer and still fit the small car and I think this will fit the bill perfectly. So yeah-I REALLY like it. Thanks for the help

Grandma Coral

[New grandma]

Thanks for the suggestions-no I didn't tighten the straps all the way because he was fussy and the garage was cold. I do know about the pinch test and will be sure do do it when I really take him out. I brought SiL and D in to tech to have their installation checked before baby was born and do plan to take mine too. I just rechecked the manual and it does show using both lock offs with the seat belt and both with the latch also but says nothing about whether the shoulder part of the belt should be in the lock offs, maybe I'll call the co. tomorrow and check. Thanks again. Sorry each post takes so long, I'm sharing the computer with my 22 year old who is anxiously checking for grad school acceptance notices.

[New grandma]

Hi. Just wanted to clarify. I talked to the tech person at compass today. He said the two rear facing lock offs could be used one OR both. If using one, use the one closest to the buckle latch of the belt and the lock off should be over both lap and shoulder portions of the belt. The manual specifically says to lock off and repeat on other side so I am going to do that to be on the safe side. I asked about the instructions to use lock off with the latch strap that are in the manual and he said that that could be either just use the latch or use latch and lock off after tightening the latch, even though the manual says to use the lock off(s) with the latch. Also, there are two lock offs with rf and one lock off with ff. Wish the manual was more specific and still not sure what is safest. What would you do? Thanks.

[Lilsid]

What a cutie and so tiny. I miss the ity bity stage. I love look of the Compas. Thanks for the pictures.

[CandCfam]

Cute baby!:D

I wanted to say, that to me, it looks to have MUCH more than a 45 degree angle in this pic:
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm221/Newgrandma/carseat3.jpg

[TechnoGranola]

Hi. Just wanted to clarify. I talked to the tech person at compass today. He said the two rear facing lock offs could be used one OR both. If using one, use the one closest to the buckle latch of the belt and the lock off should be over both lap and shoulder portions of the belt. The manual specifically says to lock off and repeat on other side so I am going to do that to be on the safe side. I asked about the instructions to use lock off with the latch strap that are in the manual and he said that that could be either just use the latch or use latch and lock off after tightening the latch, even though the manual says to use the lock off(s) with the latch. Also, there are two lock offs with rf and one lock off with ff. Wish the manual was more specific and still not sure what is safest. What would you do? Thanks.Your vehicle should have locking seat belts, and if the seat belt locks, you shouldn't need the lock offs. That sounds to be a much better solution as it seems their lock off instructions are confusing!

Does the manual tell you to use the lock offs if you are locking the seat belt? It seems odd to me that it would.

[New grandma]

The manual doesn't differentiate locking or non-locking belts, in fact it doesn't even say lap/shoulder belt or just lap belt. I do have the self locking belt and pulled it all the way out with gradual release after tightening. Still not sure why the manual specifically says to fasten the lock off and then says repeat on the other side and even shows illustrations of both. This is true on the seat belt instructions and on the latch instructions. I feel like the self locking belt should be enough but would it be unsafe to use the lock-offs too since it says to? Even after to talking to the Compass tech, I'm confused. Also to answer the post about the angle looking more than 45 degree angle, it does look it in the picture, but I used the red line on the outside of the seat with a level and it is level with the ground. Just to feel sure, I am making an appointment with the tech at the police department too. Thanks everyone for all the help

Grandma to Jackson

[amyg530]

Cute baby!:D

I wanted to say, that to me, it looks to have MUCH more than a 45 degree angle in this pic:

you know i thought so too but i wonder if its just bc of the design of the seat. The red line does look correct like the OP pointed out so maybe its just he bulkyness of the seat?

New Grandma I just wanted to give you a :thumbsup: for taking the time to make sure he's safe. I think making an apt with a Tech is a great idea, just be sure that its an actual certified CPS Tech, and not an uncertified police officer. You can search for a Tech here https://ssl13.cyzap.net/dzapps/dbzap.bin/apps/assess/Webmembers/tool?pCategory1=TAB9_CERTSEARCH&pFile=home&pToolCode=TAB9&WebID=SAFEKIDSCERTSQL&pSaveCat1=Yes&pRefresh=Yes

[henrietta]

If your seatbelts can be locked manually, you should not have to use the lockoffs (unless the seat's manual says to always use the lockoffs, no matter what).

WTG grandma! My ds is 2.5 yrs old and my parents still don't know how to install the seats, lock the belts, etc (uh, and dad's a working nuclear engineer--it's certainly NOT beyond him!)

henrietta

[Kalinky]

The True Fit manual states to use the (both) lock-offs. It does not state that they are optional (although OP talked to someone about only using the one lockoff). It does not state to lock the seatbelt, nor does it state NOT to. I'm thinking their intention (despite the ambiguity) is to have people use both lockoffs, which act as pre-crash positioners. In the event of an accident, the seatbelt's ELR locks the seatbelt (and the if the seatbelt has locking latchplates, that would also act to lock the seatbelt). I wish the manual was more clear in that area too. I'm almost thinking they need to update the manual ASAP - too much confusion.