Rear Seat Question(s)

[Unregistered]

My husband and I both drive 2 door vehicles.

A 2003 Honda Accord
A 2004 Mercedes C230

It seems to be installed correctly in my husband's car, however, my baby's head seem to fall down towards his chin and this just doesn't seem right. I'm guessing the recline is off, however, the indicator on the car seat reads that it's installed correctly.

In my car, I can't tell because he's in the back alone but I would have the same concern that his head is bobbing down and I just know this isn't safe.

We currently have the Flex Loc car seat and are using the bases since we both don't have middle seat belts in the back (only the anchors).

Please help!

[Defrost]

A couple of things - the indicators aren't always very accurate (as you've learned).

How old is your baby and how much does he/she weigh?

You are installing with LATCH in both vehicles? But one of them doesn't have a center seating position, so you are using the LATCH anchors from the outboard seating positions to install it in the center? I'm pretty sure that is not safe - some vehicles allow it, but generally not ones in which there's not a center position at all. Have you check the vehicle manual about that?

[skiersnowboarder3]

The indicators on infant seats have a range that is acceptable. You will probably be able to install the seat at more of a recline and still find the indicator showing all blue (or is it green?).

[Gypsy]

Neither Honda or Mercedes allow the use of LATCH in the center position. If you want the seat installed in the center, you MUST use the seatbelt, if there is no seatbelt you MUST install outboard.

Can you take some pictures so we can see the installation and recline angle?

[Unregistered]

Gypsy, what is OUTBOARD? Does that mean on the right or left side? Actually, in the mercedes, the seat is hooked up in the back on the left passenger side (sorry about that). In the Honda, it's anchored in the middle.

[skiersnowboarder3]

I don't believe your Honda has LATCH in the center. You will need to move it to an outboard position (meaning not the center- either side) or use the seatbelt to secure the seat.

[Gypsy]

Gypsy, what is OUTBOARD? Does that mean on the right or left side? Actually, in the mercedes, the seat is hooked up in the back on the left passenger side (sorry about that). In the Honda, it's anchored in the middle.

Outboard is one of the sides, not the center :)

Honda doesn't allow the use of the lower anchors in the center seating position, you need to use the seatbelt in the center, or LATCH on one of the sides.

[KristiD761]

With the Flex Loc it will be much easier to install with the lower anchor attachments than the vehicle seat belt. it is such a narrow base it works really well with the LATCH.
There is a wide range of acceptable recline in that seat's blue zone. Park level and adjust the base so that it will stay blue, but you can probably extend it all the way out and your baby will be fine.
Always check the baby too; make sure their spine is against the seat back and they are not slumping forward; you can always put a little rolled washcloth between baby's legs behind the crotch strap buckle to prevent slouching.:)