Latch weight limits

[mish]

In some cars, I know you can use LATCH to 48 pounds. However, when manufacturers allow that do you think they were taking a 20 pound seat into consideration? I have a Nautilus, and I kind of worry about how heavy it is compared to some seats. My car is a 2002 with LATCH, so obviously made before the Nautilus. Am I worrying for nothing? My son is only 33-35 (depending on the day), so I have a while until he hits 48, but I am a little concerned. Does this bother anyone else?

[southpawboston]

In some cars, I know you can use LATCH to 48 pounds. However, when manufacturers allow that do you think they were taking a 20 pound seat into consideration? I have a Nautilus, and I kind of worry about how heavy it is compared to some seats. My car is a 2002 with LATCH, so obviously made before the Nautilus. Am I worrying for nothing? My son is only 33-35 (depending on the day), so I have a while until he hits 48, but I am a little concerned. Does this bother anyone else?

the standard takes into account the average weight of a carseat, and you are not supposed to add that to your child's weight. if the carmaker claims a 48 lb weight limit, that refers to the child weight, NOT the combined weight of the child + carseat.

[mish]

I understand you aren't supposed to add the weight of child + carseat, I am just concerned that this seat is so much heavier than average. Does that make sense? I don't think it is a big problem, just something I have been wondering about. That seat is darn heavy!

[joolsplus3]

There's a 'chat transcript' from 1-30-07 in the community member section, stickied at the top, they cover all kinds of interesting quirky latch questions (the chat was with one fo the authors of the LATCH manual)...you might have fun reading that :)

[mish]

Thanks! I will read it.