RSTV install questions

[Tylerbmom]

Hi,
I know with the RSTV that the tether is not *required* for the LSB install. Does that mean that it should *not* be used with LSB and only with the LB? Was it crash tested when using both the tether and LSB? I noticed that the head excursion is lower when using the tether/LB vs LSB install.

Also, is there a recommendation for how tight to get the vest? I am so used to how to tighten a harness, I feel a little lost securing the vest. I am assuming that the crotch strap doesn't need to be tight (I hope not for DS's sake!).

Last question, I know that the RSTV head rest is for comfort only. The way our car seat head rest bulges out, it makes the RSTV head rest (and DS)protrude too far forward. Since DS still sits below the top of the seat, can I raise the car head rest up out of the way? Do you go by the top of his ears like you do with carseats? Even without the RSTV headrest, our car headrest seems to hit the top of his head in a wierd place that makes his head bend forward.

BTW- we are only using the RSTV for occassional use (carpools, travel).
Thanks, Susan

[bensmom]

I know with the RSTV that the tether is not *required* for the LSB install. Does that mean that it should *not* be used with LSB and only with the LB? Was it crash tested when using both the tether and LSB? I noticed that the head excursion is lower when using the tether/LB vs LSB install.

Yes, I believe that you can use the tether and L/S belt together (mine's in the garage at the moment, so I can't double check). I'm 99% sure that they tell you to always use the tether for children under 6 - for the lap belts (must always use tether) and L/S belts. The instructions are a little weird, though, because even though it says to always use the tether for younger children, it says it's ok not to if one is not available (as long as you have a L/S belt).

Also, is there a recommendation for how tight to get the vest? I am so used to how to tighten a harness, I feel a little lost securing the vest. I am assuming that the crotch strap doesn't need to be tight (I hope not for DS's sake!).

The vest should be snug, but doesn't need to hurt the child. I tightened it like a lifejacket, using normal strength - I didn't tug it. As for the crotch strap, the important thing is to keep the bottom part of the vest touching the thighs. Again, it should be relatively tight, but definitely not hurting the child.

Last question, I know that the RSTV head rest is for comfort only. The way our car seat head rest bulges out, it makes the RSTV head rest (and DS)protrude too far forward. Since DS still sits below the top of the seat, can I raise the car head rest up out of the way? Do you go by the top of his ears like you do with carseats? Even without the RSTV headrest, our car headrest seems to hit the top of his head in a wierd place that makes his head bend forward.

I removed the RSTV from my vest and didn't use it - it got in DS's way (and I was too lazy to carry it on the plane). Hopefully someone else will confirm that is ok. As for the car's headrest, yes, you could move it up as long as your DS has adequate head support. For adequate support (for kids in carseats and adults), top of ears no higher than the top of the seat is a good guide.

HTH!

[HEVY]

You can use the tether with the LSB and it was encouraged to do so by them when I got mine. I personally don't like the shoulder belt fit on my dd and use it on a very rare occasion. So I use the tether no matter what. As for the headrest I recently found out it was for comfort and not needed. I think those old harness straps (not the big after market ones) would make a good cushion on that V area and prevent hair from being pulled.

[Mom to a few]

I would always use the top tether. The instructions say that the lap belt & tether install is what should be used for a child under 6 yrs old, if available. We haven't been in a situation where a lap only was an option, so we just use the lap/shoulder best with tether.

We don't use the head support at all--It has such a tiny little area for the head to rest, that I don't think it would help anyway. I didn't feel like it was worth the hassle.

I agree with bensmom on tightening the vest--we do it like a life jacket too. The way the vest is designed, I think it would be difficult to really make it "too tight".

You also can't make the crotch strap too tight or too loose--It's not adjustable! On mine, it's simply a section of velcro that closes on itself, and cannot be shortened or lengthened. If the crotch strap isn't long enough, then the vest is outgrown.

And yes, as long as your son has good head support, I'd remove the headrest and put it in the trunk (in case you need it for an adult or larger child passenger).

The most important thing with the RSTV is to make sure that the front part of the vest is across the top of the thighs, so that it's holding the lap portion down low where it should be. After the lap belt is properly positioned, then you secure the shoulder portion. And always tighten the tether strap last. If you leave the tether tight, or tighten it before getting the other belts positioned correctly, it will pull the whole vest up (and pull the lap portion up into the abdomen). It takes some practice to use correctly, but is easier and easier the more you use it.

We only use our's for travel with our 5 yr old. Good luck!