Questions....

[canmom]

Ok. so I bought the TF, tried to install but I just didn't like it so I returned it. I think I much prefer having the rfing tether than the extra 5lbs rfing. This leads me to a couple of questions...

Is it normal to install a seat rfing and be able to pull the top of the chillds carseat towards the back of the seat it is installed in? NWIM? I found that I could do that with DD infant seat when installed without the base as well as the TF. Am I intalling them incorrectly?

My second question is, why are many of the seats that we have here in Canada approved in the USA up to 35lbs rfing, while here the same seat (I am assuming it is the same) is only approved to 30lbs? Can we be pushing either the manufacturers or TC to approve them to higher limits? Just seems like a bunch of BS if you ask me. Thanks for the help!

[featherhead]

Apparently some of the seats are not exactly the same. But yeah, you can definitely let the manufacturers and TC know how you feel:) I would love to see more 35lb rear-facing seats also.

It is normal for a rear-facing seat to have some movement at the top of the seat. When you check for movement, you should only be checking at the belt path. If it moves less than an inch in any direction at the belt path, it is an acceptable install.

[northernmommy]

I can't speak for the other techs here, but I place far more importance on those extra 5lbs rf than on a rf tether, especially considering the current debate over rf tether locations here. If the lack of a rf tether was the only thing you didn't like about the TF, I wouldn't let that sway you from getting the seat. Your child is exponetially safer just by virtue of being rf, tether or no tether, that the longer you can keep him/her rf, the better. I personally have seats that tether rf (Radian, goes to 30lbs) and ones that don't (TF, 35lbs), and don't worry about tethering or not...DD2 went from rf in the Radian (tethered) to rf in the TF when she hit 30lbs, and continued in the TF to 35lbs (at 3.5 yrs old). DS currently rides rf in the TF (18m0, 23lbs), because I feel it offers better side impact protection than the RN...which I wouldn't tether anyhow, given the explanation from Allport about Transport Canada's stand on rf tethering.

Just my :twocents: ...hth!

As for the install itself, if you let us know your general are, we may be able to hook you up with a tech to check it.

[QuassEE]

I agree--
The benefits of extended rear-facing are well documented in multiple studies. The benefits of rear-facing tethers aren't well studied, but there's some support that there's a small benefit in some cases. Which sounds like a better bet to you?

-Nicole.

[Allport]

Just to let you know - the manufacturers are aware that rear-facing to 35 pounds is OK in Canada - it's up to them......

[canmom]

Thanks all. I know rfing is better studied than the rfing tether but I honestly just really prefer it.... to me it is just safer. I am pretty sure I intalled it correctly (twice actually just to be sure) and I just didn't like it for a couple reasons. Firstly was the tether, secondly, I couldn't get the cover back on and snapped (I do prefer the two seprate UAS straps like Britax has). I also thought it looked like it would be rather awkward to get her in it rfing due to the contours of the seat. All around, I just didn't like it. I will re-evalute once she hits the limit of the MA, I do know she should be rfing as long as possible so I may buy another rfing seat when it comes time, depending on what the options are at that time. I was going to just pass on DS MA but since there isn't a suitable alternative for him currently (I am not buying a Frontier until they fix it... I didn't like the install on it either) I am just going to have to buy her a MA I think. Thanks again.

[featherhead]

About the snaps... I think there are also slits in the cover, so you don't have to pull it off. I helped my brother install his True Fit, and we did not have to pull the cover back (this was rear-facing).