Regent and the use of a top tether question

[rosey2007]

I currently have my son's Regent installed in a 1996 Ford Taurus without the use of the top tether because there is not one in the car. My son is less then 40 pounds. I am hoping to get one installed in the car soon.

[LISmama810]

Um...you didn't actually ask a question, but I'm going to guess you're asking if that's ok?

Technically, yes. When installed with a seatbelt, the Regent does not require a tether until 50 lbs. However, we ALWAYS recommend tethering. It reduces head excursion (the distance the head will fly forward in a crash). I would encourage you to get the anchor installed as soon as possible.

I don't have my LATCH manual handy at the moment, but if you need the part number or more information, I'm sure someone can provide it.

[HEVY]

I have the same car. Is your seat stable? I ask because even though the the beltpath did not move at all the top part of the seat did, so it felt like a loose install so I have to use the tether. Or are you using the LBP?

[joolsplus3]

Ford installs them free, mention program R7C when you go to the dealer :)

[ginny4]

tho when you switch to SBP after 40lbs & the belt is a shoudler/lap combo then you have to use the top tether. so the sooner the better to get one installed.

[Connor's Mom]

tho when you switch to SBP after 40lbs & the belt is a shoudler/lap combo then you have to use the top tether. so the sooner the better to get one installed.

She may not need to switch to the short belt path install depending on the DOM of her seat. :thumbsup:

[ginny4]

you're right i just assumed a more recent DOM. do you know when they changed that rule?

[BookMama]

you're right i just assumed a more recent DOM. do you know when they changed that rule?

The advisory affects seats with a DOM of 6/07 and later. So, IF she has a pre-advisory seat and IF she did not "install" any of the advisory kid (longer LATCH strap, "traction" stickers for the bottom of the seat) then she can install it according to the old rules, which do not require the switch to SPB at 40 lbs.

[Connor's Mom]

The advisory affects seats with a DOM of 6/07 and later. So, IF she has a pre-advisory seat and IF she did not "install" any of the advisory kid (longer LATCH strap, "traction" stickers for the bottom of the seat) then she can install it according to the old rules, which do not require the switch to SPB at 40 lbs.

To be more specific, the advisory effects seats with a DOM 6/18/07 and later. Seats made on and after this date must follow new guidelines.

[rosey2007]

The seat I have has a 08/07 date on it. Does that mean that I need to have the top tether installed in order to use the seat. I plan on getting the top tether installed but it is my MIL's car so I do not know if I can convence her. Thanks for your imput.

[Connor's Mom]

The seat I have has a 08/07 date on it. Does that mean that I need to have the top tether installed in order to use the seat. I plan on getting the top tether installed but it is my MIL's car so I do not know if I can convence her. Thanks for your imput.

My first suggestion would be to read the manual since it has all the instillation instructions written very clearly for your seat. ;)

But, since you have a post-advisory seat and your DC is less than 40 pounds then you must use the long belt-routing method of installation (either lap-shoulder belt, lap belt only or LATCH) and the recline bar is required for all instilations. The top tether is recommended but not required at this time. But once your DC hits that 50 pound mark the top tether is required.
My second suggestion would be to get the top tether installed as soon as possible as it does add greatly to the safety of the seat to help prevent head excursion.

[LISmama810]

The seat I have has a 08/07 date on it. Does that mean that I need to have the top tether installed in order to use the seat. I plan on getting the top tether installed but it is my MIL's car so I do not know if I can convence her. Thanks for your imput.

You have a post-advisory Regent and a child under 40 lbs, so you should be using the long belt path. If so, you don't NEED the tether yet, but it's better if you do.

Once your child hits 40 lbs, you need to move to the short-belt-path installation. When doing that with a lap-shoulder belt, you MUST use the tether. If you're using a lap-only belt, you need the tether after 50 lbs. (I have no idea why there's that discrepancy.) That info can be found on pages 22 and 24 of the current manual, and pages 17 and 21 of the previous manual (prior to Feb of this year).