Pool noodle with BabyTrend Latch-Loc?

[Pixels]

I have a BabyTrend seat with two different bases. It came with the flex-loc base, and I bought a Latch-Loc base which is in my husband's car. I read on another thread on here that you can't use a pool noodle with the latch-loc because of the rigid latch attachments. We don't use the latch (no latch in the car), but I have a pool noodle with it. We used to need it for the recline when DD was a newborn. Since she is 7 months old now, I tried to remove it for a more upright install, but the buckle stalk is too long, even when it's twisted.

So is a pool noodle absolutely banned with the latch-loc base? Or is it only if you are using latch, because it would bring the latch out of alignment?

[Pixels]

bump ... anyone?

[Mom to a few]

From page 52 of the RIGID LATCH-LOC INFANT CAR SEAT OWNER'S MANUAL HERE (http://www.babytrend.com/download/2008030713576400Latchloc_0207v4.pdf)

15.4) Setting Proper Recline of
the Safety Seat / Base
For your child's safety, the
Safety Seat must be properly
reclined when installed in the
vehicle. The Safety Seat
includes a Seat Angle Indicator
on the lower portion of the shell
on the child's left side, to assist
in achieving the proper angle of
recline for the Safety Seat.
Please see figure 50-1.

15.4.1) Safety Seat with Base:
Make sure the vehicle is parked on level ground.
Lock the Safety Seat onto the Base and check that
the Safety Seat is level side to side on the vehicle
seat. Please see figure 51-1.
Rotate the Seat Angle Adjuster knob, located in
the center of the base at the head end of the Safety
Seat when installed, in the clockwise direction
until the Adjuster Foot is fully extended.
Please see figure 51-2
Check the Seat Angle Indicator that matches the
weight of your child.
• If the Seat Angle Indicator shows NO red, the
seat is installed at the proper level of recline.
• If the Seat Angle Indicator shows ANY red, the
Safety Seat is too upright. Rotate the Seat
Angle Adjuster knob in the counter-clockwise
direction until the Seat Angle Indicator shows
NO red. Wiggle the Safety Seat from
side-to-side to simulate driving motion, and
recheck to confirm angle. Repeat adjustment if
necessary. Please see figure 50-1.
• If seat angle adjuster feature does not adjust
enough to provide the proper angle of recline,
place a rolled towel, or car seat noodle, under
the base at the foot end to achieve the correct
position. See Figure 52-1.

[crunchierthanthou]

are you using LATCH in your car? I think my preference would be to have the rigid connectors in use over the flexible ones.

On a side note- is your base isn't part of the latch-loc recall (http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/results.cfm?rcl_id=08C008000&searchtype=quicksearch&summary=true&refurl=rss)?

[Pixels]

Thanks. DH's base is the rigid, mine is the flex-loc. I use latch, DH's car doesn't have it.

I understand why you are recommending the rigid latch attachments for my car over the flexible ones. But the bases are different widths at the belt path (rigid base is the same width all the way back, flex base is narrower by several inches, right at the belt path). DH's seatbelts are really wide as in the distance between where the belt attaches to the seat bight on each side. We need to use the wider base in his car to fill up that space, otherwise the base moves side to side too much.

I don't think I explained myself well, but the short version is the flex-loc base doesn't work in his car, but the rigid does, so that's why we have it arranged the way we do.

It'll all be a moot point soon, since there are two RNs sitting under my tree :D Thanks grandparents! Is it Christmas yet??? DH might choose to continue using the bucket for a little while (through the winter), but I've already moved her to a CS in my car because she's just too heavy.

[Pixels]

RTFM! :doh::o:rolleyes::thanx!: