Installing a True Fit in a '98 VW Golf

[Unregistered]

Yes, I know.....what a tiny car. The only way to get the infant seat to fit was middle position with the handle straight up (you couldn't travel with it down as it didn't fit between the seats). Now we're on to the next stage. My DS is any day (literally) going to pass the weight limit on the Snugride.

After reading the posts on this board I picked up a True Fit. I like the TF because it seems to have more leg room and I'll be keeping DS RFing as long as possible. It is also a fraction of the cost of a Britax BLVD (my other choice).

My DH was installing it last night but he can't get the line level with the floor. The seats in the Golf are quite slanted and he has already put a towel beneath (we did that with our 'bucket' as well), but still isn't level.

I need reassurance that this thing is installed safetly. I am in Calgary, AB Canada. Does anyone know if there are car seat clinics where I can go and get this checked out? Or is there a range where it is still considered to be safe? I can't seem to get out of the house to get a pic. (DS is having a rough day) - Can anyone help me or if I need to give more info just let me know. I have to get DS in a convertible by the end of the weekend!!!

Thanks for your help.

BTW - I've already tried my Snugride and a convertible in the car (we're trying for another baby) and know that it is impossible to get a secure fit with both the Snugride and the BLVD or TF (because the only position the Snugride can be in is middle, doesn't leave enough seat room for a secure installation of convertible on either side). So it looks like another car is in our future! I would still like a CAR and have it midsize. Any heads up on models that are easy to fit car seats would be appreciated. I am partial to imports - VW, Honda etc. Don't really like domestics. But will get whatever is necessary. Don't want a minivan! Don't ask.

[Pixels]

You do not need to have the line level for an older baby. The line is supposed to be a 45 degree angle. Newborns need that to protect their ariway. Older babies with good head control can be put more upright, up to 30 degrees in the TrueFit.

Also, putting the front seats more upright will give you more room for the carseat in the back.

[Defrost]

I'm not sure about the differences between your year and ours, but we have an '01 Golf and I used to have a RF Marathon in the center position. The shell fit right above the front seats.

As the previous poster stated, the True Fit can be more upright than the line on the side when installed for an older baby like yours, so your install is probably fine. The True Fit allows an angle between 45 and 35 degrees (other convertibles allow between 45 and 30 degrees).

As for your future issues, I can get the RF MA upright enough behind the driver's seat for my dh to drive with his seat all the way back and reclined a couple of clicks, but that still won't help you with legroom on the passenger side for the infant seat.

[APmama2MAK]

if she could get the TF, MA, BV etc to fit behind either the driver or passenger, she probably could get another one to put outboard on the other side.

I'm not sure about the differences between your year and ours, but we have an '01 Golf and I used to have a RF Marathon in the center position. The shell fit right above the front seats.

As the previous poster stated, the True Fit can be more upright than the line on the side when installed for an older baby like yours, so your install is probably fine. The True Fit allows an angle between 45 and 35 degrees (other convertibles allow between 45 and 30 degrees).

As for your future issues, I can get the RF MA upright enough behind the driver's seat for my dh to drive with his seat all the way back and reclined a couple of clicks, but that still won't help you with legroom on the passenger side for the infant seat.

[Defrost]

if she could get the TF, MA, BV etc to fit behind either the driver or passenger, she probably could get another one to put outboard on the other side.

Yes, but not at an angle for a newborn that would leave a decent amount of legroom for the passenger. Although, now that you mention it, she might be able to get a True Fit (with the top removed for a newborn) or one of those new Compass seats to fit.

[sunnymw]

That's what I was thinking--I think you'll have plenty of room for another TF with headrest removed once a new baby comes :)

As for new cars... try before you buy! The TF intsalls pretty well in GMIL's Civic and SIL's Matrix, and my mom's Mazda3 hatchback. :D