2009 LATCH guide question RE: Britax BLVD & Subaru Tribeca

[Amy77]

We are looking at moving my six-month-old daughter from her Britax Companion into a Britax Boulevard (rear-facing - she is about 25 inches and 14 pounds). (We are skipping the CS model after all the reviews I saw here - fantastic resource, and saved me big bucks!)

My question is this - in the 2009 LATCH manual, does it say that I can install the Boulevard rear-facing using LATCH in the center seat position? (Will that entail "borrowing" from the outboard latches?)

Also, an afterthought - is it safe to use the seat protectors under the seats?

Thanks for your help!!
Amy

[LISmama810]

Subaru does not allow borrowing of LATCH anchors. However, that seat generally installs very well with a seatbelt, so you shouldn't have a problem.

We generally don't recommend seat protectors because they're often very thick. While an install might seem tight, that extra padding/fabric can compress in a crash. If you must use something, one layer of a thin towel is usually considered ok, but many people find that there's no need for a protector at all.

[Amy77]

Thanks, Jennie!

Just to be clear, I want to do a seatbelt install in the center seat, rather than a latch install in an outboard position - right? From what I've read here, seatbelt installs are just as safe as LATCH and the center seat is safest.

[joolsplus3]

Right. Try a seatbelt installation in the center. If it doesn't work (and we can give you lots of helpful tips so hopefully it DOES work!), then use the LATCH in an outboard seat, it may be a considerably easier installation that way, and is still very, very safe :thumbsup:

[Amy77]

Thank you!

One more question - the manual to my car shows a diagram of where to place child safety seats. It says that the two outboard seats are recommended and the center position is optional, but not recommended.

What should I do?

[crunchierthanthou]

Thank you!

One more question - the manual to my car shows a diagram of where to place child safety seats. It says that the two outboard seats are recommended and the center position is optional, but not recommended.

What should I do?

Subaru generally doesn't recommend the center position. It is often difficult to achieve an acceptable installation in their middle seats. They have long buckle stalks, no center LATCH, ceiling mounted retractors in the wagons and often highly contoured seats. If you can get a good install- great. It's safe and officially approved to use a seat there provided you can get it tight enough. Just don't feel like you're necessarily doing something wrong if you can't get it a good fit in that position- you won't be the first. I'm speaking from experience with their smaller cars, I haven't been in a Tribeca.

[Amy77]

Thank you all! We went with a LATCH installation in the driver's side outboard position.

Thanks again for all the help! :love: