Questions about TF install using seatbelt

[Rhesp1212]

So, I just tried putting my TF into my 2001 Honda Accord. It doen't have LATCH, so I have to do a seatbelt install. I tried putting it in the center of the back seat first and couldn't get it tight enough. The plastic on the seatbelt latch kept getting up into the built in lock off and I couldn't lock it. The only way I could get it to lock was to loosen it and then it moves too much. I tried twisting the female end and still had the same problem. So, then I tried the passenger side. I managed to get it to lock down and I think the slight movement I'm getting is ok, but it's not at a 45 degree angle at all (it sits pretty upright actually). Is this ok? The carseat is also tilted to one side.

Any suggestions on getting a good fit with the seatbelt??

Thanks,
Valerie

[jess71903]

First, you can twist the female end of the buckle up to 3 FULL 360 degree turns. I know some people get 3 1/2 turns and think they're at the limit.

Second- how old is your child? If he/she has good head control then it can be as upright at 35 degrees. A slight tilt to one side isn't a problem unless it just bothers you.

For me- I have to remember that the lock-offs take a little slack out of the belt, so I don't have to get it Hercules tight before closing the lock-offs. I also move the seat in front all the way up, take the headrest off, get in the car behind the TF and push down and in with my hips while I tighten. This gives me 2 hands free to tighten and close lock-offs and helps me get the angle I want, too.

[canmom]

Hi. Firstly, how old is the child that will be using the seat? You may not need a full 45 degrees if it is for an older baby or toddler. If the seat is for a newborn you will need a full 45 degrees.

How many times did you twist down the female buckle... you can do 3 full twists. Up to 1 inch of movement at the beltpath is acceptable. I'm not sure why it would be tilting... are you locking your vehicle belt? If you are you don't need to due to the built in lockoffs. Are you closing both lockoffs? Learning Curve has specified that both of these lockoffs need to be closed.

[Rhesp1212]

DS is 10 months old and he does have really good head control. I forgot to put this in the previous post, but the only reason I was concerned about it being so upright is that when you push on the back of the carseat (from the front seat), it pushes the whole carseat upwards by about 3 inches. I wouldn't think that this would be safe in a wreck....the whole seat would bounce front to back with the impact.

When it's installed properly can you lift the seatback of the seat up at all?

[armywife12]

DS is 10 months old and he does have really good head control. I forgot to put this in the previous post, but the only reason I was concerned about it being so upright is that when you push on the back of the carseat (from the front seat), it pushes the whole carseat upwards by about 3 inches. I wouldn't think that this would be safe in a wreck....the whole seat would bounce front to back with the impact.

When it's installed properly can you lift the seatback of the seat up at all?

Yes, there will always be upward movement at the top of the car seat. The True Fit can be anywhere between a 35-45 degree angle. I use a LATCH install so I can't really help on that. Like someone else said, the buckle can be turned 3 full rotations.

[Mommy0608]

It's normal to have movement at the top of the car seat. The only place you need to check for tightness is at at the belt path (where the seatbelt passes through the car seat).

This is probably something you already know, but I want to mention it anyway. Since you said the seat seems very upright, check to be sure that the recline bar is located in the proper position for rear-facing. It should be flipped forward so that it is pointing toward where the baby's feet would be, not toward the back of the seat.

If possible, post a photo of the car seat from the side (with or without your child in it) and we can tell you approximately what the recline angle is to let you know if it's at an acceptable angle.

[Rhesp1212]

Thank you all so much for your help! I'm so glad I found this forum!! :love: I will get a picture later this morning and post it so you can see the angle of the seat.

The foot of the seat is in the rear facing position, so I know that's not the problem.

Thanks,
Valerie