Lap belt only help needed

N

nineteen

Guest
Lap belt only help needed

Hello,

We have a 1973 Chrysler Newport, lap belts in back only. I looked but there is no retrofit shoulder belts available and dh doesn't think installing a tether is structurally sound for this car. We also have a 1975 Jeep Wagoneer 4x4, lap belts only. I couldn't find whether or not there are retro fit shoulder belts available or whether a tether could be installed.

We can't afford a new vehicle so I'm looking for the best solution.

Here's my situation with 3 kids.

DS= now in an Evenflo On My way 3 pt. harness. He weighs between 15-18 pounds and is almost 4 month old. I'd like to put him in the Roundabout but what do I get for dd who is in it now, that will last for a while?

DD= now in a Britax Roundabout. She weighs around 30 lbs., is 40 inches tall, and measures 14 inches from bottom to shoulders.

DD= weighs about 40 lbs., 47 1/2 inches tall, measures 19 inches from butt to shoulder and 25 inches from butt to top of head. We had a britax laptop for her but can't use it in either vehicle because when you click the belt together it won't go in the slot. Let me know if this makes sense.

What are my options, if any? Right now oldest dd is in a EVENFLO FIT RIGHT BOOSTER<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/frown.gif ALT=":(">

Thanks for any input<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"> I know there are a lot of questions so input is greatly appreciated.
 
ADS
J

Julie

Guest
Maybe Marathons?

The Britax Marathon can be used up to 65 pounds, and though the top height is listed as 49", it can actually be used till the tips of the ears are even with the top of the seat shell. Unlike the Husky, a tether is not required. Personally, if it were me, I'd put the oldest child in the right fit in the front, assuming it has a lap/shoulder belt, rather than use the right fit with just a lapbelt in the back. If I had to, I'd put an adult in the back in the lapbelt only, because the adult pelvis is more developed than a child's. Here's a page with a quite old child in the Marathon, so you get an idea of how big the seat is pages.ivillage.com/momika.../id24.html I'm really sorry your Laptop doesn't work! Such a simple, low cost solution to the lapbelt-only situation <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/frown.gif ALT=":("> . The cheapest places to get the Marathon right now are babycollection.com and babycatalog.com (no tax or shipping on either), though babies r us carries them so you can see or purchase one there, it's $10-$20 more plus tax.
 
C

CPSDarren

Guest
Few good options for you...

The Laptop would have been ideal, but it sounds like you have those seatbelts that have buckles in the middle:-(

The Britax Marathon has a harness to 65 pounds, but it is over $200. That would be better for your oldest DD than a lap-only belt.

Another option is the Safety Baby Airway. This has a harness that goes to 50 pounds, and should last your younger DD for some time. It's about $100 and can be found at Burlington Coat Factory and possibly other stores:

www.bcfdirect.com/IWCatPr..._Id=292190

If you try this, be sure that it fits your cars. BCF's return policies can be a hassle if it doesn't fit well.

One final option is to find a Fisher Price Futura. Either the 5-point harness or shield versions would be OK for your daughters. You might find them on Ebay, or in Big Lots stores, or at this vendor for about $100:

www.dmartstores.com/fispricfut20.html


I hope this helps a little. If you have more questions, please let us know! Also, if you happen to be in northern Illinois, please let me know that as well.

Darren
 
C

CPSDarren

Guest
Julie and everyone-

Julie (and everyone!),

If you register, you get the ability to expand threads and a few other minor extras. You don't even necessarily have to include any personal information in your registration with ezboard. I didn't:)

No big deal either way, but since you've been helping a lot with some great answers, I thought it might make it a bit easier for you!

Thanks,

Darren
 
J

Julie

Guest
Thanks, Darren....link to Futura....

There's no big, obvious "log in" button, so I'm too lazy to look for it <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"> . Anyway, here's the link to the Trayshield Futura www.dmartstores.com/fispricfut20.html I have one and like it. The top harness slots are the same as other booster/combo seats, about 17 inches, and you can't have the shoulders go over the top slots, like you can on the Marathon. However, it IS relatively inexpensive and easy to use...and I even have one!
 
C

CPSDarren

Guest
Another advantage of registration-

You can go back and fix your errors:)

I don't know why the Dmart link didn't paste, I must not have copied it right!

Thanks-

Darren
 
N

nineteen

Guest
Re: Few good options for you...

The fisher price futura won't work due to harness slots being too low.

Do you know what the slot heights are on the Marathon and Airway?

Thanks<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)">
 
C

CPSDarren

Guest
Not sure-

I think the Marathon is similar to the Futura for top slots, and I doubt the Airway is any higher:-( One of these models should be good for your youngest DD, I think. My son is 4 years and 41 pounds, 43" and still has a bit of room left in his Futura. Plus, as Julie said, Britax allows you to exceed the top slots in the Marathon, as long as the tops of their ears haven't exceeded the top of the shell.

An Ezon vest is possible, but some require tether anchors which you said may not be feasible...

www.ezonpro.com/


I'm at a loss if none of those work for you. It would also be a very good idea to get a free carseat check from a local technician in person, to see if they have any suggestions. After that, you may have to make your own choice whether to put your oldest DD in the rear with a lap belt, or in front with a lap+shoulder belt. The IIHS was supposed to release a study showing that the risk of injury is similar either way. Whether or not an adult has adequate head restraint in back is another risk to consider... You might make your own choice for another option which isn't necessarily best practice (Like exceeding the slot limits on a Futura). None of these is a great choice, unfortunately, but short of a newer vehicle or an obvious answer I missed, I don't have a solution.

Darren
 
N

nineteen

Guest
Re: Lap belt only help needed

what about the britax husky/super elite? Are the slots tall enough?
 
C

CPSDarren

Guest
Yes- but...

...the Husky does require a tether for use above 50 pounds.

So, it would work fine up to 50 lbs. for you, since the slots are over 20" if I recall correctly. Plus, it is a huge seat, and some seatbelts aren't long enough. For the price, you would definitely want to check those issues for vehicle compatibility.

If those aren't issues for you, then it might be a good option. I am very happy with mine. Since you don't need LATCH, you could also purchase the Super Elite, which is very similar. They were recently discontinued as that was the previous version without LATCH, so if you are lucky you might find a bargain on one. They still require a top tether above 50 pounds, though...

Darren
 
N

nineteen

Guest
Re: Lap belt only help needed

I found this site:
www.andoauto.com/retrofit.htm

I don't understand all the technical stuff but dh has some friends in the car industry that could help with this.

I'm hoping this will be a solution. It is VERY frustrating to not be able to find the right carseat or buy a new car but we are just not able to get a new(er) vehicle right now.
 
C

CPSDarren

Guest
Re: Lap belt only help needed

Normally, we wouldn't recommend anything not specifically approved by the vehicle manufacturer. In your case, however, you might decide that this option is the lesser of all "evils".

I am not familiar with this company or product, so I don't have any advice. For the parts and labor costs, the Husky/Super Elite may not be that much more. Of course, you'd have to find some way to add a top tether anchor to use those above 50 pounds or you will have the same problem again in a year or two...

Vehicles over 20 years old are right up there with 2-door small pickups and coupes. They can be very unfriendly to children and carseats:-( I wish I had the perfect answer for you!

Darren
 
C

CPSDarren

Guest
One more outside possibility-

I saw that someone at iVillage recommended twisting one stalk to move the buckle to the side such that a Laptop might work. Generally, a few twists is OK if your seatbelts look in good condition.

Depending on your seatbelts, another possibility is a belt shortening clip. These are different than a normal locking clip, and can result in a dangerous installation if used incorrectly. Normally, they are only used on lap belts that have an emergency locking retractor. My lastest issue of SAFE RIDE NEWS mentioned that, if necessary, "The belt shortening clip can also be used to shorten the nonadjustable buckle end of a lap belt if it is at least 11-12 inches long." If that applies to your vehicle, it may be another option depending how your seatbelts are designed. I have no way to tell you online. You would really need to see a certified technician in person to evaluate this and install it, preferably a technician instructor. You can find one in your area at www.seatcheck.net . With your situation, this is probably the best solution anyway!

Good luck!

Darren
 

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