Why is my carseat SOOO hard to install?

denimmeitai

New member
I have an older Saftey 1st All-in-One. It used to be decently easy to install. In the past year or so, it has become a bear! It is completely impossible to tighten up the LATCH straps. DH has to carefully, millimeter by millimeter, feed the strap through, simply pulling on the straps doesn't work. Is it just getting old? The design appears to be exactly the same as a Safety 1st that I saw today. Can anyone help? The seat is still good, so I don't want to get a new one. I also don't want to have to struggle every single time I install the seat. (This is a spare seat that we use in my two seater and it gets switched out with the booster, depending on who is riding at the time.)

TIA for your help!
 
ADS

jjordan

Moderator
Perhaps the straps have gotten dirty? It might really just be a matter of age. When is the expiration date on the seat?

If the LATCH strap is what is giving you trouble, you might consider switching to a seatbelt installation instead. It sounds like it might be easier.
 

UlrikeDG

Admin - CPS Technician Emeritus
You might also try taking it to a CPST for assistance. It's possible there's a problem that they'll be able to identify.
 

sunnymw

New member
If the LATCH strap is dirty/stiff, try taking them out (not detaching them from the seat), and wiping it down with a damp rag. It could also be twisted somewhere along the way to keep it from moving smoothly.

You could also switch to a seatbelt install. :)
 

Car-Seat.Org Facebook Group

Forum statistics

Threads
219,658
Messages
2,196,904
Members
13,531
Latest member
jillianrose109

You must read your carseat and vehicle owner’s manual and understand any relevant state laws. These are the rules you must follow to restrain your children safely. All opinions at Car-Seat.Org are those of the individual author for informational purposes only, and do not necessarily reflect any policy or position of Carseat Media LLC. Car-Seat.Org makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. If you are unsure about information provided to you, please visit a local certified technician. Before posting or using our website you must read and agree to our TERMS.

Graco is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Britax is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Nuna Baby is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org!

Please  Support Car-Seat.Org  with your purchases of infant, convertible, combination and boosters seats from our premier sponsors above.
Shop travel systems, strollers and baby gear from Britax, Chicco, Clek, Combi, Evenflo, First Years, Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Safety 1st, Diono & more! ©2001-2022 Carseat Media LLC

Top