What would you do?

[murphysmommy]

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Well, the new Regent install took a turn for the worst today. I finally had time this morning to work on getting it installed correctly. My DS is 34# (all this time I thought he was at least 35 but dr's appt on Thursday confirmed 34--just barely!) and 41" tall. He either needed the LBP or the LBP LATCH. Since we're big LATCH fans, we figured we'd just install the new long latch we received in our "kit." Anyway, much to our chagrin, it wasn't all that easy removing the short LATCH belt and, in the process of applying "significant force" (as stated by the instructions) to remove the belt, my husband broke off about a third of the EPS foam (at the very bottom).

Well, I'm at a loss as to what to do. He offered to glue it back on (!) but I know better than that -- at the very least, it would probably void my warranty (which, BTW, I saw was only a year! I'm nearing the end of that anyway) and at the most it could be devastating. I tried to call Britax customer service but it's only open during the worst hours of the week (8-3:30 or some God awful "we don't care if YOU have work to do" hours).
Question is: what would you do? Would you demand a brand new seat from Britax since it was in the process of following their crazy instructions that the foam broke in the first place? Would you simply ask for another "piece" of EPS foam? Would you freak out, demand a refund and try to make do with a Radian until the new Recaro comes out?

My husband is beyond angry. He can't believe that a $290 seat required so much "additional work" and he swears we can't be the only ones that this happened to.

Sorry for the long post...I'm just so, so frustrated right now. Thanks for your help (commisery!).
MM

[Victorious4]

1st I'd call & see what they say -- if a piece of foam is all it takes, then I wouldn't demand a new seat.... Also, I'd calm DH by explaining that it might not have taken all that if the seatbelt had been attempted instead

[murphysmommy]

Hmm...somehow I doubt that would calm him!! Seatbelt installations are certainly harder than LATCH (after all, that's the point of LATCH, right?? It's easier to install!) And I truly doubt that he anticipated the difficulty in removing the LATCH strap. After all, in our old Roundabout, it was VERY easy to remove and flip around from FF to RF and back again. It's just infuriating that, in the process of trying to do the right thing and following the instructions exactly, the seat ends up broken (all to easily).

[rlsadc]

dh broke our foam, i took it back to the store. but then i foudn out the britax says to just put it back in its place and leave it...

[rlsadc]

Originally Posted by murphysmommy

Hmm...somehow I doubt that would calm him!! Seatbelt installations are certainly harder than LATCH (after all, that's the point of LATCH, right?? It's easier to install!) And I truly doubt that he anticipated the difficulty in removing the LATCH strap. After all, in our old Roundabout, it was VERY easy to remove and flip around from FF to RF and back again. It's just infuriating that, in the process of trying to do the right thing and following the instructions exactly, the seat ends up broken (all to easily).

not all latch installations are easier. i assure you.

[murphysmommy]

Wow! Really?! I'm shocked! Of course, like DH said, if all that is keeping this seat from ruin is that thin piece of styrofoam, then maybe it's not the safest after all. Hmmm...I guess I could go ahead and install it. I was just worried that the crack would make the seat more vulnerable.

[jen_nah]

Originally Posted by murphysmommy

Hmm...somehow I doubt that would calm him!! Seatbelt installations are certainly harder than LATCH (after all, that's the point of LATCH, right?? It's easier to install!) And I truly doubt that he anticipated the difficulty in removing the LATCH strap. After all, in our old Roundabout, it was VERY easy to remove and flip around from FF to RF and back again. It's just infuriating that, in the process of trying to do the right thing and following the instructions exactly, the seat ends up broken (all to easily).

I agree not all LATCH installations are easier. Have you even attempted the LBP seatbelt installation? It is SUPER easy and I find I get a much better installation with the seatbelt. I have my 43lb dd Regent in my Tahoe (LATCH vehicle) with the seatbelt as I get a much better installation.

[jen_nah]

Originally Posted by murphysmommy

Wow! Really?! I'm shocked! Of course, like DH said, if all that is keeping this seat from ruin is that thin piece of styrofoam, then maybe it's not the safest after all. Hmmm...I guess I could go ahead and install it. I was just worried that the crack would make the seat more vulnerable.

The missing EPS form will not make the seat more vulnerable. It's still as safe seat but I would contact Britax about getting a replacement piece. I have seen other manufacture seats do the samething. Remember it's just a piece of foam and to much force will break it.

[Connor's Mom]

Originally Posted by jen_nah

I agree not all LATCH installations are easier. Have you even attempted the LBP seatbelt installation? It is SUPER easy and I find I get a much better installation with the seatbelt. I have my 43lb dd Regent in my Tahoe (LATCH vehicle) with the seatbelt as I get a much better installation.

Ditto. We where unable to obtain a good install using the LATCH on the Regent. After playing with it for awhile I am able to install the Regent LBP, with recline bar and tethered outboard passenger side in my 2001 Rodeo in about 5 minuets flat.