Thanks for chiming in, Vera. We really appreciate your input and participation.
You'll have to forgive us. Many of our posters are believers that manufacturers should advocate best practice over bare minimums (myself included). However, I recognize that marketing departments are a force unto their own.
First I'd like to assure all of you that the child that faces forward in this video is well over 1 year and over 20 pounds. We agree that children should remain rear facing for as long as possible, but the video was made for promotional purposes for the general public -not just certified Technicians. Since the seat CAN be used forward facing when the child reaches 20 lbs, the video is designed to show multiple ranges in the same shot. Unfortunately "allowable" and “best practice” concepts do not always align so manufacturers create safe options for as many "allowables" as possible.
The instruction manual states "- Discontinue use of the infant insert when infant weighs 20 lbs. (9 kg) OR when shoulder straps become too short to fit infant." There is no harm in using the insert as long as the straps are through the harness slots at, or above the shoulders when forward facing and are long enough to allow for the child to be removed from the seat.
We'll have to take your word on the age and size of that tiny guy. I've never seen a 20 lb child who still fits so well with the insert in place. As for the limit on using the insert, I think our confusion is understandable. I read it as 20 lbs or when the straps are too short,
whichever comes first, not last. Perhaps in the next revision of your manual you could remove the upper weight limit, as you are stating it can go beyond 20 lbs depending on strap fit. Including the weight appears to be superfluous and is causing confusion.
Regarding LATCH: the vehicle that the seats are installed in DOES have 3 sets of lower anchors. Unfortunately, due to the camera angle the center LATCH bar location is not very clearly visible.
Now that point I'm really not buying.
If it is the same Toyota Corolla shown throughout the rest of the video (as seems to be the case), I assure you it neither has a third set of dedicated lower anchors for the center position, nor allows borrowing of the outboard. In fact, it appears very much like the center LATCH strap is attached to the driver's side anchor while the forward facing seat is still installed - as seen in this screenshot (although the reminder to consult the vehicle manual for LATCH locations is very much appreciated).
Again, I recognize that it is a marketing video and those departments aren't always aware of proper installation guidelines. However, you can imagine our frustration that the company that makes the seat isn't even using it correctly. That's not necessarily a reflection on Combi, but more a gripe with the endless variation among vehicles and restraints. Perhaps you can provide them with a copy of the manual, or even a quick training session before they shoot their next video.