The "problem with AO 3 in 1's got me thinking:
How to "fix" problems with seats today:
I'd like to get car manufacturers and CR manufacturers in the same room with some knowledgeable techs/parents/child development specialists (develop better measurements for child size) to deal with the most common incompatibility/misuse/complaints (no order of importance):
WWYD?
How to "fix" problems with seats today:
I'd like to get car manufacturers and CR manufacturers in the same room with some knowledgeable techs/parents/child development specialists (develop better measurements for child size) to deal with the most common incompatibility/misuse/complaints (no order of importance):
- Vehicle seat slope/hump/depth
- No LATCH in ctr. but ctr. is recommended/preferred install position
- LATCH weight limits vary by mfg of both vehicle and CR.
- Tethers that eliminate cargo space or are not accessible
- Sharp corners on the bottom of seats
- Belt paths that pull seat at angle when used with shoulder harness.
- Harness straps that are too light weight (twist)
- CR covers that are hard to remove/replace/clean
- Lots of nooks and crannies for junk to get caught in (many kids eat in the car. . .kids drop stuff)
- Forward facing seats and boosters labeled and approved for ages/weights that do not match "best practice."
- Too many variables in seat design (shape, harness height, belt path), adding confusion to installation.
- Height/weight limits that are too low/harness heights too low for max. weight limit
- Develop better set of minimum/maxium size of children at various ages(birth to 2, 2-4, 4-7, 8+). Then make seats that better represent those stats (taller seats/harness heights, width/depth adjustable seats).
- Reduce the overlap of ages/sizes approved for different seats (no ff seat for under 16 months & 25-30 lb., no booster for under 4 & 35).
- Rigid LATCH with standardized/unified LATCH attachments, anchors, & weight limits (tools and building materials have standard sizes and have had for many years).
- Infinite harness adjustment within a set range for the type of seat (again, based on the kid size figures).
- Heavier harness fabric
- Standardize harness buckles, latches, and tensioners
- Design seats w/smooth but slip resistant bases, a solid frame/shell and w/no crevices or pockets in the seat itself.
WWYD?