OMG! Another one!! How can people think this is safe?

Patriot201 · Mar 25, 2007

Look what I found when searching for information about installing carseats in the center of a Subaru...

We recently tried to install a Britax Marathon rear-facing in a 2001 Subaru Outback, and could not get it secure in the middle. We had to resort to the outboard position using the LATCHes, but I would prefer the seat be in the middle. Per Subaru, you must use the lap belts (not LATCH) in the middle. But the plastic ''clamps'' on the carseat that are supposed to hold the belt tightly in place do not hold it. I called Britax, and they do not keep records of their seats' fit into certain car models. Subaru refused to opine. Two Berkeley police ''seat checkers'' were as puzzled as I was. Were any of you out there with my seat and my car able to get the seat installed in the middle and pass a ''seat checker's'' inspection? If so, I'd like to discuss how you did it. Thanks! kate
We have a Roundabout, not the Marathon, but we have had the same problem in our Subaru, with the seatbelt not staying tight in the middle of the back seat. Our solution was to use those big metal binder clips from office supply stores to hold the belt tight - two of them for extra security. I don't know if that would pass with the carseat checkers, but it definitely keeps the carseat really securely in there. Jen

BINDER CLIPS?!?!?!?!?

Are you kidding?

lovinwaves · Mar 25, 2007

ROFLMAO!!

I would LOVE to see a picture of that. I am having a hard time visualizing it. Can you get a photo from that lady?

I love how she says I'm not sure if that would pass with the "carseat Checkers" (LOL!), but gee....OH WELL, who cares...those "carseat Checkers" dont' know anything.

broken4u05 · Mar 25, 2007

So unsafe. Who even thinks of binder clips? WOW

beebear23 · Mar 25, 2007

Around here the techs use large binder clips to TEMPORARILY hold the shoulder belt when working w/switchable retractors, so they don't tighten up before they want them to. Maybe that is where they got the idea? We always take them off and make sure the parents realize that we don't leave it on there..

stayinhomewithmy6 · Mar 25, 2007

beebear23 said:
Around here the techs use large binder clips to TEMPORARILY hold the shoulder belt when working w/switchable retractors, so they don't tighten up before they want them to. Maybe that is where they got the idea? We always take them off and make sure the parents realize that we don't leave it on there..

Ohhh! I should get them for that! That sounds handy! I hate when the belts tighten up before you want them to! But, yeah, using them to install a car seat? Why, oh why would anyone think that is safe!

scatterbunny · Mar 25, 2007

Ack. Sounds scary.

Amaris · Mar 25, 2007

I use a locking clip to keep the seatbelt from tightening before I want it to. I had to do that with the regent because the belt kept coming all the way out and it would go back in and lock before I was done. I put the locking clip all the way at the top of the shoulder belt to keep it in place......but definately removed it when I was done!!!

OMG! Another one!! How can people think this is safe?

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