Converting Eddie Bauer Alpha Elite to a Booster

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I want to convert my Eddie Bauer Alpha Elite car seat to a booster, but I've lost the manual. I've done some reading online and everything I've read says to remove the straps, place the seat in the car (without securing it in place with the LATCH and tether straps), and use the shoulder belt to secure the child. Can I still use the LATCH and tether straps to hold the seat in place? I know the seat belt will hold DD and the booster in place if she is strapped in, but I'm concerned about an unsecured seat becoming a projectile in the event that I am in an accident when she is not in the car with me.
 
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wendytthomas

wendytthomas

Admin - CPST Instructor
Staff member
No, you can't. You need to rebuckle the seat back in when it's not in use.

How old and heavy is the child? Do you know that it makes a very poor booster, and ideally should not be used? Can you afford another booster?

Wendy
 
bobandjess99

bobandjess99

Senior Community Member
Well...the alpha elite is actually the apex 65, yes? Not a 3-in-1. I've actually seen it be a decent booster on some big, large kids who have outgrown the harness.
How old is the child in question? Have they outgrown the harness or weight limit of the seat?
And no, you can not latch the seat in when not in use, it is not allowed on this seat, per the manufacturer. You need to use the seat belt to buckle it in when your child is not with you.

ALSO..and this is very important..you MUST have head support from the vehicle seat behind the childs head. Thje top of this seat is NOT reinforced at all. SO if the child is big and tall enough to convert it to booster mode, you either need really tall seat backs, captains chairs, or moveable headrests in order to have solid support behind the childs head. If there is none, you may NOT use the seat.
 
ketchupqueen

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob
Staff member
The Alpha Elite Apexes are not branded with the Eddie Bauer label, I don't think. It's likely it's a 3-in-1, to my mind.
 
bobandjess99

bobandjess99

Senior Community Member
ah ok. I know that "alpha elite" is what they called a version of the Apex, I wasn't sure about the eddie bauer label.
OP - there is a difference between the "Alpha Elite" and the "Alpha OMEGA Elite" I know, it's a STUPID way to confuse people with naming carseats, don't blame us, blame the company!! If your seat is an Alpha omega elite 3- in 1, then what wendy said stands...
 

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