In 2002, I bought my first MA for my son, Jamie. At some point I passed it down to my daughter, Olivia in 2005. And at some point, before ever finding a car seat forum, I removed those, ummm HUGS things 
And then came to find out a few months ago that those are not optional, and she NEEDS them.... I felt SO bad!! I also lost the belly pad and took off the original strap covers, because they were small and rigid, and put my own on- also a big "no, no". So when we reconfigured the van to move Elena's SnugRide from outboard (only position with LATCH) and upgraded her to her own MA in the center, I decided to take Olivia's MA out to wash and clean with a fine tooth comb, so to speak. Since then she has been using the van's internal car seat, which I cringe to think about. Hubby, however, thinks it's great :hitselfonhead: But I am anxious to get her back in her MA, and don't want to do it without the HUGS and the proper strap covers, because the straps keep cutting into her neck. I'd also LOVE to replace the belly pad as the crotch strap is starting to bother her as she gets bigger. I know I can call Britax and order new HUGS and I *think* straps, but if anyone has a Colonial belly pad, would you let me know?
Thanks... and please don't yell at me I didn't know, and feel awful about it. You'll be happy to know, though, that I kept EVERYTHING on Elena's and was thrilled to see they sewed the opening on the belly pad tighter so it doesn't come off all the time.
And then came to find out a few months ago that those are not optional, and she NEEDS them.... I felt SO bad!! I also lost the belly pad and took off the original strap covers, because they were small and rigid, and put my own on- also a big "no, no". So when we reconfigured the van to move Elena's SnugRide from outboard (only position with LATCH) and upgraded her to her own MA in the center, I decided to take Olivia's MA out to wash and clean with a fine tooth comb, so to speak. Since then she has been using the van's internal car seat, which I cringe to think about. Hubby, however, thinks it's great :hitselfonhead: But I am anxious to get her back in her MA, and don't want to do it without the HUGS and the proper strap covers, because the straps keep cutting into her neck. I'd also LOVE to replace the belly pad as the crotch strap is starting to bother her as she gets bigger. I know I can call Britax and order new HUGS and I *think* straps, but if anyone has a Colonial belly pad, would you let me know?Thanks... and please don't yell at me
I didn't know, and feel awful about it. You'll be happy to know, though, that I kept EVERYTHING on Elena's and was thrilled to see they sewed the opening on the belly pad tighter so it doesn't come off all the time.
