Got our new CA - but hate the rigid strap covers!

MommaK · Apr 20, 2011

Ugh! Is there any way around these? The straps are narrow on a CA anyway, but the rigid strap covers make it even worse. It looks like they could be un-threaded in the back (still sewn to a bar back there), but I need to figure something out because they're so uncomfortable for my daughter. Any suggestions?? Thanks!

LISmama810 · Apr 20, 2011

Nope. They're required, unfortunately.

I did complain to the Dorel rep at Lifesavers and he said they're looking into getting rid of them, but possibly on redesigned seats, so I'm not sure it would even be retroactive.

I hate them too. I do my best to hold them down while I tighten the harness. But yeah, :thumbsdown:

lovemybabies924 · Apr 20, 2011

mine dosnt have them its the calx..we should trade i like them haha

momtotwogirls · Apr 20, 2011

Yeah I hate them too but apparently my daughter is jsut super narrow. I thought the TFP was really wide set but I put my youngest in her CA65 without a jacket on and the straps sit like they should not touching her neck at all but the outside of the staps are on the very edge of her shoulders.

mom2olivia · Apr 20, 2011

I hate them too. Which is why I complained to Dorel because the stupid rigid strap covers were pinching Olivia's neck. They sent me a check for the seat and I bought a Radian. I wish they would make a CA with soft harness covers...I really like the seat except that one thing..

APmama2MAK · Apr 21, 2011

Okay, as hard as I try I cant find a pic of these strap covers, anyone got one?

I have never seen any covers on the ones Ive seen in person either now im curious lol.

ETA I found one pic on a car seat blog, they dont look obtrusive in the pics though, they actually look really small and useless for those that like strap covers. I guess im gonna have to find one in person to feel them!

LISmama810 · Apr 21, 2011

My problem with them isn't from a comfort standpoint, but from a convenience one. They roll back into the shell if you're not very careful while tightening. Too high-maintenance for my taste. Though I put up with it anyway.

mommycat · Apr 21, 2011

Could anyone link a pic not on carseatblog? For some reason I cannot access carseatblog on this computer at all.

Spam · Apr 21, 2011

They only come on certain colors, why are they required? I played with a silverleaf that had them and I didn't like how they always went back into the shell. I have a great lakes 65 dom of 4/10/11 and it doesn't have them.

LISmama810 · Apr 21, 2011

I think it's a matter of weight limit/timing rather than pattern.

I think the 50 lb versions don't have them, and I think they either made a change to the seat and/or did more testing to determine that they were--if not necessary--at least preferred.

Not sure though.

ETA: Wait, your 4/11 seat doesn't have them? What model is it? Maybe it depends on the base or something.

NannyMom · Apr 21, 2011

I thought it was all the CA65s had them

mamakc · Apr 21, 2011

I hated them at first, but now I don't mind them. It took a few times to get used to them. They don't get pulled back into the shell anymore or get in the way with us.

I can get a pic later if someone else doesn't get to it first.

mom2olivia · Apr 21, 2011

APmama2MAK said:
Okay, as hard as I try I cant find a pic of these strap covers, anyone got one?

I have never seen any covers on the ones Ive seen in person either now im curious lol.

ETA I found one pic on a car seat blog, they dont look obtrusive in the pics though, they actually look really small and useless for those that like strap covers. I guess im gonna have to find one in person to feel them!

The rigid covers are the same color as the harness you can see it under the harness straps. NOT comfortable.

APmama2MAK · Apr 21, 2011

Those are ... odd... they dont even cover the edge of the strap where I hear complaints of it digging in...I wonder if they actually noticed a difference in testing. Are they grippy at ALL?

Spam · Apr 21, 2011

LISmama810 said:
ETA: Wait, your 4/11 seat doesn't have them? What model is it? Maybe it depends on the base or something.

It's a basic complete air 65. it's the one with the blue insides.

http://www.safety1st.com/usa/eng/Pr...r-Seats/Details/2671-CC044AQJ-Complete-Air-65

mom2olivia · Apr 21, 2011

APmama2MAK said:
Those are ... odd... they dont even cover the edge of the strap where I hear complaints of it digging in...I wonder if they actually noticed a difference in testing. Are they grippy at ALL?

Its not the straps digging in it is the harness strap covers that pinch (at least my daughter). You get the straps tight and the harness covers pinch the skin and rub really bad. I have a hard time tightening the straps because of the covers. I can't remember what the bottom looks like. But these are hard not soft. Like on the edge of jeans on the legs where it is sewn together. It feels like that.

featherhead · Apr 21, 2011

mom2olivia said:
The rigid covers are the same color as the harness you can see it under the harness straps. NOT comfortable.

It actually looks like you have the chest clip a bit too high. If you move it down a bit, that might bring the straps away from her neck a tiny bit more.

mommycat · Apr 21, 2011

featherhead said:
It actually looks like you have the chest clip a bit too high. If you move it down a bit, that might bring the straps away from her neck a tiny bit more.

I was thinking that too. Thanks for the pic. It's hard to get a good feel for it, I think, without actually, ah, feeling them.

mom2olivia · Apr 21, 2011

featherhead said:
It actually looks like you have the chest clip a bit too high. If you move it down a bit, that might bring the straps away from her neck a tiny bit more.

It may be in this pic but it is at her armpit level but I took this just to show the harness covers

This is it without the chest clip buckled. I was trying to see where the straps lie when it isn't buckled....

featherhead · Apr 21, 2011

mom2olivia said:
It may be in this pic but it is at her armpit level but I took this just to show the harness covers

This is it without the chest clip buckled. I was trying to see where the straps lie when it isn't buckled....

I would call Dorel and ask if you can use it without the chest clip. I would explain that it pulls the straps too tight at her neck. I'm not sure what Dorel's stance is on removing chest clips. I know some other manufacturers have ok'd it.

Got our new CA - but hate the rigid strap covers!

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