Installing a seat that won't be used? How tight?

todzwife

New member
I'm bringing my infant seat to my mom's this weekend to let my sister borrow (she's due in June and I'm not sure if I'll be able to get to her before then). I'm installing it in the back row of my minivan. Do I need to install it like someone will be riding in it or is it ok for it to just be buckled in with the seat belt locked?
 
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Brianna

New member
I just buckle unused seats, I don't bother locking. If it will be next to a child, I would probably lock the belt and pull the slack out of the belt, but I wouldn't worry about it being perfectly installed.
 

Kac

Ambassador - CPS Technician
I install how I normally would. I'm worried that in a crash, if it's not tight, it will move a lot and possibly hit me or a passenger.
 

mkmama

Active member
I install snug (ie tight/locked seatbelt or tight LATCH strap) but don't necessarily make it tight enough for child to ride in...I basically pull on the LATCH strap and get it as tight as I can without undue effort.

I want it pretty snug so that it doesnt move too much during a crash, but I also dont want to put a ton of effort into it.

If its installed right next to a passenger though, I will properly install it as if someone would be riding in it.
 

Brigala

CPST Instructor
"me too" on the snugness. I lock the belt and pull the slack out, but I don't worry about a couple of inches worth of movement.
 

aeormsby

New member
I also installed a seat as snug as possible.

It was definitely not safe to ride in - it was a myride wedged between my kids' MA's in the back of a Dakota. But we had a 12 hour drive to deliver it so I wanted to make sure it was tight enough not to hit the kids if we were in an accident.
 

Baylor

New member
I always install correctly. I have just learned that after having a few seats in there just to transport were used when dh went out quick. So no more. For me unless it is a booster it gets installed like a child is in it.

auto-correct on the loose..
 

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