Child stuck in Graco Smart Seat

Moved car seats today because I needed to get van ready to take on Thanksgiving trip.
I strapped my daughter into the smart seat while I was moving everything else around in the van.
After I got done I went to get her out of the seat and couldn't get the crotch buckle to undo. I tried pushing every way possible. I called my husband and he came and tried to get her out.
We loosened the straps and couldn't get her out (due to her disability she has extremely tight muscles and we couldn't get her maneuvered around enough to pull her out. (Keep in mind she is at the highest harness height and the harness already is almost all the way loosened when she is in the seat correctly).
I couldn't get the seat uninstalled because it is latched to a base, that is installed with a seat belt, that has an snap down belt guide inside it. I tried to uninstall the seat, to get to the "yolk" that holds the harness straps- but couldn't get to it.
I called Graco because I was not sure what to do.
They told me to cut the straps on the seat, and that they would replace the seat. Unfortunately this leaves us without a seat, so I opted to go purchase a new one and they just refund me for the old one. Luckily I have an extra seat that my daughter can use until I purchase the new seat.
I love the concept of the base for the smart seat, because then we don't have a bunch of seats installed in the trucks, only the base. But I am not sure I want to buy another smart seat. It means I have a bunch of bases that will not be used, but that lack of ability to get to the yolk has me concerned.

I'm sorry. That's really scary. I'm wondering if that seat is going to fall under the NHTSA investigation?

We have had issues with the buckle sticking a lot lately. I seemed to assume that it was more when the older kids are taking the younger ones out (we have 3 of these seats)... but it was a lot more on Chey's seat (the one that was stuck).

Report it to NHTSA https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

LISmama810 said:

Report it to NHTSA https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

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Reported

ugh.. How awful. Your poor dd!!! Is this the new buckle or the old???

Baylor said:

ugh.. How awful. Your poor dd!!! Is this the new buckle or the old???

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I don't know how to tell. The seat was manufactured in January 8, 2011. It is a simple looking buckle- squareish with one square push button.

I don't know if they changed it on this seat too. I thought they might have had the other buckle the one that was also on GN's. push down not push in buckle.

I believe all the SS's have the new style buckle

Oh sheesh. I can totally see why you'd have to cut the straps to get her out. I'd never be able to get Charlie out of a seat just by loosening the straps and I think your Chey is even taller. I'm so tired of these buckle issues. I find myself not even recommending graco seats anymore even though the my ride is hands down one of the best seats for special needs kids EVER. :thumbsdown:

Oh, man, sorry you had to cut the straps to finally free her.

I really really really really really hate the new Graco buckle. It is a shame they make such otherwise great seats, so much bang for your buck, but such a horrible buckle.

Glad you finally got her out.

love-pink said:

I believe all the SS's have the new style buckle

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Yees, they were the first ones to get it, I believe. The first SSs had the new buckle.

My friend got one right when they came out and her's had the triangular buckle.