2011 Prius - Swedish vs. Australian tethering

Hi Folks,

I just installed a Britax Advocate rear-facing in my 2011 Prius.

I have tried both tethering approaches. Of course I would like to use the safest one.

I tried posting images but I guess I am not allowed since I just signed up.

The Australian version I used is different from what is in the Britax manual in that both straps are on the inside side of the car seat. The manual showed a loop where one strap was on each side - this would make it virtually impossible to get my 1-year-old out of the seat unless the tether was removed and re-attached each time.

Even without the tether in the way, it is already tricky enough to navigate between the car seat, regular seat back and doorway to get her in place. My point is I am not sure if the Australian method becomes less effective with the straps on just one side.

With the Swedish version (the D-ring loop is attached to the leg of the front passenger seat, the car seat ends up getting pulled and tilted a little bit to the right when I tighten the tether. Maybe I could put a towel under the right side to mitigate this?

Also, I read somewhere that the car seat shouldn't touch the back of the front seats as it could impact the functioning of the airbag sensors. Not sure if the seat leg counts. The tether is not touching any other part of the seat, though it could if the front passenger were to move the seat back. Is this cause for concern?

Any help is appreciated - again I just want the safest option, regardless of aesthetics.

Thanks,

regulardad

Swedish method is fine. The Australian method requires both sides of the versa tether, so it sounds like Swedish is your only choice.

Britax doesn't require the tether to be taught. Only remove the slack. The tether shouldn't be affecting the install/angle of the seat.

I'll take a look in the latch manual regarding Prius sensors in a few min. You might check the vehicle manual in the section about airbags to see whether there is any prohibition against storing items under the seat (due to sensors).

Toyota hasn't supplied any info to the LATCH manual regarding air bag sensors. If there is anything under the seat, it would be in the vehicle manual. If the air bag section of the manual doesn't specify, you can usually assume the seat leg is fine.