Thoughts on the Volvo integrated booster

buggysmama

New member
I was wondering if anyone here has used them. I have 2 in my 2005 Volvo xc70.

We have a really tight 3 across right now I have ds in a turbo booster passenger outboard, dd1 in a ff boulevard65 (expires in oct.) in the middle and dd2 in a rear facing Coccoro driver outboard.

I have a really hard time buckling ds in since the seat belt buckles are practically buried in the seats.

Dh always tries to take the turbo out and use the integrated booster but I really don't like ds in it at all. First off there is hardly any leg support. I haven't measured the seat depth but it seems shorter then our vivo and that's pretty short. Has anyone had this problem? Could I put a piece of foam or something in front of the raised portion of the seat or would this interfear with the fit ? Ds is pretty big I haven't measured him lately but he is tall, thin with long legs and he weighs at least 60 lbs maybe 65. He will be 8 next week.

Secondly, ds is really lazy. He is physically immature and doesn't have tons of core strength to always sit up straight. I cought him slouching a bunch of times during the short amount of time we tried the integrated booster out. He just doesn't have the support a hbb gives when using it. I think a foot rest might fix this but he is pretty unwilling to try something. Would an empty box or something be good to try? If it took care of the problem he might be willing to do it if he didn't have to use the TB.

Should I try to remedy it, keep him in the turbo or try another booster. My vivo doesn't work there it is even harder to buckle then the turbo. We just got a probooster that's still in the box but that has to go in dh's car. That is a whole other long story about why it has to be that seat. I could check the fit though. Dh really would flip if I had to get another booster right now though. But I would really like something latchable. I guess I could sell our vivo if we needed something els but I really wanted to save it for dd1 since it fits petite kids so well she is tiny.

Any thought to my situation would be appreciated. Oh also, our blvd65 is only good 'till oct so I'll be putting something els there in the middle so we may have even less room for ds to buckle then I don't think I would be able to put dd1 in dd2's Coccoro ff. she will probably be to tall by then.

Thanks a bunch, Natasha
 
ADS

bree

Car-Seat.Org Ambassador
I was wondering if anyone here has used them. I have 2 in my 2005 Volvo xc70.

We have a really tight 3 across right now I have ds in a turbo booster passenger outboard, dd1 in a ff boulevard65 (expires in oct.) in the middle and dd2 in a rear facing Coccoro driver outboard.

I have a really hard time buckling ds in since the seat belt buckles are practically buried in the seats.

Dh always tries to take the turbo out and use the integrated booster but I really don't like ds in it at all. First off there is hardly any leg support. I haven't measured the seat depth but it seems shorter then our vivo and that's pretty short. Has anyone had this problem? Could I put a piece of foam or something in front of the raised portion of the seat or would this interfear with the fit ? Ds is pretty big I haven't measured him lately but he is tall, thin with long legs and he weighs at least 60 lbs maybe 65. He will be 8 next week.

Secondly, ds is really lazy. He is physically immature and doesn't have tons of core strength to always sit up straight. I cought him slouching a bunch of times during the short amount of time we tried the integrated booster out. He just doesn't have the support a hbb gives when using it. I think a foot rest might fix this but he is pretty unwilling to try something. Would an empty box or something be good to try? If it took care of the problem he might be willing to do it if he didn't have to use the TB.

Should I try to remedy it, keep him in the turbo or try another booster. My vivo doesn't work there it is even harder to buckle then the turbo. We just got a probooster that's still in the box but that has to go in dh's car. That is a whole other long story about why it has to be that seat. I could check the fit though. Dh really would flip if I had to get another booster right now though. But I would really like something latchable. I guess I could sell our vivo if we needed something els but I really wanted to save it for dd1 since it fits petite kids so well she is tiny.

Any thought to my situation would be appreciated. Oh also, our blvd65 is only good 'till oct so I'll be putting something els there in the middle so we may have even less room for ds to buckle then I don't think I would be able to put dd1 in dd2's Coccoro ff. she will probably be to tall by then.

Thanks a bunch, Natasha

I'm not a tech, so I'll defer to someone else for the official info on the piece of foam. :) My personal opinion is that I wouldn't use it, because I'd be afraid that it might interfere with how the kiddo is sitting in the seat and that it would move during a crash, leaving the seatbelt out of position.

I have seen suggestions of something lightweight (like an empty box or a rolled sleeping bag) to use as a footrest, so that might be an option.

I have a Volvo with integrated boosters. My personal concern with integrated boosters isn't so much with the fit. We've had our car break down before and had to transfer carseats to another car, and I'm worried about using an integrated booster then not having a booster to move in such a situation. So, for me, I think a backless booster (and if narrow is a concern, then maybe something like the Harmony Youth booster or the Bubble Bum or some other narrow booster) might be something I'd want to use over the integrated booster. The Graco Connext and backless Graco Affix are relatively inexpensive backless boosters with LATCH. :twocents:

We aren't quite at the stage where I'd let my kids use the integrated booster in my Volvo (DD turned 8 recently and I'm more comfortable with her in a highback booster since the Volvo is our main car and she falls asleep on long rides and DS is only 5.5). I have considered using the integrated boosters when they are close to 5 stepping but just need a little boost and would likely be okay if we suddenly had to switch cars, so maybe when they are in the 11-12 year old range.

As for when the Boulevard expires, perhaps a narrow seat like the Harmony Defender or the Evenflo SecureKid or Maestro (or maybe even a Radian, even though I don't usually recommend convertibles for forward-facing only because it would waste part of the function of the seat) or maybe a convertible on a base like the newer model Britaxes or Graco My Ride (again, I don't typically recommend convertibles for FF, but if you are trying to deal with a 3 across and plus could pass them down to your youngest, having a seat up on a base for a petite kiddo might help you puzzle seats).

I know a lot of jumbled thoughts, but maybe there's something in there that can help! :)
 

buggysmama

New member
Thanks Bree for all your input.
I agree with you on the convertibles for ff only kiddos. I was only into it since it can be passed to dd2 when she grows out of her Coccoro. I could technically flip it rear facing put dd2 in it and put dd1 out board in our radian or other narrow ff facing seat. Funny, as tiny as dd1 is I just had to move her straps to the top slots on her radian that's in my moms car. She is at the very bottom of the slot and very well could have years left of growing room. I just thought it was funny since she's always smaller then everyone els we know her age.
I like the idea of the latchable backless booster but like you I still feel better with ds in a hbb. I don't know if the ib will ever work out for us. I'm just not comfortable with the fit
I do have some time before my blvd expires so I don't have to make any decisions today. You never know, the perfect seats might come available in that time.:)
 

Car-Seat.Org Facebook Group

Forum statistics

Threads
219,656
Messages
2,196,898
Members
13,530
Latest member
onehitko860

You must read your carseat and vehicle owner’s manual and understand any relevant state laws. These are the rules you must follow to restrain your children safely. All opinions at Car-Seat.Org are those of the individual author for informational purposes only, and do not necessarily reflect any policy or position of Carseat Media LLC. Car-Seat.Org makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. If you are unsure about information provided to you, please visit a local certified technician. Before posting or using our website you must read and agree to our TERMS.

Graco is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Britax is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Nuna Baby is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org!

Please  Support Car-Seat.Org  with your purchases of infant, convertible, combination and boosters seats from our premier sponsors above.
Shop travel systems, strollers and baby gear from Britax, Chicco, Clek, Combi, Evenflo, First Years, Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Safety 1st, Diono & more! ©2001-2022 Carseat Media LLC

Top