Alright...about this SnugRide install I have...

I looked at the manual before (online as I have no idea where my copy is) and saw that it said for l/s belts with sliding latch plate, you are to use a locking clip. But I do not notice it mentioning anything about a retracting seat belt (sorry, one of these days I'll remember the term...switchable elr ?) the one you pull out all the way to engage the lock and it then makes the ratcheting sound as the slack is taken in. That's what we have.

So, if the belt locks, you don't need a locking clip, correct? But what if you're not satisfied with the fit you get with just the belt? That was also part of my issue before. It seems to continue to loosen which I can already tell with this install. The tech did get it in tighter than I had done previously, using just the belt. But it has already loosened a wee bit. Still an acceptable fit mind you, just not *as* tight. Which has me wondering how long would it take for it to loosen to 'unacceptable' ??
So, should I go ahead and put the locking clip on there? And if I do, do I then *not* engage the seat belt lock? I'm not supposed to use both, right? One or the other.

Here's the link to the manual for my seat: Graco Snugride manual

Tell me what you get from that and just what I'm supposed to do here, please

Here's what I do. If a seat has switchable lap shoulder belts, I don't lock them and use a locking clip. The belt path for the snugride is a difficult one when you use switchable belts. You can get a really tight install that way, but if the belt is switched, it just gets tighter and tighter. It isn't really loosening, the portion of the belt which goes back to the retractor is constantly pulling on the top edge of the base. It is actually tighter, but torqued around. So pretty soon, the baby is listing to one side.

I'm not a big fan of installing locking clips (I once broke my finger doing it!), but when I see a snugride and switchable belts, I just reach for a locking clip. I've found it is also a great way to get parents involved in installing their seat because it is easier to do with four hands rather than two.

Make sense?

So just forget the locking belt part and go with my clip?

And yeah, the other part makes sense..I think LOL I mean, in theory, I get it. But darn if it doesn't seem like it is completely loosening!

I didn't have too hard of a time installing with the locking clip before. I managed it on my own. I'm not too fond of working with those clips either though. Not easy. But, well, guess if it were *that* easy to get on there, it wouldn't work, right?

I think sometimes it depends on the car too. It sounds like a locking clip would work best for you though. We had to use one in our old car when AJ was born b/c that Snugride was not staying on the seat for anything and then AJ was riding sideways. lol

Exactly! It just keeps sliding/tipping...
I'm going to re-install it with the clip when I get the chance.

So does that make a 'strike' on that tech? hehehe

I'm trying to think of the ones I've done. I guess the ones I've done have pretty much all been LATCH or lap belts only. I need to keep that in mind though when doing that I can try it that way, but show the parents the locking clip too.

Pretty common practice to use a locking clip on l/s belts w/ switchable retractors to avoid tipping on a Snug Ride it works great though. It does take some getting used to. I find it easiest if you buckle the base in without locking the belt, tighten and pinch both belts together (near the latch plate but 3-4 inches back)with one hand and unbuckle w/ the other. While pinching place the locking clip on within an inch of the latchplate then climb on the base and wiggle the latch plate back into the buckle. If the locking clips ends up right on the bend of the seat base it can be slightly moved up to the flat part of the base.

Gosh I hope that makes sense. I think Heather (murphydog) may be working on a video of this which will probably help.

It's ok, I can do it. I *had* it installed with the clip when the tech lady said no. I explained my dilemma. She continued with installing with just the belt. I figured I'd give it a 'test drive' see how long it lasted. In case it actually *was* installed better than I had it. But no...so..I'm going back to what *I* did..the locking clip.