Question European Routing

[Cirwin]

Hi,
I am currently 9 months pregnant and am researching infant car seats. I registered for and received the Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Car Seat and Base, however I went to a car seat workshop and it said that for my use - often in taxis (I live in NYC) or use without the base, it would be much safer to have a carseat that has the European routing system. What is the difference in safety between installing a car seat (assume correctly) without a base when it does and does not have the European routing path?
Thanks to anyone who can give me a clear answer to this question!
Cheryl

 

[aeormsby]

I think the person teaching the class was giving their opinion. I haven't seen any research that shows one way of installing being better than the other. And European routing can be trickier, keeping it simple for trips in a taxi seem like a better way of making sure it's installed correctly every time. :twocents:

 

[Keeyamah]

Isn't the European routing supposed offer some anti-rebound as well? Could that be why it was suggested? But I agree, for frequent installs, simple is better.

 

[amyd]

It lessens downward rotation which yes, in turn lessens rebound. I like a baseless install with Euro routing personally. Not that I think it's safer per se but I find it easier to get a secure install. Which seats allow it in the US? Just Dorel?

 

[Nedra]

It lessens downward rotation which yes, in turn lessens rebound. I like a baseless install with Euro routing personally. Not that I think it's safer per se but I find it easier to get a secure install. Which seats allow it in the US? Just Dorel?

I agree -- I love the European belt path and think it gets a great, tight install. I think it's much easier than seats without it. My understanding is that it limits downward rotation -- so essentially the same effect as Aussie-style tethering?

I didn't know that Dorel allows it. I know one if the Snugride seats allows it, but you have to ask Graco directly because they confirm that it can be used, but don't describe it in the manual. The Cybex Aton seats have it and I think the new Peg seat has it too.

 

[biddyk8]

Dorel def allow it, I remember I loved it on T's mico. But I am from Europe originally so I'm used to the euro routing, so to me it is very simple and just feels more solid than the other path.