Keyfit base install--help needed

[kater-tot82]

We have the Chicco Keyfit30 infant seat. The base installed like a dream in our 08 Town and Country. Our other vehicle is an 06 Jeep Liberty and we cannot get it tight in there. We really need the seat outboard because our other DD sits outboard on the other side, so we're really hoping to get a good install driver's side outboard.

DH has the LATCH pulled as tight as it can go, but it still seems too loose. It wiggles quite a bit side-to-side (it's not wiggly on the end by the LATCH straps--it's wiggly on the other end, the part that's hanging off the seat a tiny bit). We tried a seatbelt install but that was even worse. Are there any tips for getting a better install?? DH is getting frustrated and wants to "take the seat back" but I really love it and want to keep it...we are trying to schedule an appointment with a tech to get it checked, but any tips that anyone could give us would be great!!

 

[ketchupqueen]

Get a knee in the seat and yank harder? Usually when the LATCH and seatbelt won't get tight enough with the Keyfit, it's just a matter of getting more compression by putting more weight in the base there.

Sometimes the LATCH anchors are at an awkward angle and that makes it harder, so then seatbelt would be the better choice in that case. Some vehicles the buckle stalks are long, and twisting them down (up to 3 times) to shorten them helps to let you get a tight install (again, getting a knee in the seat if necessary.) When using seatbelt try to pull across your body with your dominant hand while compressing the vehicle seat with weight in the base, then holding that slack tight before sliding the belt into the lockoff.

 

[Pixels]

You said it's not wiggly at the LATCH end, but is wiggly at the other end. That's normal, and fine. You want to check for movement at the belt path only, and you're looking for less than an inch. Movement at the other end is very common, as it's not attached to anything. It's not a safety concern, as long as it's secure at the belt path.

 

[Maedze]

Pixels is correct. It is not an installation or safety issue if the other end of the base is wiggly. As long as the end where the LATCH strap or seatbelt is connected with less than 1" of movement, the installation is acceptable.

 

[kater-tot82]

Thank you guys so much. I had DH go out and he was able to tighten it a little more. Then I had him try and shake it near the belt path and it hardly wiggles or moves at all there. I am still going to get it tech-checked but I at least think we can keep our seat!