radian xtsl very loose in center of 2009 nissan versa

[unregistered]

Hi

We recently moved our lo to the center seat ff in our 2009 nissan versa. It has helped a lot in terms of fewer tantrums when in the car but the install is most definitely not secure as when the car took a sharp turn a few days ago, the car seat tipped to its side.
My dh installed it but did not attach the top tether, Could this be the issue? Also, am I correct in thinking you shouldnt use latch in this car in the center? I need to check out the install to see how he did it but it is a sore point for us at the moment as he feels he did it correctly and thinks I am criticizing him. After I saw the seat tip over to the side, I've been thinking of it nonstop and want to correct it.

Thanks

 

[wendytthomas]

You are correct. Your car's manual will say you cannot use LATCH in the center. However, the install should be tight before you do the top tether. That's just a rebound reducer, not an installation point.

If you're using the seatbelt, make sure it's locked. It sounds as if maybe someone gave it a hard jerk to see if it's locked, which activates the emergency mode, but not the automatic mode.

Wendy

 

[canadiangie]

Can you post a few pics?

We can see a lot when it comes to an install if there are pics included.

Also, how old is your baby and what does he/she weigh?

Are there other children in the car as well (you mentioned tantrums, etc).

 

[Unregistered]

No other kids, he's 25 months, around 30lbs.

I need to raise the shoulder straps up a notch, realized it is still configured for rf (below shoulder)
Will take pics when I do

Thanks!

 

[wendytthomas]

At 25 months it's strongly encouraged to turn him rear facing again. He's barely over the AAP's recommendation of at least two years, and nowhere near the NHTSA's of four. If the size of the seat was an issue, which is why you're turning him so early, I'd look at the angle adjuster so you can sit the seat more upright.

Wendy

 

[creideamh]

In addition to what's posted above, if you decide to leave him FF and use the top tether (which you should), make sure to attach the SafeStop onto the back of the harness. It needs to be used when a child under 40lb is FF and the seat is top tethered.
Also, sometimes popping the recline foot out can help with getting a tighter install.

 

[olmum]

Hi this OP, just registered to post using app

So I have a few addtl questions:

Does the top tether strap have to be tight?
Car is hatchback, tethers to behind seat

There is a slight tilt as the seat is not completely level throughout width of seat in center and still quite some movement even though the shoulder/lap belt is tight

There is a gap behind the seat, should I use a receiving blanket as a wedge?

I'm very glad to have made it to 2 rf despite many friends/family members thinking I was leaving it too late. But for us, it was time to ff, it was starting to be a nightmare sitting in the car with lo howling nonstop. Ff has definitely made car trips better for us.

Thanks for all the helpful replies, I will try to see if adjusting the bottom makes a difference

 

[wendytthomas]

Does the top tether strap have to be tight?
Car is hatchback, tethers to behind seat

You want to remove the slack. This is very important as it will help prevent or reduce impact injuries (so your little one doesn't hit the back of the front seats).

There is a slight tilt as the seat is not completely level throughout width of seat in center and still quite some movement even though the shoulder/lap belt is tight

Is the belt locked? You need less than 1" of movement at the belt path.

There is a gap behind the seat, should I use a receiving blanket as a wedge?

No, nothing between the seat and the carseat.

I'm very glad to have made it to 2 rf despite many friends/family members thinking I was leaving it too late. But for us, it was time to ff, it was starting to be a nightmare sitting in the car with lo howling nonstop. Ff has definitely made car trips better for us.

If you can't get a decent install forward facing you will have to move positions or go back to rear facing. Either a new seat, different position, or different direction will be needed.

Had you used the angle adjuster before you flipped? Many kids dislike being very reclined but do just fine when they can see out more (whether rear or forward facing) and are more upright.

Thanks for all the helpful replies, I will try to see if adjusting the bottom makes a difference

You can also post pictures or videos for us so we can actually see (as well as we can online) some of the issues you're having. Sometimes we can easily pick up on an error that isn't coming across when you're talking with us.

Wendy