Question Trouble getting used to a new Marathon

[cantabdad]

We just bought a new Marathon (70 G3) to replace a Roundabout that will be reaching its expiration date soon. Installation was easy, but now looking at the seat, I feel like a total rookie all over again and have some questions... maybe even dumb questions... but figured it was worth asking. You have all been so helpful in the past.

- First, any tips on how to tighten the harness with the HUGS in place? We're not used to these and they seem so big and bulky on our 15-month-old. And between the HUGS and the "comfort pads" there seems to be something covering the harness straps practically the entire length from shoulder to waist. I can't seem to tighten the harness fully, and couldn't do a proper pinch-test because I couldn't see/touch the actual harness strap underneath. Should I just remove everything? The manual says HUGS are optional for RF and I saw some archived discussions here where folks said they just removed them (and carefully saved them for FF later.) And I'm assuming that something called a "comfort pad" can be removed, although I didn't see anything in the manual.

- Second, when traveling with our Roundabout I got very accustomed to routing the aircraft lap belt up and over the cover for RF. It was the easiest way to get the seat in and out. This doesn't seem to be an option according to the instruction manual on the Marathon. Am I missing something? I guess it's not too difficult to reach into the innards of the seat to access the RF belt path, but going over the cover would be easier.

 

[NannyMom]

Yes, you can remove the HUGS for rear facing. I prefer my seats that way. The comfort pads are optional at all times. Keep them Ina safe place with the HUGS thought because your little one may decide he "needs" them when he gets bigger. My daughter always hated the comfort pads but now complains if there are none.

 

[wendytthomas]

Hmm, I've never had a problem with the belt routing going over the cover on the new Britaxes, but I've only played with one G3. It should still have the openings. I remember Britax asking techs and parents a few years ago if they should get rid of them, and the overwhelming answer was NO! So I can't imagine they would have with this generation.

Wendy

 

[cantabdad]

You're right, the slits are still there in the cover. But there was nothing in the manual that mentioned the option of going up & over the cover, and I didn't want to improvise. The other difference vs. the Roundabout seems to be that the RF belt path is rearward of the harness buckle (i.e. closer to the vehicle seat back), whereas with the Roundabout I seem to recall that the lap belt lay flat on the carseat in between the harness buckle and the kid. Thanks again.