using baby car seat bases and lap belts

[baron]

hi,
i am expecting a new addition to my family (our first) within the next couple of weeks

so we have been trying out the new baby car seat base in our car and in the van

it fixes to the seat via a 3 point seatbelt, with an extra leg at the front to provide additional stability

now my question is, does anyone know why you can't use a lap belt? all the 3 point belt does is restrain it at the back of the seat, i cant see how a lap belt would be any different, especially a fixed one (ie one you have to adjust to a specific length, not an autoadjust)

anyone?

our base is a maxi cosy cabrio easyfix, like this one http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...151_storeId_10001_partNumber_297960_langId_-1

if i can avoind fitting a retractable 3 point belt in the rear, that would be good!

 

[Araon]

most stage 1s' will be very good with a static lap indeed a lot safer in many cases.....I know when we had our old Maxi Cosi it had a disc with it with all the fitting options and lapbelt was on it.....

 

[AxlFoley]

I'm not sure about the lap belt all I will say is that the 3 point belt I bought for the back seat wasn't long enough for the baby seat, so the only place I can fit my little angel is in the front seat, and now that I have two little angels I'm not sure what i'm going to do!

Let me know how you get on.

Thanks

Mark

 

[Araon]

having just reviewed the installation video they are using a 3 point as a lapbelt anyway.....

http://www.maxi-cosi.com/maxicosi/instructions.aspx?id=8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[noddy]

I would go with the manufactures recommendation, they have to pass legal testing in order to be able to sell these seat.

 

[AxlFoley]

have you tried to fit it? i'm just wondering about the buckle of the lap belt.

 

[baron]

having just reviewed the installation video they are using a 3 point as a lapbelt anyway.....

http://www.maxi-cosi.com/maxicosi/instructions.aspx?id=8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

this is my point, the 3rd position, the over your shoulder strap, is not adding anything structural to the integrity of holding the seat base in position.

have you tried to fit it? i'm just wondering about the buckle of the lap belt.

yeah, it fits fine, the floor anchor leg doesn't quite touch the floor, but i can easily address that. the buckle is well clear of the base. i can imagine that lower seats (i guess stock height) might have a bit of an issue with where the buckle fits which could be tricky fitment wise

i know the manufacturers have tested this, but they wont have tested with the static lapbelts fitted to old vehicles will they?

 

[noddy]

No they wont have tested for your van.
You wont be coverd legaly if any thing goes wrong and you have not followed their fitting recomendations/directions.

 

[MMMC]

my advise is to fit a 3 point belt...its a piece of piss. I have 2 young kids and I want them strapped in safe especially as we don't have all the modern safety kit. I did buy a child seat for my first when he was a bit older that specified that it would work with a lap belt. now I I've fitted 3 pointers throughout. also get the seat belt mounting points checked... 1 bit of rust can equal disaster. risk yourself not the kids.

 

[Araon]

Britax have lapbelt fitting guides and as I said my old Maxi had lapbelt fitting guide contact them they should be able to steer you in the right direction, there fitting instructions do say its a no though

http://www.maxi-cosi.com/media/producthandleidingen/maxicosi/GBA_EasyBase_def_v1.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

page 8.... so your warranty will be void