Should we get a new car or a "better" carseat? Read on for details...?

Question

My car is a '99 Accord without the tether bars. I would like some feedback on your opinion about purchasing a vehicle that includes the tether bars for our baby's carseat. Is it safer to use the tether bars and top latch?

Please view the following, WONDERFUL youtube video that has me thinking that it might be time to buy a newer car with tether bars... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azgBhZfcqaQ&mode=related&search=

Also, we bought a plain old evenflo convertable car seat. Do you recommend exchaning the carseat that we have for a Britex Regal (that goes up to 60 lbs)?

Thank you!

Answer 1

There was an article on Yahoo News a couple of months ago that researchers who study accidents have not found tethers to be any safer than non-tethered car seats.

I think you would do best to call your fire dept. and ask them if there is a car seat expert in the area. They would likely have the most up-to-date information as to what would work best with your vehicle. From what I read, you can't use the tether for rear facing carseats in most cases anyway.

Answer 2

I don't think that you can use the tether bar when the baby is rear facing because it is located behind the seat. I know with ours you could only use it forward facing. I have also heard of the latch systems not always working 100% either. Alot of the models say to use either or not both, but I know many parents who use both systems anyway. It also depends if you have a locking seatbelt. This boy Kyle in the video had a seatbelt that just buckled over him. Most cars have seatbelts that when you pull all of the way out, they lock when released. Many of the car seats actually go up to eighty lbs now. If you would feel safer having a new vehicle and a new car seat and can afford it then I say go ahead and do it.

Answer 3

The Britax Marathon is better than the Regal. The EVENFLO is an awful seat. Very cheaply made and the straps twist like crazy, which isn't safe. Go Britax all the way! If you're that concerned about it, do both! Get a safer car AND carseat. You really can't be too safe when it comes to the lives of your kids.

Answer 4

Provided that the seat is properly installed, the seatbelt is just as good as the tether bars. The tether bars just tend to make it easier to get it properly installed. You should be able to take your car to a local fire department or police station to check for proper installation.

As far as the seat goes, how old is your baby? We have our daughter in a Britax Decathalon which supposedly is good for like 7-65 pounds and there is no way I would have felt comfortable with her in it as a newborn. If you are going to need to upgrade eventually anyway, it can't hurt to do it early provided she fits well in the new seat.

Answer 5

wow, i have tears, my son is about to turn 4 and he is about 52 pounds so we put him in a regular booster with the regular seat belt over his lap only, but no more, we still have his "big" seat which we use when we travel on the highway, and i have a new 07 Nissan Versa and i know it has the harness things on the back of the back seats because i have seen it, from now on he will sit in that seat and it will be hooked up properly, thank you for sharing that and if you have any questions about your car or seat go to your local fire department, they will tell you if your seat is ok for that car and help you to make sure it is properly hooked up!

Answer 6

It is all up to you and what you can afford. I prefer using seat belts to tether straps. and removed my tether straps from my carseat. Your decision should be based on your preference and your budget.

Answer 7

than you for this link. I have been very worried for my niece and nephew, I feel they are too young for the boosters they are in. i an going to forward the link to their mom. I hope it helps.

Answer 8

i would get a better seat

Answer 9

That video was so sad.