Car Seat in the Middle Back Seat Where Seatbelt Does Not Retract

I have a 2000 van and the middle does not retract. I think 2005 or so was when they started it. Anyway, the carseat should have come with a clip to use on the seatbelt so it keeps the seat tight. It kind of looks like a rectangle with a bar in the middle and open on both ends . You put the carseat in properly and when you have the seat belt tight so the seat does not move, you put the clip on the seat belt. The belt will not loosen. You might find the clip on the back of the seat.

You can still put it in the middle seat. You can get a metal seat belt clip at Babies R Us for under $5. (Like this: http://www.evenflo.com/product.aspx?id=14) I can't find them online, but I bought one in the store a few months ago. You can also get fancier ones, but for me, the metal one works just fine.

Oh, and check on your carseat to see if it already comes with one. I know that the Graco and Evenflo used to, but don't know about Britax.

Hope that helps!

The middle is the safest. Yes, you can get a clip to keep the carseat in super tight---it's called MightyTyte or something similar---very easy to put on and keeps the carseat from moving too much. Good luck!

M

About those clips, I don't think the boulevard comes with one, at least ours doesn't have it, but I would just buy one and put the seat in the middle. You are not going to want the seat behind you if your husband can't even fit in to drive, that would be so frustrating!

Britax convertible seats have built-in lockoffs so you don't need to purchase an additional locking clip - you can see a video clip of a certified child passenger safety tech installing a Marathon using the seat belt and built in locking clips here: http://www.youtube.com/user/CarSeatSite#p/u/11/SuZQp_xij_w
Do NOT use a Mighty-Tite or other aftermarket item to install your seat - it could void the warranty. And if you have additional questions, I recommend asking the helpful folks at the forums at http://www.car-seat.org/ - many are certified techs and very helpful/knowledgeable and could probably give you specific answers about installing seats in the rear center seat of your Protege (it's possible the middle seat has what's called a "locking latchplate" instead of locking at the retractor like many other seat belts - I'm sure there are folks at c-s.org who would know for sure)

Every car seat I have bought had a seat belt clip fasted to the back or underside of the seat that you could pop off and use on the seat belt to secure it. I have not bought a seat in about 3 years, but I would think that there would still be one with every car seat. Here is what it looks like and you can apparently order one if you need one.

http://www.amazon.com/Graco-4045-Seatbelt-Locking-Clip/dp...

Do NOT put that seat in the middle of the back seat! It is NOT the safest place for a car seat! The car seat should be place either behind the drivers seat or behind the passenger seat. If the car seat you are looking it restricts your view when behind the passenger seat, or restricts your driving ability when behind the driver's seat, you should look to get a different seat.

www.seatcheck.org

Find a local and FREE inspection point asap. You wouldn't believe how many well-meaning parents use the car seats incorrectly or install incorrectly. Take an hour to do this right! Good luck!

I took a car seat safety class from my local hospital. The middle is the safest spot. I don't know about Britax seats, but Graco ones come with a clip to use if the seat belt doesn't retract and lock on its own.

Yes thats right the safest place for a baby/child is in the middle.Your seatbelt shouldn't slip if the carseat is installed properly the way to tell that is move the caseat not the top but the middle see if it moves side to side more than 1 inch if so repeat the installment also you can use your body weight puttting 1 or 2 knees sitting into the carseat while having hubby tighten up the seatbelt then latching it.If needed you can use the belt clip that comes with the carseat.Whatever carseat you choose i'm sure it'll work in your car.Also check out a carseat safety lane in your area they will install it for you.

i havent heard anyone having trouble with their seat belt with that style. we didnt in our van.

what i would recommend is to call your local fire hall or sherriff's department. they are typically the people who have car seat clinics to help people install car seats. if possible, they can install it for you making sure it is tight and snug and properly installed, and if you can just leave if there, you shouldnt ever have a problem. and even if you do have to move it or something, you can always go back. this is not an inconvenience for them to help you do this; this is their pleasure; they would rather you have your child safely installed in the seat than to have something happen to you!

we had one of those graco infant seats that come apart from the base, and in one of our vehicles, we had to put one of those swim noodles behind the seat to install it properly. very silly, but it worked, and it was very nice to have the comfort of knowing an expert installed it and my child would be safe.

good luck!

You local Dept. of Motor Vehicles can probably put you in contact with your local "car seat check point" and they can help you with that...they are specialist!

This is an incredibly sticky situation. It seems like regulations on car seats are constantly changing and there is some good advice here but I just have to say that after going through a similar situation it just made sense to buy a new-er car. We now have an '03 with the latch system and the Britax is so simple with it I would really recommend it. I know it seems stupid to buy a new car based on a car seat but I'm hearing it more and more. I just think that between the hassle and fear of it not being perfect it just made us feel more comfortable driving around knowing that we had everything up-to-date as far as safety goes. Good luck with this.--Maybe I just think it's fun to look at something new too!!

The Britax seats have built in lock offs, so you don' need a lockiing clip and NEVER EVER EVER use a Mighty Tite belt tightener. They overstretch the belt.

The middle belt should have a locking latchplate, meaning once you buckle it and tighten it, grab the lap portion ad pull, it shouldn't come out because the latchplate locks on the back pull.

The middle is the safest, but only if you can get a good install. If you cannot, install where you get the best fit. The Britax seats CAN brace meaning rear facing it can touch the front seats. I can fit a Britax Marathon rear facing in our Chevy Aveo subcompact without having to move the drivers seat for my 6'3" husband, you just have ot know how to install properly. NOT saying you don't, but with practice you can get it in without moving the seat.

If your child is over 6mos old you can have a more upright install, it doesn't need a full newborn recline. That will help it fit better too.

the Evenflo Symphony will be just as tall if not taller as the Boulevard. The Britax seats are crazy easy to install, especially with hte build in lock offs. PLEASE find a CPST in your area via www.safekids.org to help you install the seat you choose.