Manufacturers Allowing LATCH With Boosters Offer Conflicting Instructions
At this time there seems to be less concrete evidence and agreement about how attachment with LATCH impacts BPB performance in a crash. Should a BPB stay firmly in place or should it be free to move with the occupant in a crash – or does it really make a difference? We are currently hearing opposing answers to these questions among manufacturers.
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LATCH Working Group Makes Progress
For those who have been frustrated due to lack of consistent labeling of tether and lower anchorages, there is good news. A voluntary agreement among vehicle and CR manufacturers has been made for improved labeling beginning in 2010. This breakthrough was one of the agreements among the vehicle and child restraint manufacturers concerning LATCH that was reported officially to NHTSA in a letter from the LATCH Working Group (WG) in December 2008.
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Toyota’s Tether Anchor Installation Program Through SBS USA
Toyota and SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A (SBS USA) have collaborated on a new program to provide tether anchor kits and installation for families with pre-2001 Toyota and Lexus models. Dealers throughout the continental U.S. and Alaska will honor certificates from SBS USA for the tether kit and installation.
The certificates can be obtained through SBS USA by sending in an application that includes the VIN number and information about the children to be transported, along with a voluntary donation of $5 or more per anchor. Highway safety or child safety organizations can have a supply of certificates to fill out with families in need at checkup events. The donations help defray administrative costs of SBS USA.
Information about the program and applications are available on the SBS USA website in English and Spanish, www.carseat.org
Boosters That Anchor with LATCH: Pros & Cons
The anchoring of belt-positioning boosters (BPBs) with LATCH attachments is a growing trend. More and more BPBs are coming with hardware for attachment to lower and/or tether anchors. (See the list in the box.) This type of installation is not required, however, as BPBs must pass 213 with only the lap-shoulder belt holding the dummy.
Anchoring a BPB to the vehicle has the practical benefit of assuring that it is attached to the vehicle when the child is not riding in it. The problem of loose BPBs that could cause injury to other riders in a crash is very real (see article above). Directions to either remove a BPB from the car or buckle it up when empty are not prominent in most product instructions. This usage point is not covered in the participants’ manual of the current CPST curriculum.
In addition, anecdotal observations indicate that parents often fasten the tether in order to stabilize the top of a high-back BPB (as in a combination seat that comes with LATCH) when the child is climbing in and out of it. Lower attachments could also serve that purpose for the backless BPBs so equipped. Combination CRs come with LATCH attachments, so it may seem logical to consumers to put them to use in the BPB mode, perhaps without reviewing manufacturer instructions.
Indeed, not all manufacturers agree that BPBs should be restrained with tethers or lower anchors. Therefore, it is always important to read and follow the manufacturer’s advice regarding each CR.
Another important consideration is the vehicle lower anchor weight limits with relation to BPB use, as well as the vehicle manufacturer’s advice. Chrysler allows this use if the booster manufacturer permits it—as long as the LATCH anchors do not interfere with the safety belt. A joint child restraint-vehicle industry group
Boosters and Combination CRs That Allow LATCH Use in Booster Mode
Update for the LATCH Manual Quick Reference List— June 2010
Combination CRs used as BPBs
Britax: Frontier may use the top tether and lower anchors in booster mode (should pull to tighten with reasonable effort, though the 1" rule need not be strictly followed)
Evenflo: top tether and lower anchors can be used on combination CRs used as boosters (must install tightly like a CR)
Graco (& Century): top tether allowed on some early models of combination CRs used as boosters (check instructions)
Recaro: use of top tether recommended for Young Sport
Safeguard: Go (Now sold by Dorel)
Team Tex America: Airway and Nuevo/Solo may use the top tether and lower anchors in booster mode.
Belt-Positioning Boosters
Clek (Magna): Olli and Ozzi no-back and Oobr highback booster use rigid lower attachments
Jané: Indy Plus uses rigid lower attachments (Discontinued)
Team Plus uses rigid lower attachments
Learning Curve: Pathway uses flexible lower attachments (no adjustment on the strap, which is designed to stay somewhat loose)
Recaro: use of top tether recommended for Start
Safe Traffic Systems: BP-harness; tether of vest can be used to help hold shoulder belt or help hold child upright while lap-shoulder belt is in use
Sunshine Kids: Monterey uses flexible lower attachments (may be tightened or left loose)
©Safe Ride News 2010
Additional information: Safe Ride News, Jan/Feb 2008, and May/June 2010
Latch-Loc CR with Rigid LATCH Available
Baby Trend has announced the re-introduction of the Latch-Loc infant seat with rigid LATCH. The new production run includes design revisions to meet 2006 changes to FMVSS 213. Rigid LATCH connectors, common in Europe where LATCH is known as ISOFIX, became non-existent in the U.S. when the Latch-Loc was discontinued over a year ago. With its reintroduction, U.S. consumers interested in the ease of installation using rigid LATCH again have an option. Initial availability is at Target.com, Walmart.com, BabiesRUs.com, and the retail outlet Shopco. Availability at other retail locations is expected soon.
Safe Ride News, March/April 2008
Sunshine Kids - SuperLATCH
A new, radically redesigned lower connector system, called SuperLATCH (SL), is a major improvement to Sunshine Kids’ Radian line of CRs. This innovation marks an important step in how CRs are designed and may even represent a crossroads regarding LATCH use.
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