Diaper Swappers

Cloth4us · 08-21-2011, 02:07 PM

We have a 2002 Nissan maxima. We have the graco infant carrier for 6 mo old, no back booster for 5 yr old, weighing about 45 lbs, and new radian 65 for 2 yr old weighing 26 lbs. This is our 2 nd car. Only used sometimes on weekends with these three and will be used two days a week with a 54 lb child in booster and the 45 lb child in radian. Should I use the latch? The car manual does not specify a weight limit to the latch. And Should I use the safety strap on the harness that says it must be used for children under 40 lbs. I'm really not sure who will be in the radian more often the 26 or 45 lb child, but it will be used for both every week.

jjordan · 08-21-2011, 05:31 PM

It's going to be very inconvenient to use the Radian for the 45# child and the 26# child, because the Radian MUST be used with the SafeStop for the 26# child, and must be used WITHOUT the SafeStop for the 45# child. I'm guessing that the reason you chose a Radian is because you need 3 across?

KrisM · 08-21-2011, 06:16 PM

The manual says that the SafeStop must be used for forward facing kids under 40lbs when installed using LATCH or the top tether. It's less than ideal, but if you don't use the SafeStop and don't use the tether, I think you are okay. Radians tested well without the top tether use, IIRC.

monica-m · 08-21-2011, 07:22 PM

If you use LATCH you MUST use the top tether and the Safe Stop. If you install with the seat belt you don't have to use the tether but it is still recommended. You only use the Safe Stop if you are using the tether but the tether is not optional if you are using the lower anchors to install.

The Safe Stop is only used for children forward facing under 40 lbs.

Any seat being installed forward facing with the lower anchors requires use of the top tether.

The top tether reduces head excursion anywhere from 4 to 6 inches so it is recommended that you use it for all forward facing installs.

Cloth4us · 08-22-2011, 06:14 AM

What is the safe stop for? Sounds like I should not use the safe stop, use the seat belt, and use the top tether. Is that right? I really wanted this seat so that the 26 lb and 45 lb child could both use the seat for carpools and quick trips. Didn't realize that it would be a little more difficult to fit two very different size children in the same seat, I think it's better than switching seats around every other day.

monica-m · 08-22-2011, 08:28 AM

The Safe Stop is a load limiting device that helps to reduce neck loads in an accident. It is against the manufacturer's instructions to use the top tether without the Safe Stop for a child under 40 lbs.

Cloth4us · 08-22-2011, 08:42 AM

So, is just using the seatbelt the best way to go? Kind of disappointing.

KrisM · 08-22-2011, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cloth4us

So, is just using the seatbelt the best way to go? Kind of disappointing.

You could use a seat other than a Radian. Others don't have a SafeStop.

But, if you have to use the Radian, no top tether and no safestop is allowed and would work. Not an ideal situation for sure

monica-m · 08-22-2011, 01:40 PM

You're going to have to uninstall the seat to change the harness height every time they kids switch out. Would it be possible to rear face the 2 year old and turn it around for the bigger kid since you are already uninstalling? You would have to move the harness straps but you would not have to worry about the Safe Stop.

TalkinBoutMyGirl · 08-22-2011, 10:50 PM

That is going to be a huge PITA to go between two kids who are such varying weights and heights. You may want to look at getting a seat with a no rethread harness so you can just slide it up and down for the different kiddos.

08-21-2011, 02:07 PM	#1
Cloth4us Registered Users Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 190 Ratings: 2 Feedback: 100%	Installing radian ?'s We have a 2002 Nissan maxima. We have the graco infant carrier for 6 mo old, no back booster for 5 yr old, weighing about 45 lbs, and new radian 65 for 2 yr old weighing 26 lbs. This is our 2 nd car. Only used sometimes on weekends with these three and will be used two days a week with a 54 lb child in booster and the 45 lb child in radian. Should I use the latch? The car manual does not specify a weight limit to the latch. And Should I use the safety strap on the harness that says it must be used for children under 40 lbs. I'm really not sure who will be in the radian more often the 26 or 45 lb child, but it will be used for both every week.

08-21-2011, 05:31 PM	#2
jjordan Registered Users Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 7,631 Ratings: 20 Feedback: 100%	Re: Installing radian ?'s It's going to be very inconvenient to use the Radian for the 45# child and the 26# child, because the Radian MUST be used with the SafeStop for the 26# child, and must be used WITHOUT the SafeStop for the 45# child. I'm guessing that the reason you chose a Radian is because you need 3 across?

08-21-2011, 06:16 PM	#3
KrisM Registered Users Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 2,013 Ratings: 2 Feedback: 100%	Re: Installing radian ?'s The manual says that the SafeStop must be used for forward facing kids under 40lbs when installed using LATCH or the top tether. It's less than ideal, but if you don't use the SafeStop and don't use the tether, I think you are okay. Radians tested well without the top tether use, IIRC. __________________ Kris Mom to 3 wonderful kids. Earn gift cards or paypal at Swagbucks! Click Here to join the fun! Last edited by KrisM; 08-21-2011 at 06:17 PM.

08-21-2011, 07:22 PM	#4
monica-m Registered Users Join Date: May 2010 Location: Pearland, TX Posts: 2,234 My Mood:	Re: Installing radian ?'s If you use LATCH you MUST use the top tether and the Safe Stop. If you install with the seat belt you don't have to use the tether but it is still recommended. You only use the Safe Stop if you are using the tether but the tether is not optional if you are using the lower anchors to install. The Safe Stop is only used for children forward facing under 40 lbs. Any seat being installed forward facing with the lower anchors requires use of the top tether. The top tether reduces head excursion anywhere from 4 to 6 inches so it is recommended that you use it for all forward facing installs. __________________ CPST-I and SAHM to DS

08-22-2011, 06:14 AM	#5
Cloth4us Registered Users Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 190 Ratings: 2 Feedback: 100%	Re: Installing radian ?'s What is the safe stop for? Sounds like I should not use the safe stop, use the seat belt, and use the top tether. Is that right? I really wanted this seat so that the 26 lb and 45 lb child could both use the seat for carpools and quick trips. Didn't realize that it would be a little more difficult to fit two very different size children in the same seat, I think it's better than switching seats around every other day.