Installing Graco SnugRide in Subaru Outback

[lilbit]

Hi. I've never posted in this forum before but I figured some of the experts here might be able to help.

I'm due with #2 in 3 weeks and DH tried to install our SnugRide in my 2006 Outback today without much luck :(

The Snug Ride is left over from DD #1 so it is just over 2yrs old. With DD #1 I had it in the center of my Subaru Forester and it was snug as a bug. Now we are trying to install it on the side (having my DD#1 in her Marathon on the opposite side) of my Outback. DH used the latch belt hooks and wedged in a rolled towel...the back (against the seat where in baby's feet will be) is nice and tight but I can grab the front (head) of the base and yank it up and down! It's totally not secure.

Are we missing something here? I don't recall it being so difficult last time...infact, when I took it to the police station last time for an inspection they said they'd never seen one installed so well!

I didn't expect to have any trouble and I'm a little nervous now as the EDD is quickly approaching! Thanks so much for any ideas :)

[niccig]

Look at the installation vidoes that are posted in the carseat 101 post - they'll show you what a good install is.


You test for tightness where the belt path is. You push/pull here and as long as it doesn't move more than 1 inch, it's good.

All RF seats that aren't tethered, ie. all except for Britax or Radian, will have some give at the front of the seat ie. where baby's head is. I can lift my safety first uptown up off the seat at the front by an inch or two, but it's rock solid at the belt path and doesn't move at all. They're designed to do this. Look at some of the crash testing footage of an infant seat and you'll see that the front moves towards the vehicle seatback. Sounds like you seat is in tight. Now my RF Britax Boulevard doesn't move at the belt path or at the top of the seat because the top tether is used - you push on that seat and the whole car moves. You can't tether a snugride nor most convertible seats, it's an added feature with a Britax or the Radian.

HTH