Got my new BV installed today - Did I do ok?

[dianna]

We just got the BV installed, and I have a few pics that hopefully Jools and the other techs can look at and tell me how I did. I am a little concerned about the recline. Is it too far back? Its so hard to figure out the 45 degrees exactly since the seat back isn't exactly a straight line. Also, the tether is off to the one side of the seat, since its attached to the passenger side seat rail. Is that ok?

The seat is rock solid. I used a rolled towel at the base to get a tighter install. Is that ok?

Also, with the center lap belt, what do I do with the extra slack from the belt? Should that run back through the lock off? Or should I just let it hang out? Right now only the belt (not the remaining belt piece) is through the lockoff. I also assume that when I ran it through the seat, the belt should be under the foam? THANKS!!!

FYI - This is the back of a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

http://i3.tinypic.com/w7d1uc.jpg
http://i3.tinypic.com/w7d283.jpg
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http://i3.tinypic.com/w7d2x1.jpg
http://i3.tinypic.com/w7d35f.jpg
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http://i3.tinypic.com/w7d4qq.jpg
http://i3.tinypic.com/w7d4yc.jpg

[DeeEast]

I can't comment on the installation, but what pattern is that BV? I don't recognize it from those pictures. Just curious.

[Kat_Mom2D_J_andRuthie]

I think you did a fabulous job... you don't have to run the other part of the belt back through, but I like to...

the manual doesn't specify a rule about the comfort foam, but I like it under so it doesn't compress the foam... I'd think the seat is more comfy this way.

it looks like your seats are REALLY slanted... so I think a towel was warrented.... but you should be able to get a tight fit without it, though the harness adjuster looks like it would be a lot harder to get to... so I'd leave it and not worry.

GREAT JOB... when I see dents in the seat, I know you have that sucker in tight.... and I see dents.... not to worry... they'll pop back in time after the seat is removed.

Kat

[dianna]

Its the Park Avenue. Since I took the pics from the side, you can't really see the stripes on the interior part of the seat.

Here's my little guy checking out his new seat!

http://i3.tinypic.com/w7kc5k.jpg

[dianna]

Thanks for the feedback! Is there a good way to decide if the recline is ok? Its about 45 degrees, but you can only be so accurate when the seat back isn't a straight line.

Is it better to have it more upright? Or is there a danger in that? I know for newborns it is more of an issue for breathing, but at 8 months is the recline issue more for comfort and making sure their head lays back?

[Kat_Mom2D_J_andRuthie]

more upright, as long as the head doesn't flop down (to the side is fine).

it's safer, especially in forward facing.

but until baby is 1yr old, you shouldn't have it more upright than 30*

[Joolsplus2]

To *me*, it looks a bit too reclined. You can measure recline by looking at the shoulderbelt lockoff on the side of the seat, and if it's a precise diagonal, that's 45 degrees...I think it looks to be laying a little flatter down than a diagonal line (could be camera angle? it's definitely not way too reclined, at any rate). You can fix that by cranking down on the lapbelt a little more, and loosening the tether some (it needs to not have slack but it doesn't have to be tight like the seatbelt). A bit more upright should give you more room in the front, and since there are headwings that will help with sleeping head-flop, too.
You can do whatever you want with your spare seatbelt webbing, it's just aeshetics as long as the clip is locked...(and since it's a lapbelt, you don't even need your lockoffs at all, but no reason to NOT use them, either).


And of course, for the most important part: Ohhhh, cute baby!
:)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 3 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx

[dianna]

Thanks Julie. I'll try loosening up the tether a bit. Its pulled pretty tight.

He does look pretty happy in that seat! :)