Weight limit on LATCH system and car seat question?

[october_mom]

Someone recently just mentioned that most cars with LATCH have a weight limit of 40 lbs and some go up to 48 lbs. I was completely unaware of this and since ds is close to 40 lbs, dug out my owner's manual. I can't find anywhere in the manual that says my LATCH has a weight limit. I have a 2003 Subaru Legacy SE Wagon. I have two Britax carseats for the kids - a Marathon and a Wizard. Anyone know where I can find out this info (I tried looking it up on the Subaru Website as well).

I really like the snug fit I get with the LATCH. If there is a weight limit and I have to go to the seat belt method, would you reccomend I get ds a new seat (he's 4.5 yo and in Britax Marathon). I want to keep in in a 5 pt harness for as long as possible but the crotch belt in the Marathon seems to tight these days and I thought about maybe getting him a 5 pt harness booster with TSIP (no idea which one if such a seat exists).

Thanks for you help!

[momtoB]

I knew there was a thread a while back addressing the issue of using LATCH past 40lbs, did a search and here it is:
http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=13&topic_id=37553&mesg_id=37553&listing_type=search

As to your second question, the only seat that comes readily to mind that is a harnessed (combo) booster with TSIP is the Recaro Young Sport. It only harnesses to 40lbs though.

hth,
Cheryl
ds-4/21/03

[kellyotn]

I have no idea wha the Subaru LATCH limit is, but have you tried installing it with a seat belt? I have LATCH but choose the seat belt for FF b/c its so easy! I love their FF lockoffs. Unless something is tricky with your particular car, it may be a breeze... just something to consider.

How much does he weigh?

[Joolsplus2]

Well, here's a happy find for you :)... "Maximum weight limit for [subaru] LATCH anchors is 60 pounds" (both bottom and top anchors must be used).

Coolness :). Make SURE you can tell if the Britax manual tells you to stop using LATCH at 48 or can use it to higher, though (I have a screaming baby on my lap, so I can't do it right now)....

Julie CPS Tech and mom to 3 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx

[october_mom]

Actually the seat belts are still in the plastic wrap - never been used! DS was 36.5 lbs at his 4 year appt 7 months ago. I'm sure he's not 40 lbs yet but he's getting close.

[october_mom]

Thanks for the info! I'll check my Britax manual but I'm feeling better already!

[october_mom]

Thanks for the info. I guess the Marathon is still the seat for him!

[niccig]

I too have a subaru and I'm pretty happy about the 60lb weight limit. My DS is now where near that though. I was thinking to call Subaru and confirm that limit, rather than relying on someone else's web site - just in case.

[gatorsmom]

I just cleaned out my minivan and replaced my DS's infant car seat carrier with a Britax Marathon (we used it for my toddler in our second car). In fact, I removed and re-installed both seats and I was surprised to read in the instruction manual that, yes, there is a 40 lb weight limit for the Marathon(it's a 2003) when using the LATCH system. Maybe the limit has changed for newer carseats.

[Joolsplus2]

I got that from the official LATCH manual printed by www.saferidenews.com But I TOTALLY agree that calling Subaru is a good idea (they do their tests using Newtons, so heaven knows what they'll say, lol).

My Marathon manual is actually very clear about the Latch weight: Unless specified otherwise by the vehicle manufacturer,assume a 48 pond child is the <underlined> vehicle LATCH anchor limit."

They are saying it's the vehicle that may be limited, NOT the Marathon hooks. Of course, it's still a good idea to call Britax to double check, but those anchors are purty strong :).

:)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 3 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx

[bubbaray]

This is from the Britax USA website link for the US Marathon:

* Use vehicle seat belt (not LATCH connectors) for installations with children weighing more than 48 pounds (21 kg.). Refer to the vehicle's owner's manual for the maximum weight rating for their LATCH anchors.

There is no such "blurb" with respect to the Canadian spec'd Marathon, probably because the seat isn't legal here after 48lbs.

I recall from my manual that it is 40lbs, but I'll have to verify that. My Canadian MA was manufactured August 31, 2004.


Melissa

Maya Papaya!
http://lilypie.com/baby2/040411/3/4/1/-8/.png[/img][/url]

[niccig]

I didn't realise that's where the limit was printed from. Good to hear there's something good about subarus and car seats! ;-)

[Joolsplus2]

Yeah, sorry I didn't reference it the first time...

:)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 3 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx

[bubbaray]

The issue is confusing. There are LATCH limits for the child restraint AND for the anchors on the car itself. It gets particularly confusing for those of us with Hondas & Britax child restraints. This is because apparently Honda says not to use the LATCH system over 40lbs, but Britax says it is OK up to 48 lbs, but to check with your vehicle manufacturer.

So, who knows what the weight limit REALLY is. Its so very very confusing!

:(


Melissa

Maya Papaya!
http://lilypie.com/baby2/040411/3/4/1/-8/.png[/img][/url]