Car Seat Question...?

Question

we got olivias car seat from my SIL because my nephew is only a year old...however i think it may be missing some parts....its an evenflo infant car sear...so i have the base, 1 seat belt latch (hooks on top of the seat and in between), and the seat itself. my sister helped me install it but was a little confused. i know its not completely instaled properly. im planning on going and just buying a brand new infant car seat this weekend, im fed up with this all and just want my baby to be safe. my SIL doesnt have the directions.....so does it sound like all the parts are here or what? im just trying the last straw before i throw it out.

Answer 1

I can't see how you could have missing parts, nothing important comes off most seats.  You don't really need teh latch though it is generally easier to install using LATCH than a seatbelt.  If using seatbelts you may need a seatbelt locking clip if your seatbelts are not locking ones (ie ones that only lock during breaking/crash).  Those are often not included/lost and can be found at any car store or hardware store.

Evenflo has all their manuals online, and their customer service line would be happy to help you find the model number.

Answer 2

Just wanted to make sure you saw this:  http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/20...

You didn't mention which model your seat is, but you should check the model number (should be somewhere on the bottom of your seat).  I'm trying to see if I can find a manual online for you, if I find it I'll post the link.

Edit: here's Evenflo's car seat installation video, from their website, might help a little (you'll have to select which car seat you have): http://www.evenflo.com/Homepage/SurveyLa...

Ok, found it (sort of!).  https://plweb.evenflo.com/replacement_pa...

You have to enter the model number, but it does say that you can order a free instructions manual online.

Answer 3

sounds like you have all the parts.... dont go spend any money on a new one just yet.

But if you are unsure, totally go get it checked by the fire dept or police dept. they will install it for you and answer any questions you have about it. you'll sleep better having had a professional take a look.

What you can also look for on the base or bottom of the seat itself is an expiration date.. mine says its good until 2011.

totally check that as well. not only is it unsafe to have an expired one. its a HEFTY ticket if you are in a car accident and the seat is checked... etc.

good luck.

Answer 4

You could take it to a fire department to check to see if it is properly installed, but a mother knows best so if your instinct tells you to buy another one then thats probably your safest and best bet.

Answer 5

Try the manufacturer's website.  They may have the manual online, and sometimes customer service will provide you with the parts you're missing.

Answer 6

If you are unsure if the car seat is safe or if it is installed properly, don't be afraid to contact your local police department. Almost every police department has an officer that is strictly involved with "community education" and one thing they do is install car seats. Seriously. They started doing this when they realized that the number one reason for baby or child fatalities that should have been avoided with the help of car seats in a crash was because 90% of them were not being installed properly. Even if you choose not to go to the station and have your SIL's car seat installed by the community liaison officer, I would still highly recommend you contact your local police department and find out when their next "Car seat clinic" is. It doesn't matter how new the car seat is, the likelihood of improper installation is so huge that secure your child's car safety is worth it.