Need help with installing my car seat base?

Question

My sister gave me her car seat that comes with a LATCH base (the brand is Baby Trend if that helps). She did not give me the installation manual but the base has basic installation instructions on it. It says that I need to hook the base onto the anchors in the back seat so I was trying to do that but I could not find the anchors. I have a 1993 Toyota Corolla. Does my model even have the anchors? If they are there somewhere, I could not see or feel any in or around the back seat. If anyone happens to know how to install a LATCH type car seat base into a vehicle such as mine, I would appreciate any advice. If all else fails, I guess I will go see my sister so she can help, but I just wanted to see if I could figure it out myself first.

Answer 1

Your research is right - LATCH wasn't required until 2002, so that's 2003 model year vehicles and newer. Yours does not have LATCH anchors.  It will have a place you can install a tether anchor - in the back dash. TAke it to a dealer, tell them you need a tether anchor. They will tell you how much the part cost. Sometimes they'll install one for free - my Honda dealership wanted $60 to install ours, so I did it myself - it was nothing more than s******g a bolt in the predrilled hole in my back window dash of my Civic.

But - you don't need the tether anchor for an infant seat - so you've got time to get that done. :) YOu CAN use the seatbelt to install the seat and it is just as safe as LATCH. LATCH wa sinvented for convenience, it is not safer than seatbelts.

Definitely go to Baby Trend's website and download or order a new manual. You will need to get the model number, serial number, and date of manufacture off the labels on the seat.

Also - see a tech to make sure the seat gets installed correctly and that you're using it correclty. Make sure its a certified CPST, though. Not every fire/police man who says they'll help you with your seat has actually undergone the 40 hour course to become one, and they make deadly mistakes.

Answer 2

Your car probably does not have the LATCH anchors in it. You should still be able to install the car seat normally without the anchors though. If you are unsure about it , there are usually free installs for car seats. Check for  your local Permanent Child Passenger Safety Fitting Sites. Better to be safe than sorry.

Answer 3

Your car does not have LATCH, but you can easily do a seatbelt install.  If you have a lap only belt then it is even simpler.  Buckle the lap belt, put your weight on the base and pull the lapbelt as tightly as possible.  The base should move less than one inch at the belt path (where the seatbelt goes through the base).

Find a CPST (carseat tech) who can teach you how to install the seat.  90% of seats are NOT installed correctly.  I know ours wasn't.

Definitely call Baby Trend to get a replacement manual.

Answer 4

Try this site.............

http://www.aap.org/family/carseatguide.h...