Trina, carseat problem!!!
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Shane is 4 years old, and just about 40lb. We have him in this seat.
Thee problem is he can unbuckle both the chest and crotch buckles, and will do so EVERY time we're in the car. We've tried everything from haveing the police tell him why it's important to wear seat belts, taking privlidges, punishments, rewards, NOTHING is working. Is he ready to go to the booster without the 5 PT?? He'll often climb into the next seat and buckle up in a regular seat belt. I'm at my wits end, because I can be doing 70 on the interstate, and he'll get out of his seat. TIA!!!!!
Wow Crystal, I'm still having trouble believing your twins are 4 yrs. old already! LOL!
The harness on the Evenflo Chase goes up to 40 lbs., so yes, it's time to remove it. We recommend kids stay in a harnessed car seat until at least 4 yrs. and 40 lbs. and Shane meets those minimum requirements. However, if he's unable to sit properly in a belt positioning booster I would recommend getting a car seat that harnesses past 40 lbs..
Over 40
Another option not listed at the link above is the Fisher Price Safe Voyage. It's a convertible car seat that harnesses up to 55 lbs..
Amen on the four years old already... My gosh it just seems like yesterday...
Crystal, I'll warn you (not that you aren't already expecting it). If Shane can unbuckle those harnesses, he can unbuckle his seatbelt. Timmy used to think it was funny until an abrupt stop and spanking on the highway one day.
It was not pretty for either of us.
We have my 4.5 year old in a booster without the 5 point harness. He does much better without the harness. He would do the same thing as your DS. Unbuckle himself while in route. With the new "big boy" seat belt, he is a little charm. Thinks he's big as pie now! No problems so far; knock on wood 
Good luck!!
Thanks Trina.
I'm pretty sure he'll leave the seatbelt alone, he CAN unbuckle it, but I think it's a matter of wanting to be a big boy, and have a regular seat belt. Now, so I install the car seat the same way, or do I just use the seat belt?
Madison is no where close to the weight requirement, but she doesn't mind the 5-pt. Thanks for your help... if the belt positioner doesn't kep him in, I'll buy a different one, but I'm concerned he'll do the same thing, and unbuckle it. He's reached that point of wanting independance. Thanks again, I don't know what I'd do without your car seat advice!!!
You're welcome. To answer your question, no, it doesn't install the same way. Check the manual to be sure, but when most combination car seats transition from the harnessed mode to the booster mode (there are exceptions but I don't think your particular seat is one of them): Remove the harness and unhook the LATCH and tether anchors. It is now simply a belt positioning booster and isn't installed like a traditional car seat. Use the vehicle seat belt to restrain the child. Be sure to buckle the booster in when not in use to prevent it from becoming a projectile during hard braking or a crash. HTH!
Thanks again, Trina!! We're off for our trek back to KS!
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