We just recently switched the base to our Passat (2001) and it seems that it's too loose. I pull the seatbelt out all the way bc it has a shoulder strap too and then pull it tighter but it doesn't seem to get as tight as when we had it in our SUV with just the lap belt. It also seems lopsided so his head falls to the left a little. Urgh. I put my knee into the base to make it tight and I seemed to tighten it too much bc the shoulder strap made it even more lopsided. HELP!

By Palmbchprincess on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 06:25 pm:

A 2001 Passat has LATCH. My '01 Jetta is Latch equipped, so I know your car will be. The LATCH clips are deep, and harder to use than the ones in my SUV, but check your manual. If you don't have a LATCH car seat, maybe a rolled up towel on the lower side will even out the lopsided-ness. (Trina would know better than I) Also call the company that makes the car seat, they have LATCH converters for some older seats.

By Mrsheidi on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 06:29 pm:

Yeah, it has the latch system...do we use that for rear-facing though? My son is 3 months and about 14 lbs.

By Trina~moderator on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 09:41 pm:

According to my LATCH/Tether manual 99-02 Volkswagen Passats don't have LATCH. (Started in the 2003 models). However, it appears there is a LATCH retrofit kit (Part # ZVW 269 001). Volkswagen is one of the very few car manufacturers who offer retrofit LATCH. Only in the outboard positions, not the center.

Personally, since you only have one child, I'd keep him in the center. That is the safest position because it's furthest from side impact crashes. I suggest installing the base and using the locking clip. This will help to get it in tighter and prevent the tilt. I highly recommend finding a CPS Tech in your area. He/she will teach you how to get your car seat in as tightly and safely as possible.

SeatCheck.org

SafeKids.org
(In the "CPS Certification" section)

I just peeked in your profile. Your DS is a cutie! Be sure to keep him rear facing until he is at least 12 mos. AND 20 lbs.. Those are the bare minimum requirements for forward facing. The AAP now recommends kids stay rear facing until they outgrow the rear facing limits of their convertible car seat. (The next step when your DS outgrows his current infant carrier.) A 5 pt. harnessed car seat is the safest choice.

I'd be happy to help if you have any further questions or concerns.

Trina
Certified Child Passenger Safety Tech

By Trina~moderator on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 09:45 pm:

Almost forgot... 99-02 Passats have top tether anchors but not lower LATCH anchors. Typically, rear facing car seats don't use tether anchors. (There are exceptions but they're not an issue in this case. )

By Mrsheidi on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 11:15 am:

Thanks, Trina! Yeah, I guess I thought that the tether anchors were "latch". It's so confusing sometimes. I checked the websites and I'm going to get it checked at Babies R Us tomorrow! Thanks again! And thanks for the compliment on my little cutie! PS- What's a locking clip? Is it supposed to be on the seatbelt itself?

By Andi on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 11:31 am:

I have a 99 Passat and we had to twist the buckle part of the seatbelt to get the base of the infant seat nice and tight. When you move to a regular car seat, we have the Britax Roundabout, that fits in great, forward and backwards.

By Trina~moderator on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 01:06 pm:

There should be a locking clip attached to your infant carrier. Either on the bottom of the carrier itself or on the base. It's a metal, sort of "H" shaped clip. I wish I could jump into your car and show you! LOL! It goes on the seat belt 1" from the buckle. Wish I had pics. The CPS Tech will show you.

Words of wisdom: If you go to the Car Seat Clinic at BabiesRUs tomorrow - Get there EARLY, even 30 minutes before it starts. If not, you'll most likely have to wait an hour or two. I kid you not! It may be easier to find a permanent Car Seat Check station and set up an appointment.

By Palmbchprincess on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 01:11 pm:

Trina,
I'm a bit confused now. In my Jetta I have the clips between the seat cushions, and the top anchor on the back dash. We install the carseats with all 3 points, since they are in forward facing seats. Like I said earlier, the lower tethers are not well positioned in my VW, difficult to get to in comparison with most other vehicles I've used.

By Trina~moderator on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 02:27 pm:

Crystal, don't ask me why Volkswagen would do this, but according to my LATCH/Tether manual, the 2001 Jetta has LATCH (lower anchors in the bight of the vehicle seat) but the 2001 Passat doesn't.

By Palmbchprincess on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 03:10 pm:

Wow, I just assumed the Passat would, since it is an "upgrade" of the Jetta. German engineers must think Passats aren't for mommies!!

By Mrsheidi on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 04:43 pm:

Hey Trina, I went to the Babies R US towards the end of the shift and they fixed the situation! I can't believe how tight it is now...I feel so much better.

By Trina~moderator on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 05:06 pm:

Glad to hear it! That's what CPS Techs do. *S* How long did you have to wait?

If anyone has any questions or concerns, or if you're not happy with your car seat installations please, please contact a CPS Tech in your area.
Links listed above.