PROTECTING
PRECIOUS CARGO BEGINS WITH PROPER INSTALLATION
Helpful Tips to Installing Car Seats using the LATCH
System
A
recent study conducted by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration found that many parents are
not correctly using LATCH, which stands for Lower
Anchors and Tethers
for Children.
The LATCH system was mandated by the federal government
in an effort to standardize and simplify the installation
of child restraints without using seatbelts. However,
according to the survey, "40 percent of parents still
rely on the vehicles' seat belts when installing their
car seats." The survey also found that many parents
are "unaware of the existence of or the importance
of the tethers when securing the seat to the vehicle
and only 55 percent of parents are using the top tether."
All vehicles that were manufactured after September
1, 2002 are equipped with the LATCH system; and, if
used correctly, it can be a very effective way to
help keep children restrained in a crash.
To help eliminate the confusion, we'd like to provide
some tips to parents on installing their car seats
using the LATCH system.
In the vehicle, first identify the LATCH system:
 *
The LATCH system consists of two lower anchor points
located at the seat crease (where the vehicle seat
cushion meets the vehicle seat back).
* The upper anchor (for the tether system) will be
a ring-like piece, permanently attached to the frame
of the vehicle. This will be in different locations
depending on your vehicle, so be sure to check your
vehicle's owner's manual.
* On the child safety seat, look for hooks, buckles
or other connectors that snap onto the lower anchors
in the vehicle.
* The tether strap on the child safety seat will be
located near the top and will connect to the upper
anchorage ring.
* If the anchor points are not easily found, look
for this symbol at the seat crease.
Once you have consulted the owner's manuals for both
your vehicle and child safety seat and have located
the anchors, the following tips will help ensure proper
installation:
Installation for a rear-facing seat with a base:
*
Hook the LATCH attachments to the lower vehicle anchors.
Make sure the LATCH belts are not twisted.
* Make sure the base is pressed firmly against the
vehicle seat back and tighten the LATCH belt by pressing
down hard with your knee in the middle of the base
and pull to tighten the LATCH belt.
* Make sure the seat is at a 45-degree angle; if the seat is
not at the proper angle, either adjust the recline on the seat
by raising or lowering the foot (if available) or by rolling a
towel and placing it underneath base at the vehicle seat crease.
Installation
for a forward-facing seat:
*
Hook the LATCH attachments to the lower vehicle anchors.
Make sure the LATCH belts are not twisted.
* Make sure the seat is pressed firmly against the vehicle seat back
and tighten the LATCH belt by pressing down hard with your knee in the
middle of the seat and pull to tighten the LATCH belt.
* Attach the top tether to the appropriate anchor
and tighten the strap.
For either seat, check for a secure fit by pulling
from side to side at the belt path. The seat should
not move more than an inch forward or sideways. Also
be aware that LATCH is not used with a booster seat
and that different vehicle manufacturers have different
upper weight limits for the LATCH system. You should
check your vehicle owner's manual or check with the
vehicle manufacturer to confirm this upper weight
limit.
If parents are still unsure about installing their
car seat properly, they can arrange to have the child
safety seat inspected by a certified technician. To
find a child safety seat inspection location, call
toll-free 1-866-SEATCHECK or visit www.seatcheck.org
or log onto http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov
and click on the "child seat inspections" button.
Used by permission
Submitted by: Lindsay Lebresco
Public Relations & Advertising Manager
Graco Children's Products
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