Support

Installation FAQs

• Can I install a car seat next to a side curtain airbag?

  Britax recommends that caregivers follow directions provided by the vehicle manufacturer for installation of car seats next to side impact air bags.

• Can I install Britax seats using both LATCH and the vehicle seat belt?

  No. Britax car seats should be installed using only one installation method – either the vehicle’s seat belt and car seat tether (if anchor is available) or LATCH. Parents should always refer to the car seat user guide with any questions.

• I have installed my car seat using the LATCH but the seat is moving left to right. Is this safe?

  Excessive movement is described as movement of more than an inch side-to-side or front-to-back.

  If the seat moves more than an inch side-to-side or front to back, it is not considered a secure installation. Some tips that may help reduce the side-to-side movements include:

  • • Use an anti-skid mat (Non-Adhesive Shelf Liner) under base
  • • Elevate the recline, being certain not to exceed level position

  If a secure installation cannot be obtained, try another seating position or install with the vehicle seat belt.

• Where can I have my car seat installation inspected?

  Parents can search for local car seat inspection stations on the NHTSA website.

  Local Child passenger safety technicians can be located on the SafeKids website.

• How do I know when to switch from lower anchor installation to a vehicle seat belt and car seat tether installation?

  The installation of a car seat should be switched from lower anchors to a vehicle seat belt and car seat tether when the child’s weight meets or exceeds the maximum child weight indicated on the car seat label, in the car seat user guide and in the vehicle owner’s manual. If the vehicle and car seat prescribe two different maximum child-weight capacities, use of lower anchors should be discontinued at the lower of the two weight capacities.

• Do the NHTSA lower anchor weight limits labeling requirements also apply to the tether anchors?

  No. The label required by NHTSA that indicates maximum child weight for installing a car seat with lower anchors is specific to the vehicle’s particular lower anchors. The vehicle owner’s manual and car seat user guide should be reviewed for specific direction for tether anchor use. Weight capacity for tether anchor use could be different than for lower anchors, especially when a vehicle seat belt is used to install a car seat.

• Does the NHTSA’s lower anchor weight limits label requirement affect Canadian seats?

  Canada has a different standard for car seats called the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS). Ultimately, these changes affecting installation using vehicle lower anchors may be included in Canadian vehicle owner’s manuals; however, it is not currently a requirement. Vehicle owner’s manuals and car seat user guides should be reviewed before installing a car seat.
  

• How do I find the LATCH weight limits for my vehicle?

  Refer to the vehicle owner’s manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer for weight capacities for LATCH (lower anchors and/or tether anchors).

• What is a tether anchor?

  A top tether anchor is the spot in the vehicle where the car seat’s tether strap is connected. Vehicles typically have three tether anchors. The tether on forward-facing car seats and some rear-facing car seats can be attached to the tether anchor in a vehicle.

• If my vehicle does not have tether anchors, where can I get them installed?

  Caregivers should contact their vehicle manufacturer for more information, as they may be able to install a tether anchor for a nominal fee.

• Can I use an inflatable seat belt to install my Britax car sear?

  Not all models of BRITAX car seats are approved for use with inflatable seat belts.

  At this time, ONLY the Ford Motor Company (Ford and Lincoln vehicles) Inflatable seat belt system is approved for use with the following BRITAX models:

  • B-SAFE (please note: this is the retired model with 30 lb. capacity);

  • Britax G Series Convertibles (Roundabout, Marathon, Boulevard, Advocate; please note: these are all retired seats – not the CLICKTIGHT models);

  • Pioneer 70, Pioneer;

  • Frontier, Frontier 85, Frontier 90, Frontier CLICKTIGHT;

  • Pinnacle 90, Pinnacle CLICKTIGHT; and

  • Parkway SG and Parkway SGL.

  Any model not expressly listed above are not approved for use with the Ford Inflatable seat belt system or any other inflatable seat belt system.

  For more information on Inflatable seat belts, please click here.

• What is a tether strap and why is it important to use?

  The tether strap is typically located on the upper part of the back of the car seat. Parents should read the car seat user guide to understand how the tether works.

  The use of the tether when installing a forward-facing car seat can reduce forward movement of the child’s head by 4 to 6 inches in the event of a crash.

• Can a Britax child seat be installed in the rear center seating position using the lower anchors of the outboard seating positions?

  Check your vehicle owner’s manual to learn if it is equipped with LATCH, the maximum weight rating for the lower anchors, tether anchors capacities, and information on the lower anchor locations and designated seating positions. Britax child seats can only be used with lower anchors in a vehicle designated LATCH seating position with a standard spacing between LATCH anchors is 11 inches (27.9 cm).

  SOME older BRITAX child seats with flexible attachments allowed use in a seating position with up to 20 inches (50.8 cm) of space between the LATCH anchors if the vehicle manufacturer allows.

• Can a car seat be installed in the front seat of a vehicle?

  The safest seating position for your child in any vehicle is in the back seat. If a back seat position is not available, keep these tips in mind:

  • NEVER place a car seat rear-facing in a front passenger seat that has an active airbag.
  • If you need to place the car seat in the front seat, make sure the airbag is turned off and move the vehicle seat as far back as possible. DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY can occur if an airbag contacts the seat.
  • (The airbag does not have to be switched off when the seat is placed forward-facing in front of an airbag.)
• How do I know what type of seat belt retractor is in my vehicle?

  For details on the type of seat belt system in your vehicle, consult your vehicle owner's manual.

• How can I tell if my car seat is properly installed?

  It is important to follow the directions provided with the car seat AND the vehicle in order to achieve a proper installation. After installation, grasp the seat near the belt path to check for excessive movement. Excessive movement is described as movement of more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path.

  If after reading the user guide and vehicle owner’s manual you’re unsure about the installation of your car seat, you may find demonstration videos on the Britax YouTube Channel helpful. If you would like to have a local child passenger safety technician inspect your car seat, visit www.safekids.org to find an inspection station near you.

• Does Britax offer training programs on installation techniques?

  Special training programs are not currently offered by Britax.

  To have your installation checked by a certified child passenger safety technician, visit our Checking Station page to see our event dates. To locate an inspection station in your area, visit www.safekids.org .

• How far can my harnessed car seat (infant, convertible, harness-2-booster) overhang the vehicle seat?

  It is important that the base of the car seat rests completely flat on the vehicle seat. As seen in the illustration, it is permissible to allow up to 3 in. (7.6 cm) of the base to hang over the edge of the vehicle seat. Some vehicle seats do not allow enough of the car seat base to contact the vehicle seat. If this is the case for a forward-facing installation, adjust the seat to the upright position. For a rear-facing installation, choose another seating position. Not doing so could cause the car seat to not perform as intended. Belt-positioning boosters do not allow overhang.

• Will a Britax car seat fit in my car?

  We encourage you to try installing the car seat directly into your car prior to purchase, because not all car seats are compatible with all vehicles and all occupants of the vehicle.

  If you’re considering a convertible car seat, try it in both the rear-facing and forward-facing positions. Also, be sure to check the vehicle owner's manual for the type of retractor on the seat belt and verify that the type of retractor is compatible with your chosen car seat.

• Why is it important to use the top tether when installing car seats?

  The use of a top tether can reduce the distance that your child’s head moves forward in the event of a crash (also called head excursion) by 4 to 6 inches, thereby minimizing the risk of injury.

• Does Britax recommend using top tethers?

  Since the use of the tether increases the performance of a child safety seat during a crash, Britax recommends using the tether at all times for car seats equipped with a tether. The tether should be used for forward-facing car seats installed using the vehicle seat belt or LATCH system. Consult your vehicle owner's manual for tether anchor locations and weight capacities.

• My car seat doesn’t seem to be as secure now as when I first purchased it. What can I do?

  The process of seating and removing your child along with the motion from your vehicle moving can shake your car seat loose over time. It is very important that you check the fit often and reinstall your car seat periodically.

• Is it safer to use LATCH or the vehicle seat belt and car seat tether (if anchor is available) to install a car seat?

  Installed correctly, both methods of installation are equally safe. Always refer to the vehicle owner’s manual guide and car sear user guide to determine the best installation method.

• What is the LATCH system?

  LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. To help make installations easier, LATCH is required on car seats and in most vehicles manufactured on or after Sept. 1, 2002. Keep in mind that car seats can typically be installed with LATCH OR a vehicle seat belt. Always refer to the vehicle owner’s manual and car seat user guide.

• The anti-rebound bar is not making complete contact with the vehicle seat back. Is this okay?

  The contour of the vehicle seat will affect the amount of contact between the seat back and the anti-rebound bar. Once a firm installation is achieved, the space is typically minimal.

• Where is the safest seating position to install my child’s car seat?

  The safest seating position for your child in any vehicle is in the back seat. The center of the rear seat is preferable to outboard positions, as long as you can achieve a tight installation, because it is the furthest from a side impact. It’s important, however, to keep in mind that if you’re not able to install your car seat in the center position, a properly installed car seat in an outboard position will still provide excellent protection for your child during a crash. Make sure to check your car seat and vehicle user’s guides for available seating positions.

• How do I know what type of seat belt retractor is in my vehicle?

  For details on the type of seat belt system in your vehicle, consult your vehicle's owner's manual.

• How far can my car seat overhang the vehicle seat?

  Harness Mode It is important that the base of the child seat rests completely flat on the vehicle seat with no side overhang. As seen in the illustration, it is permissible to allow up to 3 in. (7.6 cm) of the base to hang over the front edge of the vehicle seat. If the vehicle seat does not allow enough of the child seat base to make contact, adjust the recline angle to a more upright position. Not doing so could cause the child seat to not perform as intended. -------------------- Booster Mode Overhang is not allowed in booster mode. In booster mode, the base of the child seat must fit completely on the vehicle seat.