November 20, 2009
- Bubble level guides make proper installation easy
- Spring-assisted level foot and “Center-Pull” adjustment for quick, easy and accurate installation
- LATCH system, with easy “push-on” style LATCH connectors
- Convenient, built-in belt lock-offs for cars without the LATCH system
- Enclosed underside of base protects vehicle seat from damage
Product DescriptionSingle-pull” LATCH adjustment for simple car seat installation. Two precision bubble levels instantly verify carseat level from either side of vehicle. Spring assist leveling foot for quick and easy adjustments. Integral auto belt lock-offs are simple and easy- No more locking clips! Smooth underside of base protects against damage to vehicle seats. Features: Single-pull LATCH adjustmentPrecision bubble levels on each sideSpring assist leveling foot for adjus. . . More >>
I purchased this seat on the recommendation of Consumer Reports, expecting the safest seat on the market. In order to make certain it was installed perfectly, I visited a local California police department and had a trained and certified car seat inspector install it.
Where the LATCH system attaches (or along the belt path if not using LATCH) the seat is very secure. Won’t budge an inch. HOWEVER, the back of the seat and base remain completely untethered and will lift up at least seven inches off the seat. My installer said this is incredibly unsafe in the event of being rear ended at moderate to high speeds.
I spoke with Chicco’s car seat safety person who said it isn’t a concern because most accidents are head on collisions. She also mentioned that in the past month they have received at least eight other complaints from the California Highway Patrol about this issue.
I’ve been looking into this issue extensively and have learned that all infant seats with bases are designed this way and have the same problem. It’s so common it has a name: Rebound.
So, unless you are certain that you will not be rear-ended avoid this and all infant seats designed to pop out of a base at all costs. They are not safe. Yes, being able to easily remove your child from the car is a great feature, but it IS NOT worth risking the safety of your child. My local certified police installer deems this seat and others of the same style unsafe. And from the mouth of Chicco’s own representative, so does the California Highway Patrol.
Britax Roundabout, Britax Roundabout Advantage, Britax Galaxy and the Britax Marathon are all convertible seats that are VERY safe and have been tested using a tether in a rear facing position that removes this ‘rebound’ issue.
For the sake of your child, bypass convenience and go with safety.
Chicco makes it easy to get the base in any vehicle properly and most importantly, safely. More pricey than other brands, but it’s something you’ll use almost everyday, so it’s worth the extra money. Two thumbs up!
We are so glad we purchased this base to use in our second car. It makes life so much easier and hassle free to have this already to go in the car. Just snap the seat in and we are off no reattaching and making sure its tight. Just nice to know its in there and locked down how you want it one time.
This is the 4th car seat I installed in my life and it’s absolutely by far the best. Look at the manufacturer’s website and click on the product demo. Yes, it is that easy. This base has a leveling foot and bubble levels so it is perfect in almost any car. It fits in both of our cars so well I can’t believe it. There is no doubt the car seat is secure. No more pillows or rolled towels.
Our 7 month old junior is outgrowing the 22lbs infant seat we borrowed. I wanted to install the convertible ones (Britax marathon) as rear facing but could not fit them into the back seat of our cars with enough angle. Tried to use pillows and towels to level the seat but it didn’t seem to be secure solution at all. Now he will travel securely and comfortably, rear facing until he is able to travel in forward facing toddler seat.
Big kudos to whoever designed this base!
I am a thrifty shopper but I think it’s worth to invest in your baby’s safety. This base is STURDY, easy to install and if it gets loose for any reason it will tell you because of the bubbles on the sides. I have three of them and no problems so far. If you are planning to have more than one baby kind of close, this will be a great investment.