[DPline]

Originally Posted by angelkisses0102

Amy~
[font=Comic Sans MS]Also, is Hannah forward facing? You can't use tethers until then...

With the Britax seats you can tether rear facing. Britax and the Safeline Sit 'n' Stroll are the only ones you can.

[DPline]

Also, to clarify about the LATCH system and tethers. LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. LATCH includes two lower anchor attachments and a top tether. The term is often used generically to refer only to the pair of fixed lower anchors built into the bight or crack between the seat back and seat cushion. These anchors are specifically designed for carseat installation. When used, seatbelts are no longer necessary to install the carseat. The idea is to make it easier to install carseats safely, and to make it more universal among carseats and vehicles. It is mandatory on vehicles manufactured after September 1, 2002. The car seats have two straps on either side of the seat that latch to those loops instead of securing the seat with the seat belt.

Most if not all car seats have top tethers. A top-tether is simply a strap that connects the top of the carseat to an anchor mounted in the vehicle at a location behind the carseat, usually on the floor, the ceiling or the rear of the seat. It is designed to prevent the forward movement of the top of a carseat in a crash. This reduces the head excursion of the child, and can reduce the chances of injury. Almost all current carseats can only meet the tougher new federal safety standards when the tether is used, even though they must still meet the minimum safety standards without a tether. Most vehicles 2001 or newer have tether anchors already installed and many earlier models can be retrofitted with tethers through the dealership - often at no charge.

Here is a site with a lot of great information about use of LATCH and top tethers as well as a lot of other good information about car seat use.

LATCH and Top Tether Information for Child Safety Seat Restraints

[DPline]

Originally Posted by madden's.mom

Hey. We have the Britax Marathon and the directions specifically say not to use the top tether and the side ones at the same time for forward facing seats.

Britax recommends always using the tether. Where did you find in the manual not to use the top tether and LATCH? Or am I misundertanding what you are saying? On the page it talks about removal from a forward facing position when LATCH is used, it specifically says

Removal
• Release each LATCH harness from
the LATCH anchor by pressing the
red release button on the LATCH connector.
• If connected, disconnect the Versa-Tether® from the tether anchor.

[LilyMoon]

Thanks for the info on the LATCH and teethers system. I am going to check my owner's manual and figure this out. I already ordered the Britax Regent car seat.