“There are certain model car seats that allow you to “double up” and use BOTH the lap/shoulder belt restraint and a LATCH system to secure the car seat. While not necessary, the option is available.”

However, it appears this may be the exception and not the rule. Importantly, you should follow the instructions for your specific seat. Two different Britax models that I have installed caution against using both latch and seatbelt at the same time.

“the other thought is that if you car seat is LATCH equipped (UAS) and the kids are below 48 pounds, you can use that and the seatbelt together (for added reliability)…plus the tether….”

Please take note that Britax specifically warns NOT to use the seatbelt and latch system at the same time. You must use one or the other, but not both. I just recently installed 2 Britax car seats, and after reading this warning, did some searches on the internet, and this is universal. The latch system is designed to work without the seatbelt and vice versa. The Tether can of course be used with latch or seatbelts as dictated by your car, carseat. James in San Antonio, TX.

as julie pointed out transport canada increased the upper weight limit to 65 pounds and i am sure that here in british columbia it will be ratified next summer to 80 pounds (for a booster)….

the other thought is that if you car seat is LATCH equipped (UAS) and the kids are below 48 pounds, you can use that and the seatbelt together (for added reliability)…plus the tether….

i hope you go the way of a 5 point….it is still the safest….

as for stage 2 and 3 seats…does anyone have an update if britax will be offering the REGENT here in canada? does anyone have any to offer about the RADIAN, especially their new one (deluxe version)…i am just not satisifed with the ‘mass market’ graco, et al, offerings….

I’m not pro or against boosters. I am researching if my 30 lb twins should go seatbelt or 5 point at this time. That said, here is a thought:

You belt your car seat down and forget about the buckle – you never look at it again. I noticed (now this might be a twin/multiple child thing) at one point that one of the buckles was undone. You could easily miss it because there is a car seat on either side of the buckle. I assume that someone or something hit the latch or it was never sufficiently buckled to start with. My older daughter admitted that she “might” have hit it. Due to the way the belt navigates the back of the booster, friction prevented it from retracting (and making the problem more visible). Had I had an accident, that seat would have offered no protection. Had I been using the 3 point belt (and latching it every time) I would have eliminated this extra layer in the safety chain.

This is why (now that they are 30lb each) I am trying to figure out if they are large and heavy enough for a regular belt. I’m thinking they are not, but will do the research and find out.

Here is the link:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/childsafety/notices/TP14563C/2007c06/menu.htm

There are several seats that now keep kids harnessed past 40 lbs. Sunshine Kids Radian, Fisher Price, Cosco/Safety 1st Apex, and soon new Evenflo seats will be up to 50 lbs.

Harness height is another big issue - once the child’s shoulders are above the harness, the child has outgrown the seat. Ditto for the ears being over the top edge of the car seat.

http://www.carseat.org
&
http://www.car-seat.org

have good resources for choosing/using a seat for your child.

Interesting information at this link about CDN weight limits (interesting and angering).
http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=8578

It’d would be great if CDN moms would join in calling Britax and asking them to bring the Regent (and the Boulevard, with it’s great side impact wings) to Canada. And if any US mommas would join in, all the better.

Britax: 1-888-427-4829