Baby Seat Installation Help

[Naby]

I may have to post this in the general discussion section because the interior forum doesn't seem to get much traffic.

The subject pretty much says it all. We have a baby on the way and I wanted to get some thoughts and opinions from those who have installed car seats in their trucks. From what I know it isn't as simple as just putting the seat in there and strapping it in. I know it has to be done right or the seat is next to useless. My '97 isn't new enough to have the LATCH system rings installed in the seat otherwise it'd be a little simpler.

Any suggestions I can get from the dad's, uncles, and granddad's out there would be great.

[westcoaststrokin]

When you install it make sure you put some weight on it when you are snugging up the belt. If you do that and make sure that the belt is locked it will be plenty solid.

[superduty4x4]

Are you hoping to put in the back seat of your extra cab? Good luck... it will only fit if you have the 40/20/40 split front bench and put the baby seat in the center with the center console up front folded down from my experience. The infant carrier style are pretty straight forward to put in but take up a lot of space. Even a regular car seat takes up a ton of room and would be a tight squeeze (at best) in an extra cab.
Do as west coast strokin said, his post is spot on. If you end up using the center lap belt to hold the infant carrier, make sure its nice and tight so the base won't slop around.

[westcoaststrokin]

They are pretty straight forward until you start dealing with booster seats. Those are a pita to get adjusted right and still let the kiddo put the seat belt on.

[Naby]

Thanks for the info, I have the split front bench so I should be good there.

[Cok_Diesel]

I have two seats (infant and forward facing) in the back of my ex cab. The infant seat is in the middle and the forward facing is on the passenger side (Im not giving up my leg room ha). Both fit fine but I have captains chairs.

[superduty4x4]

Originally Posted by Cok_Diesel

I have two seats (infant and forward facing) in the back of my ex cab. The infant seat is in the middle and the forward facing is on the passenger side (Im not giving up my leg room ha). Both fit fine but I have captains chairs.

Yep, you can squeeze a seat in there but it kills room up front. We got along fine with one kiddo when I had my old 95 gasser, but when #2 came along I had to sell it and get a crew cab. Still miss that 'ol truck, best one I've owned yet.

[igoslow]

Just so you know... most major police departments install baby seats, while giving you instructions for future reference. It is best to learn because they are easy to install wrong.

[superduty4x4]

Originally Posted by igoslow

Just so you know... most major police departments install baby seats, while giving you instructions for future reference. It is best to learn because they are easy to install wrong.

Good advice!

[superxcrewfx4]

Yes its a free service, out of the 15 departments i dispatch for about 5 do them.