How To Install A Car Seat Easily With The Belt?

The installation of a car seat Installing a child car seat with a safety belt may seem complicated, but with the right explanations, it can be done quickly and simply. In this text, we'll give you advice on how to easily install a child car seat with a seat belt. We'll guide you through each step of the installation process to ensure your child's safety in the car. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced parent, you can follow these tips to install your car seat with a seat belt quickly and efficiently.

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The main ways of attaching car seats

The two main systems for securing car seats are Isofix and the safety belt. Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages, but the aim is the same: to guarantee your child's safety in the car.

Le system Isofix fixing is a system that uses anchorage points located between the seat and the backrest of the car's rear seat. Car seats fitted with Isofix have metal hooks that attach directly to the Isofix anchorage points for quick and easy installation. Thanks to this system, it is possible to avoid installation errors and guarantee optimum safety for the child. This fixing system became compulsory with the introduction of the i-Size regulationwhich sets stricter standards for car seats in Europe.
Le seat belt system is a universal solution that uses the vehicle's safety belt to secure the car seat. To secure the car seat, the safety belt is passed through the specially designed notches on the seat, then buckled and tightened to hold the seat in place. This fastening system can be installed in any vehicle, which is ideal for families with several cars or who often travel in different vehicles.

What are the advantages of the seatbelt fastening system?

The main advantage of the seatbelt system is that it is a universal solution that can be used with most car seats, even those that are not fitted with the Isofix system. What's more, seat belts are fitted as standard in all vehicles, so there's no need to have isofix anchorage points in the car to use them.

In addition, car seats installed with the safety belt can be cheaper than car seats with Isofix. It does not require the purchase of an often expensive additional base to be installed. This can be an advantage for parents looking for an affordable solution. They are also more versatile as they can be used in different types of car, including those not fitted with the Isofix system.

However, it is important to note that using a car seat with a safety belt requires correct installation to ensure your child's safety in the car. It is therefore essential to follow the instructions for correct and safe installation.

Installing a car seat with a safety belt

It's important to remember that using an approved car seat that is suitable for your child's age, weight and height is essential to ensure their safety in the car. It is also advisable to follow the car seat manufacturer's instructions to ensure correct and safe installation of the car seat.

How do I install a cosy with a seatbelt?

To install a baby cosy or a Group 0+ or 0+/1 car seat with a safety belt, it is important to follow the steps below:

Position the car seat with its back to the road to guarantee your baby's safety in the event of an accident;
Check that the carrying handle is in the up position.
Fasten the seat with the safety belt, passing it through all the notches provided;
Pull on the vehicle's seatbelt, then pass it over your baby to fasten the seatbelt.
Pass the diagonal strap of the belt behind the upper part of the seat and insert it into the tab provided.
Tighten the vehicle seat belt as much as possible to ensure the stability of the car seat ;
Check that the belt is not twisted and that there is no play between the belt and the seat to ensure that the cosy is stable;
Place your baby in the car seat and adjust the height of the harness to your baby's size to ensure optimum support;
Close the buckle on the harness and adjust it so that it holds your baby loosely.

How do I install a child car seat with a seat belt?

The Group 1 car seat is designed for children from 9 to 18 kg, i.e. from 76 to 105 cm in height. It should be installed in the rear of the car, preferably with the back facing the road. Group 1 car seats can be fitted with a five-point safety harness, which restrains the child in the event of an impact, or a frontal impact shield, which acts as a barrier to protect the child in the event of an accident. The Group 1 car seat must be installed with care to ensure the child's safety in the car.

installation of child seat belt — Britax Maw-Way Plus

Place the car seat on the back seat in the desired direction (rear-facing or forward-facing);
For car seats fitted with a strut, unfold and adjust the strut so that it is in contact with the floor;
Pass the seat belt through the notches in the seat;
Make sure that the belt is flat and twist-free to ensure stable and secure installation;
Tension the belt and close the latches or locking arms to secure the assembly;
Once you have secured the seat firmly, check that it is stable by trying to move it back and forth and from side to side. If it feels too loose, you should reinstall the seat to ensure it is secure.
Place your child in the car seat and adjust the harness to ensure optimum support.

Today, it is mainly rear-facing car seats which use the safety belt as a fastening system for extended use up to the age of 6 or 7. The most popular models include the following car seats:

Britax Max-Way
Britax Max-Way Plus
Axkid Minikid
Axkid One & One+
Axkid One 2 & One 2+
BeSafe Strech
BeSafe iZi Kid X3

How do I install a booster seat using a seat belt?

Group 2/3 car seats, also known as car booster seatis designed for children weighing between 15 and 36 kg and measuring between 100 and 150 cm in height. This type of car seat must be installed at the rear of the vehicle, facing the road. Unlike car seats for the previous groups, the booster seat does not have a safety harness, but uses the vehicle's safety belt to keep the child in place. Thanks to its backrest, the Group 2/3 car seat allows the child to be seated at the right height so that the car's safety belt fits correctly over the child's shoulder and pelvis, while protecting the child from side impact.

To install the Group 2/3 car seat, it is important to follow the steps below:

Position the car seat at the rear of the vehicle, facing the road;
Put your child in the car seat;
Pull the seatbelt out of the vehicle and fasten it in the correct way;
Make sure that the belt is correctly positioned in the lower (pelvis) and upper (shoulders) belt guides to ensure optimum protection;
Adjust the height of the booster head so that your child's head is correctly positioned.

How do I attach a car seat without Isofix?

To attach a car seat without Isofix, you can use the vehicle's safety belt. Here are the steps to follow for correct installation:

Place the car seat at the rear of the vehicle, in the rear-facing position if it is a group 0 or 1 infant or child seat.

If the car seat is fitted with a belt attachment system, fit the vehicle's safety belt through the notches provided.
Buckle the seatbelt and make sure it is correctly tensioned.
Check that there is no twisting of the belt or that there is no play between the belt and the seat.
Place your child in the car seat and check that the harness is snug.
For a baby car seatAdjust the height of the headrest so that your baby's head is correctly positioned.
Check that the car seat is securely fastened and that it does not move sideways. It is important that the seat is stable to ensure your child's safety.

The most common mistakes when installing a car seat with a safety belt

To guarantee your baby's safety in the car, it is essential to be vigilant when installing the car seat and to avoid handling errors. These can have dramatic consequences in the event of an accident. So it's important to be careful every time you install your baby in its car seat.

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when using a seat belt:

It is crucial not to twist the seatbelt when installing the car seat, as this can increase the risk of injury in the event of impact by concentrating forces on a single point.
It is important not to reverse the position of the chest and lap straps. For correct installation, make sure that the strap passes through the right place and that the harness is well adjusted without being too loose.
Do not strap your baby in a coat or overalls, as this could add slack to the harness in the event of an impact.
If you are using an Isofix car seat, don't forget to deploy the support leg or fasten the strap. Top Tether for a secure and stable installation.