[AlpineE90335i]

I was wondering if any fathers on here have any tips on installing a car seat? Actually let me re phrase that, does anyone know the best way to install a car seat, WITHOUT scratching, damaging, staining the leather seats. Should I put a towel underneath? I'm really meticulous with my vehicle, and i'm sure you are the same. I tried to search before I posted. Thank you all in advance.

[aah78]

I've been using a Chicco car seat since mid-2011, mounted in the rear center position without any special treatment.

No scratches / tears in the leather.

I just remove it occasionally, maybe once a month (or once in two months) and clean the area under it - doesn't seem to be affecting or stressing the leather.

[Glim]

My wife is the ultimate shopper, she bought these for my car the day I bought it:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000083GHY/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

They are cupped in as well, one of my kids drink cups wasn't closed all the way and this contained the spill, just pulled the protector out and dumped the contents on the lawn.

[Envious Eric]

towel underneath works great, just make sure its folded a couple times (maybe two towels).

remove and condition whenever you do the rest of the car.

[Route 16]

Pad that car seat ALWAYS! blankets/shirts, bring extra towels in case of throw up!

[lopealle]

Towel under the seat and let the fire dept install it if your unsure.

[lopealle]

They do it for free

[31 Hz]

They make car seat protectors that look a lot better than a towel under the seat. And with today's LATCH mechanisms the seats are a lot easier to remove and replace -- take it out regularly for cleaning if there's a mess.

And the car seat latch straps needs to be snug, but not as unbelievably oh-my-god-pull-harder tight as you can make it. Your car seat manufacturer's instructions will have tolerances regarding how much it can move. It doesn't need to be embedded three inches into the foam of the seat.

[vwong]

+1 on car seat protectors. I've been using the protectors since the birth of my twin girls. These protectors cover the seat back as well. Work perfectly and no scratch on the leather seats.

Here are a few pictures of my car seats with the protectors.

[AlpineE90335i]

Originally Posted by vwong

+1 on car seat protectors. I've been using the protectors since the birth of my twin girls. These protectors cover the seat back as well. Work perfectly and no scratch on the leather seats.

Here are a few pictures of my car seats with the protectors.

Can I place the infant carrier in the middle?

[vwong]

Originally Posted by AlpineE90335i

Can I place the infant carrier in the middle?

You'll have to check with someone else. I don't have that option.

[BMW&me]

What do those Baby on Board placards, mean? Is the baby driving or what?

[Bavfan]

Sheepskin works nicely too. I find that towels aren't thick enough and a nice thick sheepskin will protect the seat nicely from getting dents from the car seat.

[TOGWT]

Originally Posted by BMW&me

What do those Baby on Board placards, mean? Is the baby driving or what?

I think its origin was that a car veered off the autobahn and went down into ditch. The driver, in shock and almost unconscious was found making her way up the bank and was taken to hospital, leaving a baby strapped in their child seat, found later when they came to tow the vehicle.

So its origin is that besides adults in the car there is also a "Baby on board"

Although the way some drive you would believe it was indeed a baby driving

[Bastilla328i]

yeah, you can place the car seat in the middle of the back row. That's what I have always done with our son.

Congrats on parenthood. (if this is a new thing...)

[AlpineE90335i]

Originally Posted by Bastilla328i

yeah, you can place the car seat in the middle of the back row. That's what I have always done with our son.

Congrats on parenthood. (if this is a new thing...)

How do I place it in the middle ? The latch system seems to only work for the side seats in the rear.

[anerbe]

Originally Posted by AlpineE90335i

How do I place it in the middle ? The latch system seems to only work for the side seats in the rear.

I think you have to use the center seat belt to latch in the seat and not the anchors.

[Hunsrueck]

Originally Posted by vwong

Here are a few pictures of my car seats with the protectors.

Just curious: how tall are you that you can fit two rear-facing seats in your S4? We are expecting twins and I'm concerned our "fleet" may require a change despite by preferences!

[Eternal]

I put towels down. We have Chico car seats. Just upgraded from rear facing because our kids have grown. The bases for the new ones are not smooth. So I put them in my car for 2 days while the wife was moving something with her SUV. Pulled out the seats, and it took a week for the indentations in the seats to go away!!!

Also could not imagine 2 rear facing seats in the 3 series. I have the kids feet hitting my seats. So annoying.

[88irocvert]

Originally Posted by Hunsrueck

Just curious: how tall are you that you can fit two rear-facing seats in your S4? We are expecting twins and I'm concerned our "fleet" may require a change despite by preferences!

I'm in the same exact boat! I'm expecting twins and am 6'1" tall. I'm concerned there's no way to fit a rear facing seat and still be able to have the driver's seat far back enough to sit comfortably. Any thoughts?

[joed1]

Usually your local fire or police departments will do a clinic on just this concern. I am sure if your were to call, you could setup an appointment for them to show you. They may even have suggestions on how to not damage the leather as well.

[BigSkyBimmerfan]

I have Recaro carseats similar to the ones pictured and they have a nice smooth underside with rounded corners and no sharp edges, a nice touch. Some other seats I've seen have terrible edges that I can only assume would stress the leather when tightened down.

New parent protip: check the underside of the seat before buying