Evenflo car seats are widely used in the United States for their versatility, durability, and compliance with federal safety standards. When installing an Evenflo car seat base, proper positioning is critical to ensuring the safety and comfort of the child. The installation process involves several key steps, including reclining the seat, ensuring adequate support, and using optional accessories like inserts or rolled towels. This article provides a detailed, step-by-step overview of Evenflo car seat base installation, with a focus on rear-facing and forward-facing configurations, tether use, and compatibility with vehicle seat designs.
Reclining and Support Requirements
Evenflo car seat bases must be properly reclined to ensure a safe and secure installation. The degree of recline varies depending on the type of car seat and the child’s age or developmental stage.
For rear-facing installations, Evenflo recommends adjusting the seat to an angle that allows the child’s head to remain supported and aligned with the torso. Many Evenflo car seats feature built-in recline indicators or adjustable mechanisms to assist with this. However, some models, such as the SureRide/Titan 65, Stratos, Sonus 65, and Sonus, require the entire bottom of the seat to be supported by the vehicle seat when installed in rear-facing mode. This is an exception to the general rule that at least 80% of the bottom of the car seat should be supported.
If the seat’s built-in recline mechanism does not provide enough recline, a rolled towel or pool noodle can be placed under the front portion of the car seat, near the recline foot or base, to help achieve the correct angle. However, it is important to note that the recline foot does not need to be in contact with the vehicle seat in all cases, as long as the installation is secure and the seat is properly reclined.
For forward-facing installations, the car seat should also be adjusted to the correct angle, typically more upright than in rear-facing mode. In these configurations, it is acceptable for there to be a small gap between the car seat and the vehicle seat, as long as the installation is tight and secure. If a larger gap is present, the following steps can help improve contact:
- Remove the vehicle seat headrest, if approved by the manufacturer.
- Recline the vehicle seat slightly, if permitted.
- Use the car seat tether, if available, to improve stability.
Tether Use and Safety
Tether use is an important safety feature for forward-facing car seats. Evenflo car seats that are installed in forward-facing mode should always be tethered if the vehicle is equipped with a tether anchor. The tether helps reduce the forward motion of the car seat during a crash, thereby minimizing the risk of head injury to the child.
In the United States, tether use is optional, but strongly encouraged. Evenflo car seats are designed to pass federal crash tests with and without the tether, but the company recommends using the tether when possible. If a vehicle does not have a tether anchor, the car seat can still be installed without it, but users should consult the vehicle owner’s manual to confirm compatibility.
In Canada, tether use is mandatory for all forward-facing installations. If you are using an Evenflo car seat in Canada, always ensure the tether is properly connected.
Compatibility with Vehicle Seats
Evenflo car seats are designed to work with a wide range of vehicle seats and anchoring systems. However, it is important to check the vehicle owner’s manual and the car seat instructions for specific compatibility requirements.
In general, at least 80% of the bottom of the car seat should be supported by the vehicle seat, regardless of whether it is installed rear-facing, forward-facing, or in booster mode. This applies to all Evenflo car seats, including convertible and all-in-one models.
There are exceptions to this rule, however. For example, the SureRide/Titan 65, Stratos, Sonus 65, and Sonus car seats require full support of the bottom of the seat when installed in rear-facing mode. This is due to the design and weight distribution of these models.
In some minivans with optional second-row center seats, it is possible for the bottom of the car seat to overhang the side of the vehicle seat. In such cases, the general rule still applies: at least 80% of the bottom of the seat must be supported by the vehicle. The only exceptions are the specific models listed above in rear-facing mode, which require full support.
Installation Tips and Common Issues
Proper installation is essential for the safety of the child. Here are some key tips and common issues to be aware of when installing an Evenflo car seat base:
- Check for headrest interference: Some vehicle seats have headrests that can interfere with the installation of the car seat. If this is the case, the headrest should be removed if the vehicle manufacturer approves it.
- Use the tether: If the vehicle has a tether anchor, always use it for forward-facing installations. This improves the stability of the car seat and enhances safety.
- Adjust the recline angle: Use the built-in recline indicator or a rolled towel/pool noodle to ensure the correct angle for rear-facing installations.
- Ensure the seat is secure: After installation, check that the car seat does not move more than one inch in any direction when pulled at the belt path. This is a key indicator of a secure installation.
- Use positioning inserts: Many Evenflo car seats come with positioning inserts that help reduce gaps between the child and the car seat. These should be used according to the instructions provided with the car seat.
- Avoid using the car seat in a seat with side curtain air bags: While it is generally safe to install a car seat next to a side curtain air bag, users should always consult the vehicle owner’s manual to ensure there are no restrictions.
Specific Models and Special Considerations
Different Evenflo car seat models have unique installation requirements. Here are some key points for specific models:
LiteMax and SafeMax Infant Car Seats
The LiteMax and SafeMax infant car seats have a weight range of 4 – 35 lbs (1.8 – 15.8 kg) and a height range of 17 – 32 inches (43 – 81 cm). However, Evenflo allows these seats to be used with smaller infants weighing as little as 3 lbs (1.4 kg) and measuring 15.75 inches (40 cm) in height, provided certain guidelines are followed.
For infants weighing 3 – 4 lbs (1.4 – 1.8 kg) and measuring 15.75 – 17 inches (40 – 43 cm), the following requirements must be met:
- Clinical team approval: Evenflo recommends consulting the child’s clinical team to ensure the car seat is appropriate for use.
- Harness at or below the shoulders: The harness should be positioned at or below the infant’s shoulders.
- No gap between the child and the buckle: The harness must be snug and fit the child without any gaps.
- Chest clip at armpit level: The chest clip should be positioned at the level of the infant’s armpits.
- Infant insert use: For car seats manufactured on or before December 31, 2017, the infant insert is required for infants weighing 3 – 4 lbs. For car seats manufactured on or after January 1, 2018, the insert is optional.
SureRide/Titan 65, Stratos, Sonus 65, and Sonus Convertible Car Seats
These models require full support of the bottom of the car seat when installed in rear-facing mode. This is due to the design of the seat and the way the weight is distributed. If the bottom of the seat overhangs the front of the vehicle seat, it may compromise the stability of the installation.
To achieve the correct recline angle, users can use the built-in recline indicator or add a rolled towel or pool noodle under the front of the car seat. However, the recline foot does not need to be in contact with the vehicle seat, as long as the installation is secure and the correct angle is achieved.
Chase, Maestro, and SecureKid Car Seats
The Chase, Maestro, and SecureKid car seats come with cup holders that are attached with a screw. These can be used when the car seat is installed in a vehicle. If desired, the cup holders can be replaced with small caps. Users should contact ParentLink at 1-800-233-5921 (U.S.) or 1-937-773-3971 (Canada) for information on how to replace the cup holders.
Accessories and Optional Features
Evenflo offers a variety of accessories to enhance the comfort and usability of its car seats. These include:
- Head pillows
- Harness covers
- Buckle pads
These accessories are optional and should not be used to replace the required safety features of the car seat. Users should always follow the instruction manual that comes with the car seat to ensure that all safety requirements are met.
Conclusion
Proper installation of an Evenflo car seat base is essential for the safety and comfort of the child. The process involves adjusting the recline angle, ensuring adequate support from the vehicle seat, and using the tether when available. Different models have specific requirements, so users should always consult the car seat instructions and the vehicle owner’s manual for detailed guidance.
By following the steps outlined in this article, users can ensure that their Evenflo car seat is installed correctly and safely. Whether the seat is used in rear-facing, forward-facing, or booster mode, attention to detail and adherence to the manufacturer’s guidelines are key to maximizing the effectiveness of the car seat in the event of a crash.