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Subject:Re: Baby seat installed in backseat of Vanagon.
From:Dave Mcneely
Date:Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:45:49 -0500

---- Tyler Dann <tylerdann@gmail.com> wrote:
> Good morning,
> Turn the child seat around if it allows it.  Ours does, and the child and seat face the back of the van. Having the seat in the already rear-facing jump seat makes setting the child in and out much easier.

That sounds reasonable.  I would still consult with the seat's manufacturer concerning this application, since the seat was probably tested only in a typical, front facing seat.  It turns out that the instructions my daughter has for the seats she uses for my grandson specifically state not to place the seat on a rear facing seat, as they have not been tested in such an application.  He has grown past the infant seats now (he will be 3 years old next month) and no longer uses rear facing child seats, but the instructions with his current seats are quite clear on the situation.

For adults, I have always considered that the jump seat might be a little safer than the regular seat, since the adult's back is facing the seat back to the front of the van.  But what do I know?  Experts might say differently (regarding everything I have said).

mcneely

> On Oct 9, 2011, at 12:46 PM, <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:
>
> > In the jump seat, the infant's back against the infant seat back would be to the rear of the van.  In a frontal collision (most common), the baby would not gain the benefit of the usual arrangement.
> >
> > David McNeely
> >
> > ---- Tyler Dann <tylerdann@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> >> The rear facing jump seat behind the driver in my 86 Weekender seems to have been made for a child seat. Much better access than our Forester, and our boy loves flicking the cup holder and curtain wire.
> >>
> >> Congratulations! The van, and life in general, will be way more fun. Go take a nap while you can.
> >>
> >> Cheers,
> >> Tyler
> >>
> >> Sent from my iPhone
> >>
> >> On Oct 8, 2011, at 10:37 PM, Scott Greiner <greines@YAHOO.COM> wrote:
> >>
> >>> I have a 1982 westy. My wife & I are expecting our first child dec12th. Has anyone installed a baby car seat in a Vanagon back seat?
> >>>
> >>> SOG
> >>> Mesa, AZ
> >
> > --
> > David McNeely

--
David McNeely