Child Safety Seat Ease of Use Ratings

 

Are All Seats Safe?
All car seats rated by NHTSA meet Federal Safety Standards & strict crash performance standards. While all rated seats are safe, they do differ in their ease of use in four basic catagories:

 

Evaluation of Instructions

Vehicle Installation Features

Evaluation of Labels

Securing the Child

 

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Graco Nautilus Elite (FF)

 

 

Manufacturer  /  Model NameGraco Nautilus Elite
Model Number  /  Manufacture Date1866265  /  Apr 1, 2013
Harness Type5-pt
Weight  /  Height20lb - 65lb / 27" - 52"
Evaluation of Labels 1 stars
Supplemental sizing information is not illustrated and given in text only on the labels.  The tether is not labeled in the illustrations depicting acceptable modes of installation.  No indication of correct harness height is given on the labels.  The belt routing path is not labeled. Labels do not explain the use of LATCH. No instructions are given on the labels for the use of the tether.
Evaluation of Instructions 5 stars
The manual cannot be accessed while the restraint is installed in this mode.  Supplemental sizing information is given in text only in the manual.  The tether is not labeled in the illustrations depicting acceptable modes of installation.
Securing the Child 2 stars
The restraint did not arrive fully assembled.  The harness must be rethreaded to adjust height for the child's growth as well as for reassembly after cleaning.  The harness must be reinstalled into the restraint to convert to this mode of use from another mode. While disassembling for cleaning, mandatory pieces may become loose and could be misplaced.
Installation Features 3 stars
It may be uncomfortable for larger hands to route the seat belt or LATCH belt through the belt path.  The restraint is equipped with hook-style LATCH attachments which may require twisting to remove from the lower anchors in the vehicle.   The LATCH storage area is not clearly labeled.
Overall Ease of Use Rating 3 stars

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