CPS Team Colorado District One news Safe Ride News & CPS board updates a tech can use..

From: camie wewer <cjwewer@xxxxxxx>
To: <cjwewer@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:08:30 -0700

Copied below is some information from SafeRideNews and the CPS Board Tech
Update page. Please take a moment and read through the articles. SafeRideNews
has very useful information with tech updates, updates to the LATCH manual as
well as other resources for Child Passenger Safety technicians. Here is the
link for more
information:http://www.saferidenews.com/SRNDNN/CPSTsProfessionals/PastSRNFeaturedArticles/WinterChildRestraintUpdate/tabid/256/Default.aspx

Winter Child Restraint UpdateSome Manufacturers Step Outside the Box to Create
Innovative CRs Imagine CRs that tighten without effort and tell you when they
are installed tightly and reclined correctly. What if you could install a
detachable base correctly when a baby was first discharged from the hospital
and continue to use the base with an appropriate CR until the child reached 65
pounds? What if harness systems were improved to accommodate taller and heavier
kids and still effectively control head excursion? And imagine voluntary
manufacturer CR testing, demonstrating to NHTSA that improved side and frontal
standards that reflect more realistic conditions, are completely feasible.
These are some of the innovative ideas that CR manufacturers have been
imagining. Some have already become reality in brand new CR models, and still
others are poised to debut in early 2011. More companies are using pre-launch
focus groups with parents and advocates to help guide designers to products
that better meet the needs of real-world caregivers. And, though there are
still no federal requirements for performance in side impacts, much focus
continues on side-impact testing. Absent federal guidelines, these voluntary
side-impact test methods vary. Many of these tests suggest CRs (including
highback boosters) can be designed to better contain and protect children.
Testing for frontal crash performance in conditions far more severe than those
required by federal standards also has become common.
This winter update takes a look at some of the new and upcoming CR
offerings. It has been compiled through SRN representation at the ABC Kids Expo
(Emilie Crown and Joe Colella) and through direct contact with manufacturers.
This article focuses mainly on those that are either already on the market or
expected in the next few months, although many other exciting new products are
in the early development stages (see Other Brands to Watch in 2011
below).Highlights by Manufacturer
Listing does not imply a recommendation by SRN or by the author.
Manufacturers are listed alphabetically. Availability is affected by many
factors, and there may be significant changes to products before final
production actually begins. As always, refer to manufacturers’ instructions for
the most accurate information about any CR.
Britax—www.britaxusa.com
Britax has redesigned all of its convertibles, now called the Next
Generation line. All CRs in this line go to 40 pounds in the rear-facing mode.
The new convertibles were developed to lower the child’s center of gravity,
thereby improving stability and reducing head excursion. The shells are now
reinforced with steel bars to add strength. The base portions of the CRs
include material that crushes during a crash to absorb some of the force.
Lock-offs have been redesigned and are now inside the belt path area. Unlike
previous designs, the seat belt is tightened after the lock-off is closed and
locked. Though original Next Generation CRs required use of both lock-offs for
RF and FF seat belt installations, the CRs have since been redesigned to allow
the use of only a single lock-off rather than both, due to incompatibility with
some seat belt features. CRs made prior to July 30, 2010, have a conversion kit
available. Those made between July 31 and October 4, 2010, are ready to use
with a single lock-off, but parents should request updated instructions. Those
made on or after October 5, 2010, are ready to use with a single lock-off and
also have the updated instructions. For details, go to
www.britaxusa.com/uploads/products/additional-resources/16.pdf.
Roundabout 55—$199
Convertible: RF 5–40 lbs.; FF 20–55 lbs.
Now available
This is a redesign of the Roundabout 50, but the original will remain
available as the Roundabout 50 Classic (with a maximum weight of 50 pounds).
Both still require rethreading to adjust harness height.
Marathon 70—$279
Convertible: RF 5–40 lbs.; FF 20–70 lbs.
Now available
As with the Roundabout 50, a Marathon Classic is still available (with a
maximum weight of 65 pounds). Both Marathons include harness height adjustment
without rethreading and have nonhanded connectors, so the lower attachment will
no longer need to be switched from one side of the CR to the other when
converting between rear- and forward-facing modes.
Boulevard 70 and 70 CS—$309–$329
Convertible: RF 5–40 lbs.; FF 20–70 lbs.
Now available
The Boulevard 70 has an additional side-impact protection layer near the
head, a no-rethread harness, and nonhanded connectors (see description for this
feature under Marathon 70, above). The CS version also includes the Click &
Safe feature that notifies the user when proper harness snugness is attained
with an audible click.
Advocate 70 CS—$369
Convertible: RF 5–40 lbs.; FF 20–70 lbs.
Now available
In addition to the features of the Boulevard 70 CS, the Advocate 70 CS has
energy-absorbing cushions on the exterior of the shell. Britax reports that
the cushions reduce side-impact crash energy by as much as 45 percent.
Parkway SGL—$149
BPB: Highback 40–120 lbs.; Backless 40–120 lbs.
Now available
This booster features a lower attachment connection system for crash
stability and to prevent it from becoming a projectile when not in use. The BPB
can be secured and adjusted from either side with two clicks and a pull. In
highback mode, it has a side-impact protection layer close to the child’s head
and wings in the torso section. It also has a new version of the SecureGuard
crotch strap—now a single strap rather than a V-strap—to prevent submarining
under the lap belt and to minimize the risk of abdominal injury.
Chaperone—$229
Infant CR: RF 4–30 lbs.
Now available
The base has been improved so a proper angle can be achieved on flatter
vehicle seats. Due to theChaperone’s design, Britax says that more than 20
percent of the base may overhang the vehicle seat as long as the installation
is snug.
Combi—www.combi-intl.com
Combi is not introducing any new CR platforms, but the company continues to
improve existing models and instructions. Note: Although there have been many
verbal reports that the Coccoro will be the first convertible CR in the U.S. to
have a minimum RF weight of 3 pounds, all current instructions and website
information continue to state a minimum of 5 pounds.
Shuttle—$199
Infant CR: RF Birth–35 lbs.
Available early 2011
Combi intends to do away with descriptors like Shuttle 22 and Shuttle 33.
All new Shuttle models will accommodate infants up to 35 pounds and 33 inches,
as long as the child’s head is at least 1 inch below the top of the shell.
This change is not retroactive.
Dorel—www.djgusa.com
Dorel Juvenile Group is developing innovative crash protection features
while aiming to keep most models priced very affordably. The company now has
three crash test sleds running in its new Technical Center for Child Safety—one
that runs compliance tests, another that runs the Dorel-Kettering side-impact
tests (with 16 to 18 inches of simulated vehicle intrusion), and a third for
tests with extreme crash forces. In addition, a team at the center is dedicated
to computer-simulated testing.
The new facility is also committed to recycling, reusing scrap plastics and
other materials for making non-load-bearing parts of CRs and other products. It
is a zero-waste facility.
Comfy Carry—$59–$79
Infant CR: RF 4–22 lbs.
Available late 2010
At less than 6 pounds, the Comfy Carry is touted as the lightest-weight
infant CR on the market, a feature that is intended to make it more comfortable
for carrying a baby. It will have a lowest harness slot height of 5 inches,
three crotch strap positions, buckle length adjustability, and hook-on LATCH
connectors with a pocket for storage. Recline angle adjustment, if necessary,
must be made using rolled towels or a foam noodle with the most basic model,
which will have no built-in adjuster on the base. (The more expensive Elite
version, at the top of the price range, will include an adjustable base, a head
pillow, and front harness adjustment.)
Scenera 40RF—$49
Convertible: RF 5–40 lbs.; FF 22–40 lbs.
Now available
This design is currently only available at Target, but will become available
from other retailers in late 2011. It is structurally different from the
Scenera, though it has many similar features—four sets of harness slots that
require rethreading when changed, three crotch strap positions, and hook-on
LATCH connectors. The main improvement is its ability to accommodate children
both rear and forward facing up to its maximum harness limit of 40 pounds.
onSide Air—$79
Convertible: RF 5–40 lbs.; FF 22–40 lbs.
Now available
The onSide Air is similar to a Scenera 40RF (see above), but with a
combination of foam and air bladders along the sides for increased side-impact
protection. Unlike the Complete Air and other Air Protect designs, this model
does not have bladders in the head area.
Complete Air 65—$179
Convertible: RF 5–40 lbs.; FF 22–65 lbs.
Now available
The shell of this model’s predecessor has been redesigned structurally and
for better vehicle fit. The former version that could be used to 50 pounds will
be phased out and fully replaced by this model. The Complete Air 65 introduces
a new feature—pads to provide friction between the harness and child for better
crash performance. (These harness pads will be added to other Dorel models, as
well.) The harness height adjusts without rethreading, LATCH connectors are the
push-on style, and there are side-impact protection bladders close to the head
and along the torso.
Alpha Omega Elite—$159
3-in-1: RF 5–35 lbs.; FF 22–50 lbs.; Highback BPB 40–100 lbs.
Now available
This new version is being phased in, and the base portion has been
redesigned to improve installations using LATCH lower attachments. This CR also
features the new harness friction pads launched with the Complete Air 65.
Boost Air Protect—$79
BPB: Highback 30–100 lbs.; Backless 40–100 lbs.
Now available
This booster features side-impact protection technology in the highback
mode. It has been tested and developed with the required child dummies, as well
as with the 5th-percentile adult female. The back has eight height adjustment
positions and is also removable.
Note on the onBoard infant CR: Dorel will phase in a uniform minimum weight
limit of 4 pounds for all new models. Upper limits will still vary depending on
specific model. Always check the label and owner’s manual.
Evenflo—www.evenflo.com
Evenflo has enhanced crash performance with the newly developed E Side
Impact protection system: three layers of crushable foam with different
densities and functions placed along the CR sides. The company states that,
with this feature, the lateral impact forces experienced by a child in a
side-impact collision are reduced by 50 percent. The Momentum 65 and some
Symphony models are the first to feature this technology.
Big Kid Sport—$29
BPB: Highback 30–100 lbs.; Backless 40–100 lbs.
Available in early 2011
The Big Kid Sport is an Amp with an adjustable and removable back. It will
at first be exclusively sold by Walmart.
Graco—www.gracobaby.com
Graco has a new 3-in-1 with a removable base that stays installed in the
car, the first of its kind in the U.S. Conducting focus groups, including
sessions with parents and with advocates, has helped the company iron out usage
issues during the development process.
SmartSeat—$299
3-in-1: RF 5–40 lbs.; FF 20–65 lbs.; Highback 30–100 lbs.
Available in early 2011
With this new system, you can learn to install the base once and never have
to learn a new installation method as the child grows, since the CR is used
rear and forward facing on the same base. When used with the CR’s infant
insert, the lowest harness height is under 8 inches, so the CR is expected to
fit many newborns. The CR has locking indicators to verify that it is
correctly attached to the base, and all five recline levels can be used either
rear or forward facing. There is a six-position headrest, and the harness
height adjusts without rethreading. The shell is reinforced with steel bars.
When converting to BPB mode, the base is removed (no tools required), and
the harness is easily stored within the shell.
SnugRide 30—$119–139
Infant CR: RF 4–30 lbs.
Now available
Other SnugRide models are being phased out in favor of this new version. To
better accommodate preemies, the minimum weight is 4 pounds, the crotch strap
has two positions, the hip straps can be adjusted, and there is ample padding
for positioning. There are four sets of harness slots that require rethreading
to adjust. New seats are shipped with harnesses in the second slots, so
adjustment will be necessary for use with smaller infants. The base has three
recline levels and a gravity-based level indicator.
Harmony Juvenile Products—www.harmonyjuvenile.com
Harmony reports that its CR designers strive to make BPBs that keep the hips
and knees contained, reduce torque (rotational force) on the torso and neck,
and fit well with real vehicle seat contours.
V6 Youth Booster—$79
BPB: Highback 30–110 lbs.; Backless 30–110 lbs.
Available in early 2011
The “V” in the name refers to the shape of the base, which is designed to
fit well with typical vehicle seat slopes. The back is lined with crushable
foam, and the BPB has a shoulder-belt positioner for use in backless mode.
Carpooler—$29
Booster: Backless 30–110 lbs.
Available in early 2011
The model’s name reflects its narrow outside dimensions, and the
manufacturer claims that three can fit across the back of most vehicles. A
shoulder-belt positioner is included for use in backless mode.
Mia Moda—www.miamodainc.com
After a temporary hiatus, Mia Moda has re-entered the CR market with a new
infant CR.
Certo—$99
Infant CR: RF 4–22 lbs.
Now available
This basic model includes a full body pillow, four sets of harness slots
that require rethreading, and hook-on LATCH connectors.
Summer Infant—www.summerinfant.com
Summer Infant is new to the CR market, but not to juvenile products. By
partnering with experienced CR designers and advocates, the company will soon
launch its first CR entry.
Prodigy—$179
Infant CR: RF 4–32 lbs.
Available in early 2011
One key feature that sets this model apart from others is an electronic
monitoring system. Its SmartScreen provides clear instructions to users for
attaching, leveling, and tightening the base with push-on LATCH connectors or a
seat belt. Using advanced sensors, the SmartScreen indicates when the user has
correctly achieved each installation step and can be checked to monitor
installation on an ongoing basis. The Prodigy also has its own tightening and
belt-locking system built in, simplifying the installation process. The harness
system enables caregivers to adjust the harness straps with one hand, both for
shoulder strap height and snug adjustment. The Prodigy also will include a
removable body and head support for newborns.
—Joe ColellaOther Brands to Watch in 2011 Some exciting innovations are
expected from other manufacturers in 2011, though it is too early to report the
details. Watch for news from these manufacturers later in the year.
Baby Trend: Working on a highback booster and a HWH convertible CR.
Learning Curve: Developing a new HWH convertible CR.
Peg PÈrego: After years of offering only one infant CR in the U.S. market, the
company will introduce the Primo Viaggio convertible CR in the spring.
Regal Lager: This U.S. distributor of the CYBEX brand is planning to launch an
infant CR that will, among other things, accommodate preemies.© Safe Ride News,
November/December 2010

Tech Update Page from the CPS board is another source of information for CPS
Technicians. The current edition includes a summary of recent research done on
injuries that happen in car seats outside of the vehicle. I have not cut and
pasted the info here..it is too big. Be sure and take a look though the
information is very useful for technicians!
http://www.cpsboard.org/techupdate.htm

Camie Wewer
CPS Technician/Instructor; Special Needs CPS
CPS Team Colorado Advisory Council Representative District One
Drive Smart Evergreen/Conifer CPS Coordinator*Car Seat Assistance*
TeachSource @ North Suburban Medical Center Baby On The Go

303 674 9683 DS Office
303 489 4819 Cell
303 453 2273 NSMC

CPS Team Colorado District One news Safe Ride News & CPS board updates a tech can use..

Other related posts: