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 (FF)
Model Number  /  Manufacture Date1761422  /  Dec 23, 2009
Harness Type5-pt
Weight  /  Height20lb - 65lb / 27" - 52"
Evaluation of Labels 1 stars
Additional sizing information is not shown in an illustration and is given in text form only. No indication of correct harness height is given. The belt 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. The tether is not labeled in the illustrations showing modes of use.
Evaluation of Instructions 4 stars
Additional sizing information is given in text only in the owner's manual. The user must read text to route the LATCH belt properly. The tether is not labeled in the illustrations showing modes of use. The owner's manual cannot be accessed while the restraint is installed in this mode.
Securing the Child 2 stars
The restraint did not arrive fully assembled. The restraint did not arrive prepared for the smallest occupant. A head hugger or body pillow covers the harness slots. The harness must be rethreaded to adjust height for the child's growth. Multiple actions are required to convert the seat to this mode of use; the caregiver must read the instructions. The harness must be taken out and rethreaded to disassemble the seat for cleaning. When disassembled for cleaning, mandatory parts of the restraint become detached and could be misplaced.
Installation Features 4 stars
The restraint is equipped with hook-like LATCH attachments which may require twisting to remove from the vehicle. The belt positioning feature is simple to use, but the user may need to consult the owner's manual. The storage system for the lower LATCH attachments and top tether may be overlooked.
Overall Ease of Use Rating 3 stars

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