Question on installing our car seat

[luvkayln]

Hi ladies! I have a quick question on installing our car seat. We're due to deliver on December 7th, and went to go install the car seat last week and can't figure something out! It's an evenflo with a base, and through the base there is a strap with a hook on each side to hook into the backseat. Well, the things that you hook them into are actually located like on top of the trunk instead of in the actual back seat. Does that make sense? So I have no way to actually secure the base of the car seat into the car?? The actual seat belt will go over her in the seat, but what do I do about the base being secure if I can't hook the straps into the back seat? I know I can always go to my local fire dept and get their advice, but I wanted to see what you ladies thought since a lot of you already have children at home or are maybe a little smarter then me about this! ;) Thanks in advance! I hope this makes sense and I explained it right!!

[luvkayln]

Thanks ladies! :) I appreciate your feedback! I will definately go down to the fire dept today and get this figured out.

[LosingMyMindInGA]

I think you are referring to the LATCH system.  Your car should have hooks between the base of the seat and the back of the seat...where the seat belt buckle comes out...somewhere in that area....If it does NOT, then you need to install the base with the cars seatbelt.  Like tiredbuthappy said, the one you are referring to is a tether not the latch system.  Not all vehicles are equipped with LATCH.  Just remember if you use the seatbelt and it is the one with the shoulder strap you have to use the locking clip that comes with the carseat.  If you use just a lap belt you do not.  Again, like tiredbuthappy said, you can call fire and police departments and ask for a certified carseat installer.  This would be your best bet in order to ensure your carseat is installed properly.  Once installed your carseat should not move freely more than one inch in any direction.  

[tiredbuthappy]

definitely have the police or fire department show you the first time. We cannot give you safe advice, especially since all cars are different. Another option is to read your car's manual. It should tell you where the latch system is, if there is one.
by the way, the one you are referring to (the one by the trunk) is a tether for a front facing carseat.