Has anyone else had any problems with the buckle on their Britax Decathalon? When my son is sitting in the seat we get him all situated and buckle him in. I noticed a few weeks ago that his right clip (right, meaning when he's in the seat) isnt staying clipped. However, I have noticed that if I clip the left one first than it stays. Of course I get nervous and am always certain double check that I've heard the clicking sounds and pull to make sure.
I am going to write to Britax but was wondering if anyone else has had any concerns or issues. Could just be ours, but I want them to know about the problem. I didnt pay $300 for a carseat that has problems.
Should we be more worried that this could be a potential problem? I have tried numerous times in the last few days and it is not a user error (yeah, it could be gunked up or something), but theres definately something not working correctly
Yes, my Roundabout did that too. And I did find if I put the one clip in first and then the other it worked and I really had to push and make sure it clicked in. And like the other person said I always pulled back on it hard to make sure it was latched in. It worried me too!
I had that happen to me a few times, but it was on my Roundabout. It was always due to user error. I wasn't making sure that the buckle was latched. Now when I latch it, I give it a quick tug to ensure that it is latched properly. You'll want to ensure that it's you, and not the carseat. If it is the carseat, I would exchange it. No matter how old it is, they should stand by their product. You may have unknowing bought a lemon in that one case.
With Britax seats, the first side you put in won't make a 'click', but the 2nd side you put in should make an audible click. If you don't hear that, unbuckle BOTH and do it again. You should be able to feel the first side clip, but not hear it, but the 2nd side you should hear that 'click'. If you find its a problem, let Britax know. THey are very good about replacing parts that seem faulty, and then testing them over and over to see if its a problem overall.
My special needs daughter has a Britax Traveler ($600 seat) and it does the same thing. When you buckle the first side it doesn't click but the second side does. I always just pull up on them after getting them buckled and make sure they're secure. Definitely complain to them though because it's SO annoying when we're used to everything clicking on all of our other seats. It kind of catches you as not being right every time.
Thanks,
J.
Mom to 4 going on 5
I also have noticed this a time or two with our Marathon, and again, I am pretty sure it was my fault. Especially now that my son is wearing a little warmer/fatter coat I make sure that I have them both clipped completely.
Jess
I've had that problem with several carseats some Britax some not. Usually it is just a fluke or my fault. Sometimes the clip is gunked up and needs to be cleaned. I've had to remove the clip part female end and soak it in hot soapy water, let it dry and then it works better. I've even had this problem with with the seatbelt buckles in my car before., my daughter had a cheerio stuck in one. You could buckle the seatbelt but it wouldn't stay buckeled.
I have a Britax roundabout, and mine does the same thing. Usually, they both stay clipped no matter which one I do first, but the right one never "clicks." Then lately, I have to do the left one first. I thought it was maybe something related to the cold, but now that you say this...
I, like you, just pull on them when I'm done to make double sure.
