[SusanMae]

I think the issue with the Recaro convertible seats...is the info coming out prior to the seats said that they would have lock-offs. And that's even what the first instruction books had and what was on their website(I believe). A lock-off takes the place of a locking clip, locking the belt when the belt does not lock on it's own in a non-emergency situation. Maybe Recaro didn't understand the defination before they made their seats and wrote their instruction manuals. For parents---a locking clip can appear confusing and hard to use...and many are just plain scared of them. So a lock-off offers a way around that and doesn't seem nearly as daunting.

Also from what I understand Recaro has lock-offs at the rear facing belt path. I don't understand why Recaro has choosen to have lock-offs or "belt clamps" for RF, but not FF.

It does seem to me, at least, that Recaro said that they would have lock-offs, and then when they didn't perform as they were supposed-Recaro decided to change the name and function rather than do a recall and provide a replacement peice that would work as originally intended. Furthermore---I just check the online version of the Signo instruction manual. I did not see anywhere in there that you would need a locking clip. And the instructions for installing via the non-locking Lap/shoulder ELR belt seemed to indicate that the belt guide would hold the belt tight, when we know that is NOT the case. There is NO directions that include needing a locking clip with a non-locking belt.

Recaro should INCLUDE the locking clip if it's needed. It shouldn't be something a parent needs to go buy at the store or have to wait for you to mail to them. Meanwhile they are driving around with their child unsafe or stuck at home while they are waiting. Or even worse---not realize that their child is unsafe and drive around without a locked seatbelt. Let me also go on to say--that in my CPST course we learned that you don't use both a lock-off and a locking clip. If you do, you're risking the child to be a real life crash test dummy.

I also think that companies need to use the same terminology when referring to seats parts such as splitter plate, harness straps, retainer clip. Having to learn different vocabulary for each seat/brand will only contribute to more misuse.

Until I've tested a Recaro convertible for myself to see how they work--and if they work according to their own manual(and your above post contridicts the manual), then I'm not comfortable reccomending them to parents.

Susan

	Forward Facing Car Seats A forward-facing car seat is one in which the child sits facing the front of the car. The seat should be installed in the back seat of your vehicle. Most forward-facing only seats are for children above 20 pounds.

	Rear Facing Car Seats A rear-facing seat is one in which the infant faces the back of the car. Always install a rear-facing seat in the back seat of your car. This is the safest position for an infant. NEVER place a rear-facing seat in the front seat of a vehicle with passenger airbags.

	Convertible Car Seats Convertible seats are for infants and toddlers. The seat can be used as a rear-facing seats for younger children, and switched to a forward-facing seat on the child's first birthday if the child weighs at least 20 pounds. However, experts recommend keeping the child in a rear-facing position until he or she outgrows the weight or height allowed by the safety seat.

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	RECARO Signo - Click for more info The RECARO Signo car seat is the premier convertible child seat RECARO produces. With its 5-70 lbs weight capacity, adjustable harness, and forward or rear-facing convertibility, the deluxe RECARO Signo may be the only car seat you will ever need. The Signo offers the same basic features and specifications as the RECARO Como convertible, but adds a few features - such as double wall head support and infinite harness adjustment settings.