Car seat base pushing into bolsters?

[magnitude]

There's been some car seat discussion, but apparently not for this specifically:

We have a currently rear facing Graco car seat installed in the back. However, the car came with the 18w seats and without the 4+1 option, meaning that the rear seats are sport seats with bolsters as well.

The problem now is that the base of the Graco seat is wide enough, that the edges of the car seat base appear to be pushing into the bolsters. I put a cover between car seat and leather to protect it, but I am wondering if the repeated pressure on the bolsters will somehow deform or otherwise affect them anyway? Any experiences?

The car has black/chalk interior, so the back seat is the very lightly colored leather (or fake leather or whatever it is).

Sponsored

 

[EvFamily]

Yeah, especially if you have the base tight which you need for a secure fit. Over time it will leave indentations. You can sometimes make the seats look better with a heat gun right before you go to sell it. You may want to consider not using the base and just secure the car seat that goes in and out of the car per the instructions of your specific seat (if your using an infant seat). Not much can help with the toddler car seats unfortunately, they are such seat destroyers. Just taking it out when not in use

There's been some car seat discussion, but apparently not for this specifically:

We have a currently rear facing Graco car seat installed in the back. However, the car came with the 18w seats and without the 4+1 option, meaning that the rear seats are sport seats with bolsters as well.

The problem now is that the base of the Graco seat is wide enough, that the edges of the car seat base appear to be pushing into the bolsters. I put a cover between car seat and leather to protect it, but I am wondering if the repeated pressure on the bolsters will somehow deform or otherwise affect them anyway? Any experiences?

The car has black/chalk interior, so the back seat is the very lightly colored leather (or fake leather or whatever it is).

 

[magnitude]

You may want to consider not using the base and just secure the car seat that goes in and out of the car per the instructions of your specific seat

Ah, the current seat does not actually have a separate base part anymore. With “base” I just meant the lower part that connects with the car’s seat, which is wide enough to sit on the bolsters.

I imagine this does not make for a super secure fit either, though I also think it’s more about whether the seat can move laterally and on the axis from front to back, which thanks to the latch mechanism it can’t.

I’m wondering whether other rear-facing car seats for that age (bit over a year) have a narrower base?

 

[EvFamily]

I believe the Diono brand makes the narrowest seats, not sure how the fit is in the taycan.

Ah, the current seat does not actually have a separate base part anymore. With “base” I just meant the lower part that connects with the car’s seat, which is wide enough to sit on the bolsters.

I imagine this does not make for a super secure fit either, though I also think it’s more about whether the seat can move laterally and on the axis from front to back, which thanks to the latch mechanism it can’t.

I’m wondering whether other rear-facing car seats for that age (bit over a year) have a narrower base?
[/QUOT

 

[bsclywilly]

I have a towel folded up and placed under my kid’s seat to raise it enough so the sides don’t press into the bolsters much.

 

[darth_maul_80]

Have you checked if your seat is compatible with your car?

I had cybex seats in my cayenne and at week before collection of our first taycan decided to check compatibility and they weren’t. We had four seats that were no longer compatible with both taycans on order. To avoid the issue again just ordered the Porsche child seats which fit really well (they are Britax if anyone didn’t want the Porsche branded one and premium price)

 

[laua]

For others looking for a car seat: I tried installing what was billed as the narrowest car seat on the market, Graco Tranzitions, and it was way off. It was about 17” wide and the space between the bolsters on the Taycan is only 13” at its narrowest and widening up to over 14”. It seems all the harness boosters without a base (including Diono) are about the same width and that would prevent a flat stable install.

I measured the Nuna Rava in my Volvo and it seems it would fit since it’s only 13” wide at the base. I haven’t taken it out as I still need to use it, but I bought a Britax Marathon which is supposedly about 14” wide. Will keep everyone posted if it fits.

Lastly as for indentations; I recently uninstalled my older son’s car seat in my Volvo. There were some major indents but after a few months they’ve since mostly disappeared though the seats were much flatter. I recall the same with my BMW which also had side bolsters like the Taycan; fingers crossed it won’t be a big issue with the Taycan.

 

[satchurator]

I wonder could you find a rectangle of high density foam to use as a spacer?

Something like a swim float, or yoga step pad, with enough density to support, and dimensions to sit within your bolsters, and raise the seat base sufficiently high to clear the bolsters but not too high so as to be able to get a tight fit with your LATCH/Isofix straps.

You could also look at the Porsche infant car seat's base dimensions - perhaps a narrower fit?

 

[magnitude]

For my part, I’ve now ordered the seat cover that’s supposed to be used for car seats from Suncoast Parts. We will see if it’s thick enough to at least ameliorate the problem. I’ll report back.

 

[laua]

I installed the Britax Marathon; it fits pretty well and sits between the bolsters. I added a Weathertech car seat mat under but I’ll probably need a noodle to adjust the angle as the Taycan seats are too reclined. Some photos for reference. Also really highlights how tight the Taycan is; I’m only 5’7” but there is hardly any room between the car seat and my seat back.

Sponsored