Weight limit on LATCH?

I was just reading up on car seats since we are getting ready to outgrow our Roundabouts. Did you know that the LATCH system has a weight limit? It's usually between 40-48lbs. Once you go over that limit I think you are suppose to use the seat belts to secure the seats. I had no clue. Apparently Honda is up to 40lbs. The only thing I'm not sure of is if it;s 40 lbs of kid or 40 lbs of kid & car seat. Any one know?

 

It's 40 pounds of kid. They figure in the weight of the carseat (otherwise, you'd have to switch to the belt before 20 pounds with many carseats!)

 

Our carseats say to switch from latch to seatbelts at 48 lbs (our seats go to 65). You definitely have to read carefully to find that info though! I wonder if most do?

 

Thanks for the info. I have heard that before but I keep forgetting to check the car manual for the limit on our Sienna. Anyone know the LATCH limit on a Sienna? The boys are 36-37 pounds each now so we don't have much longer.

 

The link I found doesn't list Toyota. You might want to check your car manual.

Well as a first time parent I had no clue that LATCH has limits. I guess you learn something new every day.

 

I also had no idea! The link provided by PP lists many cars, and says "If brand is not listed, the vehicle manufacturer defers to child restraint instructions or give no guidance." (Of course Mazda, which I drive, is not listed).

Guess we should have all gone out and bought Subarus, which go up to 60 lbs (the next highest is 48!) If only they made a minivan . . .

-Rachel

 

Oh yea! I read the manual to my boys' Marathons cover to cover before installing them! I think its 48 lbs.(but odyssey is 40 lbs) But I am pretty sure they will be too tall for them 49" limit before I need to worry about the weight limit. Keep the height limit in mind too! My dd is 7 and 48 inches and 49 lbs.

ETA: The Roundabout weight limit is 40 lbs anyways. So it sounds like you can use LATCH on those all the time? Its the higher weight carseats that LATCH will be used only to a certain weight limit.