How to protect leather from child seats?

SidekickChuck · 30th June 2012, 01:25

I am preparing to have my first baby, and the M5 is my daily which will serve as the baby transporter as well.
I am looking for ways to prevent leather impression and scratch protection when the seat is installed. I have not purchased a seat yet, but it will likely be one with a base that will remain in the car and the seat will clip and secure to the base.

I am thinking that some kind of barrier between the base and leather will be needed, but I wanted to see what other parents have done currently or in the past to protect the leather from getting damaged from the baby seat.

TIA,
Chuck

2010Rph · 30th June 2012, 01:38

Never had to deal with a child seat but I imagine some kind of neoprene pad would protect the leather and not compromise the seats function.

Mouger · 30th June 2012, 01:56

You can't use anything to thick or slippery. You can buy a mat to lay down, but I just put that web stuff you put under your carpet to keep it from sliding around. That is what the fire dept recommended.
Hate to tell you, but you have to crank super hard down to make sure your car seat is secure. It leaves an indentation that the seat takes a while to pop back from. It was painful to put my Kid's car seats in the M and jam on the leather but my kid's safety is more important than anything. However when you do take them out the seats will eventually go back to shape. But to have your 4 y.o. say, " Daddy go fast!" makes it worth it.

petesamprs · 30th June 2012, 01:59

I use the prince lionheart two piece mat under all my carseats. Comes in multiple colors. It's like $40 on amazon.

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atiyeh · 30th June 2012, 02:47

I'm in the same boat. 3 months and counting till Landon is here and riding in Lola. Good tip Pete

M5thoughts · 30th June 2012, 03:06

I went with the Prince Lionheart. In other cars I've used a bathmat with pretty good success, but wanted something more substantial for the M. I couldn't tell you exactly how well they're protecting since I haven't taken them out since installing them, but hopefully they are doing their job! I have 2 seats there, one infant, rear-facing and one toddler.

Here's an Amazon link: http://www.amazon.cm/Prince-Lionhear.../dp/B000083GHY

Intrepid · 30th June 2012, 03:31

This is impossible. No matter how much protection you try and put in the M5, children have advanced skills in this area and will effortlessly avoid your safeguards.

Drool, scratches on the seat from toys, drips from juice boxes and lets not forget the infamous crumbs.

I kid (to an extent) it won't be bad while your baby is very young (unless you are 6'2" and have to cram your seat forward to make room for the carseat like me)

just make sure to pull the seat base out when you wash the car and clean where it was. That way nothing sits in the cracks for very long.

Congrats on your baby! Best decision ever! Kids are a blast. Lots of work, but tons of fun.

spngr311 · 30th June 2012, 03:44

Never heard of the Lionheart mat; I'll have to pick one up. I have 2 months until Ayrton gets here, so this has been helpful!

TMcNasty · 30th June 2012, 04:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by SidekickChuck

I am looking for ways to prevent leather impression and scratch protection when the seat is installed. I have not purchased a seat yet

TIA,
Chuck

Used (and therefore washed many times) bath towels. Had one under the infant car seat base for a year and a half. I didn't use the base that long of course, but I was lazy w/ its removal. Just took it out June 1st to sell it and the carrier at my garage sale. Not one single mark. Nothing.

Recently (this June) used the toddler car seat (in forward facing position) in there for a few days. I have less experience with the long-term effect of that seat, but again after a few days use took the seat out and no marks were there. I used one towel folded in half under it and one behind iirc. Also used one folded in half under the infant base.

Free makes it that much better.

SleeperM5 · 30th June 2012, 04:27

I have two toddler car seats in the rear and a third coming.

I have the two piece prince lionheart: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o05_s01_i00

I had them out a while back and saw a very minimal indentation. They do a good job of saving from spills and crumbs. They will probably never be perfect, but do a nice job.

I also have the Brica two pack of kick mats that go on the rear of the driver and passenger seats for messy feet...they work ok, I have them tucked into the storage pockets.