Installing a Scenera RF on a plane

[PatioGardener]

Hi Wise Mamas,

I have done a search of the old threads, but haven't found a BTDT blow-by-blow of how to install a Scenera rear facing on an airplane. I'm travelling this weekend (eek!) with my 11 mo old DS so I want to be sure I know how to deal with the installation.

Any tips/tricks/ BTDT advice? Do I need towels to maintain the 45 degree position like I do in the rental car? Will I need to ask a FA to hold DS as I try to get the belt tight?

Fortunately there are 2 seats in a row and we have a window and aisle, so there will be no issue with having a stranger in the way. I plan to pre-board as well!

We're flying in Canada if that makes any difference, and DS fits the RF requirements for weight and height.

Thanks for any help you can pass along!

[an_aurora]

You don't need a 45* angle either on the plane or in the car :)  And on the plane, it will have to be pretty  upright anyway, to fit.  

It's a pretty easy, straightforward install--the belt goes through the RF belt path and you just pull to tighten.  I always just plop my kid into the airplane seat while I install the seat.  It should only take a minute or two.

[PatioGardener]

Originally Posted by an_aurora 

You don't need a 45* angle either on the plane or in the car :)  And on the plane, it will have to be pretty  upright anyway, to fit. 

Seriously? When I used it in the rental last time I had to work (with towels) to get the "keep this line parallel to the ground" - you know, that line on the car seat that should be level with the ground - anyway, that's what the manual says. I'm actually not 100% sure that it was 45 degrees, just that it had to be level with the ground. Is there something I'm missing?

ETA: Wondering if all that time I spent getting it at the right angle was not needed...

[Rachel727]

How old is your baby?  The 45 degree angle is important for young babies to make sure they can breathe properly.  If they are older you can have it more upright.

[nutritionistmom]

OP said the baby was 11 months.

45* is only necessary until babies gain enough head control to lift their head and adequately keep their airway open, and that will depend on the individual development of the child.

[an_aurora]

The 45* angle is only necessary for newborns and very young infants.  Once they have good head control (usually by 4-6 months) they can go more upright.  An 11 month old baby, assuming s/he is neurotypical, can be quite upright.  You can install your seat anywhere between 30 and 45 degrees (from vertical).

Originally Posted by PatioGardener 

Seriously? When I used it in the rental last time I had to work (with towels) to get the "keep this line parallel to the ground" - you know, that line on the car seat that should be level with the ground - anyway, that's what the manual says. I'm actually not 100% sure that it was 45 degrees, just that it had to be level with the ground. Is there something I'm missing?

ETA: Wondering if all that time I spent getting it at the right angle was not needed...

[PatioGardener]

sweet! so glad I asked - you've all just saved me time, frustration and anxiety! thanks!!!

nak

[bremen]

as far as i know, there is no reason to rearface on a plane. if the baby is comfortable, or sleeps better it is ok, but it isn't as if a plane is going to have a head on collision like a car could.

[APToddlerMama]

subbing

[an_aurora]

Originally Posted by bremen 

as far as i know, there is no reason to rearface on a plane. if the baby is comfortable, or sleeps better it is ok, but it isn't as if a plane is going to have a head on collision like a car could.

http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/airplaneRF.aspx

[Eclipsepearl]

Originally Posted by bremen 

as far as i know, there is no reason to rearface on a plane. if the baby is comfortable, or sleeps better it is ok, but it isn't as if a plane is going to have a head on collision like a car could.

Well, yeah, it could. 

Forward impact is the most likely. If the plane goes off the runway or even if you have an "aborted take-off" or birds in the engines, it would be forward impact. 

[an_aurora]

And her child is well below the minimums to FF in the seat she has.

[PatioGardener]

op here - quick update. survived the flight. ds did really well. flight attendant did say "you have to forward face him" and when I replied "I can't, he's not a year yet" she really helped out and I easily got the seat installed.

Thanks for giving me the confidence!