Which is safer - poor RF install or solid FF install?UPDATE #13

[Sfcmama]

I'd posted awhile ago about my dd, now 13.5 mo and 23ish pounds, who screams her head off RFing. Last week, we finally decided to try FFing for a few days to see if it makes a difference in her crying (and therefore increases my ability to drive safely). When we switched the seat (a complete air) FFing, we realized how much better we could install it. We don't have the LATCH system but we can teather the seat in the back/trunk of our Subaru outback. When it was installed RFing, we could never get it as secure as we'd like to and now FFing, there is almost NO movement. So.... This now complicates my decision even more. Not only is DD happier and I can drive safer but the install feels significantly safer (even though I know all the facts about safety of extended RFing).

So, my question boils down to my title line: which is safer - a less than perfect RF install or very secure FFing install?

Thanks!

[Drummer's Wife]

I'd take it to a tech to get help with a solid RF'ing install.  At 13 months, I really think that would be best - screaming and all. 

[DahliaRW]

Where were you checking for movement for the rfing install?  You only check where the seatbelt goes through the seat, and as long as there is 1" or less of movement the install is fine.

At 13 months I wouldn't even consider ffing.  I woudl try installing the seat more upright (30*) and put up a mirror to see if that helps.

[TheGirls]

At 13 months I would find a way to get a good RF install.  I don't consider FF an option before 2 or so. 

I have that seat, what's the trouble with it RF?  Maybe someone can help you get it tighter.  

BTW, DD screamed in the car around that age too.  It's really tough!  But they really do outgrow it.  Now she's happy as a clam at 2.5 (still RF, in a Complete Air). 

[Sfcmama]

Thanks for the replies. We are definitely planning to turn her back RFing now that our curiosity has been satisfied and if we can be sure it's installed correctly. I have to admit that I'm dreading it as I've tried all the tricks and still she (and I) is miserable. I suspect part of it has to do with the height or angle as she's not as upset when she is in DH's truck - though it's so rare it could just be the novelty of it.

Anyways, I'll have to check the movement at the seatbelt again. We seem to have to constantly keep tightening it to keep the side to side movement minimal. I didn't realize you could decrease the angle... Is that with padding under the carseat?

Ultimately, I will probably have to take it to a tech because the seat just seems so much more stable FFing than RFing and I need absolute peace of mind on this.

It's good to know the screaming is just a phase and, if so, I'd better flip her back RFing asap before she gets too used to it! I'm looking forward to when she's interested enough in solids that I can bribe her with treats ;0) Horible, I know, but worth the cost of safety in my mind.

[AislinCarys]

My DD is still rearfacing at 3, and the last year has been great in the car. She doesn't like the car, but it is being strapped in she hates, so she prefers the bus over the car, and now she's old enough to understand that to go to Grandmas house requires a trip in the car, buckled in, and she accepts that. She screamed for her first year, then it slowly got better!

[mama2soren]

What kind of seat are you using?  Maybe folks here can offer you some tips on getting a better RF install.

[Sfcmama]

Originally Posted by mama2soren 

What kind of seat are you using?  Maybe folks here can offer you some tips on getting a better RF install.

That would be great. It's a complete air ina Subaru outback with leather seats (seems to make it slide more...?).

[an_aurora]

What year?  Are you locking the seatbelt?

[Sfcmama]

Originally Posted by an_aurora 

What year?  Are you locking the seatbelt?

What year car, right? 2001 car. Brand new car seat. Locking clip used after 240lb dh kneels on the seat. Going to try adding towel today to see if that helps. My suspicion is that the length of the female end of the seatbelt is affecting the install...

[TheGirls]

You can twist the female end up to 3 full rotations to shorten it.  Even one full twist can make a world of difference.

[an_aurora]

You don't need a locking clip, unless you're trying to correct tipping.  Tipping isn't a safety issue but it can be annoying.  If you are going to use a LC, my advice would be to tighten the belt, unbuckle the belt while holding it so you know the length you need, and then shortening it just a tad, putting on the LC and buckling.  Those Subarus can have really long buckle stalks so twisting might make a big difference.

[Sfcmama]

Originally Posted by TheGirls 

You can twist the female end up to 3 full rotations to shorten it.  Even one full twist can make a world of difference.

OP here - writing to give overdue thanks for the help. Twisting the seatbelt was the solution to finally getting a good fit. 14mo DD is back RFing! (has been for awhile). She's also back to being MISERABLE but at least we now have peace if mind that we have a good install and know we are protecting her as much as possible. Fortunately, she's also starting to become more receptive to food bribes... The things I thougt I'd never do as a mom ;0)

Anyways, thanks!