Convertible carseat question

[USAmma]

Calling the carseat experts! :-)

My dd is 3 mos. old an in a convertible seat good from 5-45 pounds. Her seat has three slats in the back to put the shoulder straps through depending on the height of the child. Dd's very long for her age and just had a growth spurt. Her shoulders are about 1 inch above the lowest strap slats, and 1 inch below the next higher ones. Should I move the straps up to the next level, or keep it for now?

BTW we are keeping her rear facing until at least age 2.

Darshani

[Trishy]

Check your manual to be sure but for more seats the straps must be at or below the harness straps.

[USAmma]

Originally Posted by trishshack

Check your manual to be sure but for more seats the straps must be at or below the harness straps.

Did you mean to say at or below the shoulders?

Darshani

[dallaschildren]

Originally Posted by USAmma

Calling the carseat experts! :-)

My dd is 3 mos. old an in a convertible seat good from 5-45 pounds. Her seat has three slats in the back to put the shoulder straps through depending on the height of the child. Dd's very long for her age and just had a growth spurt. Her shoulders are about 1 inch above the lowest strap slats, and 1 inch below the next higher ones. Should I move the straps up to the next level, or keep it for now?

BTW we are keeping her rear facing until at least age 2.

Darshani

Darshani,

The rule of thumb for RF infants/children, is that the straps be placed in the slot where the top of the strap will fall AT or BELOW the shoulders. When FF you will need to ensure the straps are AT or ABOVE the shoulder. Make sure the harness clip (chest clip) is placed even with the babies armpits. Use the "pinch" test on the straps once you have tightened them, to ensure they are tight enough. Your babe will resemble a turtle poking it's head out of a shell, when the straps are correctly tightened. In other words the only thing that they should be able to move is their head. Given the age of your little one, ensure that your seat has a 45 degree angle (recline). This will ensure your baby is riding comfortably and safely. There is less of a danger that the babies head will flop forward constricting the airway. When your baby is older (5-7 months) and has better head and neck control, maintaining a 45 degree angle is not as essential. Good for you for keeping your little one RF until 2! Excellant!

CPS tech and mom to 2 beautiful kids in seats

[USAmma]

Originally Posted by dallaschildren

Darshani,

The rule of thumb for RF infants/children, is that the straps be placed in the slot where the top of the strap will fall AT or BELOW the shoulders. When FF you will need to ensure the straps are AT or ABOVE the shoulder.

Good for you for keeping your little one RF until 2! Excellant!

Thanks! That's easy to remember! :-) She was in an infant seat and we just moved her due to major reflux problems. She does better in this seat, but yes it's still at the right angle.

My oldest finally turned around at 2.5 years old when she outgrew her convertible seat and graduated to a booster with 5pt. harness. She was happy to keep crossing her legs and making faces at the people behind us. lol!

Darshani

[dallaschildren]

Ah yes...I remember my firsts reflux problems way too well...we had to buy another car seat cover because of it....here's hoping for you and your babe the reflux goes away FAST!

[Trishy]

Originally Posted by USAmma

Did you mean to say at or below the shoulders?

Darshani

LOL Dh was bringing ds down from his bath when I was posting to you. Sorry but yes, that's what I meant.