RF/FF Questions...esp. Go4

crackerjackprinter

So, I have the Britax diplomat.  DD is still RF.  She can stay that way up to 35 lbs or until her head is within 1 inch of the top of shell of the car seat...only it has the adjustable head rest so how in the world am I supposed to measure that?! 

Also, her height can vary a lot depending on whether she's wearing a fitted or an AIO.  Do I just go by her tallest measurement to be safe?  I think she may actually need to be FF if that's the case.  Obviously I just want to follow the guidelines and do the right thing but I had hoped to keep her RF as long as possible.  Getting a new seat is not a possibility with our move coming up.  We wouldn't want to sell/donate/whatever this seat and can't make room for it in our cars when we move (I'm flying with her and her seat so it will free up space). 

So WWYD?  

suzymarie

For the head rest thing, I think you would measure with the head rest as high up as possible. 

I am not sure about the diaper issue.  I would guess you should measure with the puffiest diaper.  If you really want to keep her RF you might want to try to just use the puffy diapers when you are at home and save your flatter ones for when you are out and about. 

 

luvlieK

I am not familiar with the seat. ?We have the Recaro. ?C is obviously nowhere near the 35 lb limit for RF. ?He also is definitely short enough. ?I would put her in with a larger diaper and see. ?The head rest should be right above her shoulders. ?Then measure where her head hits. ?The reason you don't want her head above is if a accident were to happen, she would be more?vulnerable?in that spot. ?So if it is the case or a chance that it will be, turn the seat around.

crackerjackprinter

suzymarie:

For the head rest thing, I think you would measure with the head rest as high up as possible. 

I am not sure about the diaper issue.  I would guess you should measure with the puffiest diaper.  If you really want to keep her RF you might want to try to just use the puffy diapers when you are at home and save your flatter ones for when you are out and about. 

 

It specifically says that their heads shouldn't be within an inch of the top of the shell, nothing about the head rest.  KWIM?  I just need to figure out exactly what that means.  Maybe I'll email them....

And I would try to use only the AIOs out and about but it's just not reasonable since we only have about 7.  I can't guarantee it or plan around it, you know?  I have considered that though.

luvlieK

I don't think the head rest is supposed to go above the shell. ?I don't think they would design/intend it to.

luvlieK

Fit Chart:Weight (lbs)Height (in)Seated Shoulder Height (in)Rear Facing:5 - 3540 or less11 - 15Forward Facing:1 year & 20, up to 4012 - 15

?I would check her shoulder height and go from there. ?It doesn't seem to be intended for FF for that long, since the measurments are about the same and it is only 5 lbs more than RF.?

Hippinski

I remember that someone posted these photos of how to measure correctly.  Hope they can help in some way.

 

crackerjackprinter

Hippinski:

I remember that someone posted these photos of how to measure correctly.  Hope they can help in some way.

 

Thanks so much, that's REALLY helpful!  Her seated shoulder height is only 12" so she's well within the limits.  And I agree Luvlie, it is kinda odd that it doesn't have much difference between RF and FF.  We got this one for the side impact protection features and it's compact size but we may do something different when baby boy needs a convertible.  We'll see!

luvlieK

Yea, if you plan on getting a new one with the new baby, maybe just get her one and give this one to the new baby, when the time comes?