Please check my install - FPSVD

[ecj98]

So, I got a FPSVD for DD for Christmas at Burlington Coat Factory today for $80. It was marked $89.99, but there was a 10% off coupon in a magazine at the front of the store. DOM is 2/2006, so only 4 years left, but I figure that is $20 per year of life, so not too bad.

Can you please check my install, specifically the angle? DD, who will be using this seat, is 5.5 months old. Thanks!

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m89/ecj98/Picture040.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m89/ecj98/Picture041.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m89/ecj98/Picture043.jpg

I actually put it back in the box and wrapped it until Christmas, but I still would appreciate some feedback for when I put it in next time.

[snowbird25ca]

The seat looks like it's reclined further than 45* from upright, so it needs to be installed more upright. (Max rf'ing angle for a seat is 45* from vertical, and only newborns typically need the full 45*.)

I see you've used a towel for the angle, so you can put more pressure in the leg area when tightening up the belt, or else use a smaller towel to adjust the recline angle, but it's definitely too reclined the way it is right now.

It's hard to tell for sure in the picture, but you want the straps at the nearest harness slot that will put them at or below her shoulders, and the harness should be tight enough that you can't pinch a fold in the straps at her collar bone. In the photo it looks like the harness might be a bit too loose, but it could just be the picture too. :thumbsup:

She looks like she fits the seat great though and I love that print. I think you got a great price on the seat.

[Jewels]

I too think it is too reclined. For a baby that age you can have it more upright then 45'. I would try installing it without the rolled up towel and when tightening the seatbelt put your knee more in the bum of the seat. If you put your knee where baby would have their feet to tighten the seatbelt the seat will be more upright.

[ecj98]

I was wondering if it was too reclined. Thanks for the input.

The harness straps are in the bottom slot, as the second slot is above her shoulders, still. I'll make sure they're tight when I put her in for a ride. (We were just sitting in the garage while DS was napping).

[snowbird25ca]

I was wondering if it was too reclined. Thanks for the input.

The harness straps are in the bottom slot, as the second slot is above her shoulders, still. I'll make sure they're tight when I put her in for a ride. (We were just sitting in the garage while DS was napping).

You're welcome. :)

In most cases, if it looks too reclined, it is. ;)

[CDNTech]

I think the other techs covered the basics.

The only other thing I wanted to comment on is your window shade. We generally do not recommend those types of window shades since they have hard plastic components to them. In a collision it will come off the window and go careening into babies head... not really what you want. :o

Instead, you can get window clings (think saran wrap) that will work just as well and have no plastic components to them at all. :)

ETA: It might just be a window cling type shade... it's really hard to tell in the picture.

[SamPacey&Joshua]

Yep, I agree with everyone else...definitely looks to recline. I would install it more upright next time and of course make sure her straps are really tight.

I must say, she is TOO cute!!

[ecj98]

They are just the window cling type. Thanks, though.

We thinks she is too cute, as well!

[crunchierthanthou]

I agree that it's a bit over reclined. Did you try it without the towel first?

I think $80 is a good price for that seat, even if it is nearly 2 years old. I can't tell whether it's tethered, but I want to clarify that the FPSVD cannot be tethered rfing (even though it is made by Britax). If that is an important feature to you, I would consider switching it with the MA that is currently outboard.

Another thing to consider is that you generally want the more protected child in the least protected position. In this case, that would be the rf child outboard and ff child center.

[ecj98]

Without the towel, there seems to be a gap between the car seat and the seat of the van. I think I should try a smaller towel or more pressure.

I am considering switching the MA with the FPSVD. I will need to get a new D-ring, though, because I am using the D-ring for that seat for DD's RA, which has a missing D-ring.

I don't think I want to switch the rf seat to outboard because DH and I are both tall and drive with the seat pretty far back. With the seat where it is, it fits perfectly between the driver and passenger's seat so that neither seat needs to be moved forward.