TF recline- is this ok for newborn?

[beki33b]

I have a feeling this is too upright, but I thought I'd ask before I get frustrated about it.

If it IS to upright, do you have any advice on how to get it more reclined? Dp and I have tried 4 or 5 different times to get it more reclined, and each time it ends up at this angle. We are using 3 pool noodles, and even though we try to stack them up like a pyramid, they end up laying side by side.

Some pics (I'm going to try to put them right in the thread. If that doesn't work, I'll just post links to photobucket).
Pics of angle:
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa211/deva-mommy/TrueFit%20install/100_4259.jpg
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa211/deva-mommy/TrueFit%20install/100_4258.jpg
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa211/deva-mommy/TrueFit%20install/100_4260.jpg

Pics of pool noodles, latch placement, etc:
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa211/deva-mommy/TrueFit%20install/100_4262.jpg
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa211/deva-mommy/TrueFit%20install/100_4261.jpg

Pic of the loosener part of the LATCH belt pushing hard on the red lockoff lever- we have it installed a bit looser now, which helps. It still moves much less than an inch, so I guess it's ok. I'd like it to be tighter though.:
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa211/deva-mommy/TrueFit%20install/000_0418.jpg

[beki33b]

Trying to see if I can post pics. I've never been sucessful at this, so I'm trying here first.

Pics of angle:
Ok, I think I got it! Photobucket is taking forever to resize the pics, but here's the first one.

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa211/deva-mommy/TrueFit%20install/100_4259.jpg

[TechnoGranola]

First off, I'm not a tech, but the recline looks decent for a newborn to me. I can't see how 3 pool noodles are doing you any good, when you're really only getting the angle difference with one (since the other 2 have just slipped and are under the seat). Take the other 2 out and see if you get the same angle with just the one installed under the front of the seat. The other 2 really need to be removed, because they aren't in the proper position. I believe that when you use 3, you need to use something to keep them together in a triangle, like duct tape, or tie them together with string. But, I'd try just the one alone first.

[beki33b]

Ah, ok. Good to know. Gah, now we have to install it again! But we'll try it with one, and see how that goes, and if it's not reclined enough we'll tape them together.

[BeachMama86]

I agree that the recline looks plenty enough, and also agree about the pool noodles :)

[CaseyRN]

Disclaimer: Not a tech

It looks a little over-reclined to me but it could be just the shape of the seat that makes it seem that way. I'm sure a tech will chime in soon.

I agree about the pool noodles, though. Either just use 1 or use duct tape to secure the 3 into a pyramid shape.

[Defrost]

The True Fit always looks over-reclined, IMO, but in checking it in your various pictures (which is just an estimate, of course) it appears to be pretty close to dead-on.

I agree you don't need all those pool noodles - just use them to get the seat set at the right angle, there's no need to fill in the gap. :)

[beki33b]

Ok, we reinstalled the TF, with the noodles taped together. Using just one was a bit too upright for NB recline (well, it was more upright than what we had it at before, and more upright than it is now. The line was far from parallel to the ground), but would probably be great for a slightly older infant. But I'm obviously a really bad judge at angles!!
I can see how the TF will be a lot easier to install once we don't have to have the full 45* incline.

Pics of recline:
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa211/deva-mommy/TrueFit%20install/100_4263.jpg

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa211/deva-mommy/TrueFit%20install/100_4264.jpg

Pic of noodles, latch belt, etc. The one noodle is right at the bight, touching the back of the car's seat. It's not wedged in though. Is that ok?
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa211/deva-mommy/TrueFit%20install/100_4265.jpg

Just to clarify- do the noodles HAVE to be taped together or positioned in a pyramid if you're using more than one? Is the way we had it before UNsafe?

ETA- I just wanted to say that you all are a wealth of information, and I am incredibly grateful that you are here! I really appreciate all the advice and help! :)

[snowbird25ca]

The way it looks now is perfect.

Have you shortened the harness to the shorter set of loops? There's a picture in the manual of how to do it. You'll need it on the shorter loops to get the harness tight enough on a newborn. :)

[beki33b]

Thanks!!
I did not shorten the harness. Gah- I'm guessing it has to be uninstalled to do that? lol. Ok, so that's on the list for today.
Well, at least we are getting practice. Dp is pretty quick at it- it's just the dang lockoffs that take a lot of energy to get them done up. But at least we know that we keep getting the right angle!!

I was pretty sure I read the manual inside and out. How did I miss that?

[Pixels]

You might be able to get away with not uninstalling it. Loosen the harness all the way. Then reach around teh back of the seat, and you'll be able to get at the splitter plate. But, you have to be very careful not to twist the straps, because it's super easy to do when you're doing it that way. Make sure you give it a good look-over before tightening the harness back up when you're done. In all honesty, it might be easier to just take it out and put it back in again.

[beki33b]

Ok, we got it. :D Dp is getting REALLY good at installing the TF!
We ended up uninstalling it- it seemed easier that way to make sure that everything was in the right place and not twisted, etc.

Thanks for all the help!

[armywife12]

The recline looks great! You do not have to tape pool noodles together but t does make it easier. Are you using the lock offs when using the LATCH belts? It didn't look like it in the pic so I just wanted to let you know that the lock offs are to be used with both forms of installation. I may have been looking at the pictures wrong though

[CaseyRN]

The recline looks great! You do not have to tape pool noodles together but t does make it easier. Are you using the lock offs when using the LATCH belts? It didn't look like it in the pic so I just wanted to let you know that the lock offs are to be used with both forms of installation. I may have been looking at the pictures wrong though

I am confused by this. I thought lock-offs were only for seatbelt installs. :confused:

[bree]

I am confused by this. I thought lock-offs were only for seatbelt installs. :confused:

The True Fit requires using the lock-offs for the LATCH install as well, at least for rear-facing, I haven't installed it FF yet, so I don't know about that.

[beki33b]

The recline looks great! You do not have to tape pool noodles together but t does make it easier. Are you using the lock offs when using the LATCH belts? It didn't look like it in the pic so I just wanted to let you know that the lock offs are to be used with both forms of installation. I may have been looking at the pictures wrong though

Thanks for the info. I'm so glad that we got a good recline! Whew.
Yes, we're using the lock-offs. That's what makes the dang install so hard!! Imo, it could be close to the perfect seat if the lock-offs were optional.

What you see that isn't in the lock-offs is the loose end of the latch belt. I stuck it up through that slot so it wouldn't be in the way for the pics. lol.

[sparkyd]

I wouldn't have uninstalled the seat to change the harness length (sounds like you guys got lots of great practice though!!). I would have just loosened it all the way then sat down behind the seat and changed the length. :twocents: