placement of a noodle

[mom2ari]

DH and I were installing DDs ne TF yesterday. I had it in rock solid, only to find out it was at a 30* angle according to the protractor, so we got out the pool noodle, but it wasn't big enough. Just to clarify, you CAN NOT put the noodle between the seat and the recline foot, right? It would need to be in the fold of the seat?

(We ended up using a hand towel rolled up (in the fold of the seat) insead of the noodle.)

[mommycat]

If you find one noodle is not big enough, you can tape 2-3 sections of pool noodle together, although the towel is fine as well.

I'm not sure what you mean by putting the noodle between the seat and the recline foot? :confused: Do you mean a) between the TF shell and the recline foot (NOT allowed) b) between the foot and the vehicle seat but pulled away from the seat bight (not so good because it would probably shift over time and change the install) c) between the end of the recline foot and the seat bight like #1 here (which I think would be fine but does nothing for recline, so it is sort of useless): http://www.car-seat.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=4430&d=1243886401

This site has a nice pool noodle/towel recline gallery: http://www.carseatsite.com/reclineangle.htm#Gallery

[Mommy0608]

I think she means between the bottom (shell) of the TF and the recline bar, which is not allowed. The seat was not tested to work that way. We actually discussed this in a recent thread, but I have no idea what the thread was initially about.

Anyway, what it came down to was that putting something between the recline bar and the seat, like opening up the recline bar and sticking a towel in there, is not good because then you're altering the car seat. It was designed to be used with the recline bar either all the way forward or all the way back depending on whether the seat is rear-facing or forward-facing. Putting something in there alters the function of the recline bar, and we don't know how that bar will hold up in a crash when it's not up against the bottom of the car seat as intended.

Using a pool noodle or towel under the recline bar (between the bottom of the recline bar and the vehicle seat, as shown in the correct graphic above) is acceptable because you are altering the slope of the vehicle seat. This method is approved.

Hope that helps!

[mommycat]

Thanks for clarifying, I missed the other thread. :)

[mom2ari]

thanks, I missed that other thread also! I told DH that the noodle/towel couldn't be placed there, because it wouldn't be safe...I just wanted to check to make sure. Also, Thanks for the pictures. The first picture is how we had it initially, and you are absolutely correct, it did nothing to alter the recline :) I think it is in there in a good position now, according to the level and speed square (with angle marks) it is at 36*

[Mommy0608]

Glad it worked out! :)

[mommycat]

according to the level and speed square (with angle marks) it is at 36*very resourceful! :thumbsup: I need to get that setup for clinics. :p