A weird, random question about the Radian

[HappyMomOfSix]

The Radian obviously has a very slim, flat and low profile, sitting right against the seat when it's installed.

Would it not be safer for a child in an accident to be higher from the point of impact? I'm thinking of my two captain's chairs in my Suburban, second row. If we were hit in the side, wouldn't my two RF girls be better off elevated in the Britax? Honestly, I'd almost rather have Radians, because I like that slim, minimalistic look, but I've just sort of intuited that they're better off above the impact side.

Is that overthinking, or plausible?

[Maedze]

You're overthinking. ;)

There's no way you can predict where a car might be impact in an accident.

In fact, lower profile is potentially better....less head excursion, less chance of head impacting anything in the vehicle.

[Defrost]

:yeahthat:

In a Suburban, you're already higher than the point of impact for most other vehicles anyway. And really, low profile is generally better, though that's a minor amount of "better."

[Pixels]

It depends who you ask. Sunshine Kids (makers of the Radian) say it's better to be low profile. It reduces head excursion and improves performace in all sorts of ways. Britax says that the reason their seats sit up high is because the base is designed to crush in a crash and help absorb crash forces.

Really, rear facing is already so incredibly safe. Including and especially in side impact crashes, rear facing is safer than forward facing. Just pick whatever seat fits your vehicle, your child, your budget (and your preferences) best, install it properly, and use it correctly every time. That's the best thing that you can do for your children.

[HappyMomOfSix]

Thanks for the replies!