Seat for SN child, did I suggest the right ones?

I got a call today from a parent of a 5 y/o, 40lb, 38" tall child who has microcephaly, and is the opposite of low-tone; rather he's rigid. He has a trach, and I believe a feeding tube. He also needs suctioning throughout the day. I was not offered his actual dx, and did not feel right in asking.

Dad was going to buy a Frontier and was going to place a pillow under the front end of the seat to give it more recline. I explained that this wasn't a safe option. He told me that his ds needs to be reclined to keep his airway open, and also to aid in them being able to suction him, etc. So I suggested the TF and MR65. These are the two seats I thought would offer the most ff'ing recline... the MR65 being my top pick in that regard, though I'm not sure if it will be tall enough for him.

I also of course brought up the idea of an actual SN seat but he said the Children's Hospital said he could just go into a booster -- that most parents just move to a booster and use pillows for side support. He said that they won't help him order one and that the doctor won't suggest he needs one. In a nutshell it sounds like this family is on their own if they want him in a 5 point harness.

So anyway, I mostly just wanted some feedback from anyone wanting to offer any. Any other seats I might have suggested?

Oh, and just to add, right now he's in a EB 3-in-1 and with the base off and the kickstand tucked up it's borderline too upright for him (hence my not suggesting the CA).

If he fits in the 3-in-1 by height, he'll fit in the MyRide for at least a bit more. I agree that the recline makes it a good choice.

I would also try a Regent - the recline bar does provide a bit of recline and since it's available through Target, if it doesn't work, it can be returned.

As far as getting special needs seat, try to find a special needs tech and/or fitting station in the area:
http://www.safekids.org/certification/http://www.safekids.org/certification/http://www.safekids.org/certification/

They should be able to help access funding for a seat.

The MR is awesome, but he might not fit for very long. I'd suggest a regent. It'll give him plenty of room to grow and I'm guessing he's going to need a harness for a while. It has decent recline and they can use blankets to prop him on either side if needed.

You said he's rigid, but do you know if he can coordinate and move somewhat properly? There's a big difference between a rigid kid who can walk and move around and a rigid kid who can't even sit unassisted, ya know?

I can't believe his doctor would suggest a booster if the kid still needs recline!!! Shame on them. :thumbsdown:

I'd get a Recaro Como :twocents:

I don't think she can get a regent, as she's in canada?

Do they have a van with captains chairs? One thing some special needs techs recommend is buy is a Safety 1st/Safeguard GO, and then recline the seat with the GO installed. I'm not sure if the GO is available in Canada, though?

Oh, dang, the Recaros aren't in Canada, either, are they? In that case, yeah, the My Ride is probably the best option.

Vehicle was a Suburu Impreza.

No Regent, Recaro, or GO here.

Shauna I'm not sure about his rigidity. Dad wasn't super open about his ds's dx and I didn't want to pry too much. I did ask tactfully if it was CP and dad said no. For some reason my gut told me CDH, but don't ask me why.