Ontario.CRT.Jennifer
CPST Instructor
Hi all,
I'm looking for ideas, advice, suggestions!
The child in question is in foster care and her foster mom is likely to be along here shortly - I've suggested she come here for advice - so please be sensitive in your remarks!
Here's the background:
-CANADA
-28 months old
-19 pounds 2 ounces
(Ontario's MINIMUM for ff'ing is 20 - but increasingly rare to find a seat that allows this - most are 22).
-child is not likely to reach 20 or even 22 ANY time soon. She has other complicating medical factors that restrict her nutrient absorption and therefore also her weight gain.
-mild CP, walks on knees, wears braces, and pulls self to stand, and can climb onto/off couch.
-child has EXCELLENT neck and head control (remember, she is over age 2).
I am a big proponent of ERF'ing (extended rear facing) and congratulate the foster mom for getting her to 28 months rear facing! HOWEVER, in this situation I don't think ERF'ing is gonna happen any longer. If it were me transporting the child, I'd be willing to ERF the child knowing that it is so much safer than FF'ing.
The child's medical professionals - Peds / OT / PT / Etc. (none are CRT/CPST's) desire and want her legs straight most/all of the time, including in the car. Foster mom knows that ERF'ing is best, but really wants to move child ff'ing, likely feeling pressure from the medical side to FF.
FWIW foster mom is a mature grandparent who finds it easier to put children in the car FF'ing - as it's not as awkward a lift into her van!
Child's height is ALL in the legs.
I've tried her ERF'ing in my complement of seats (Scenera, MyRide, and EFTA) and cannot achieve an install that allows child's legs to rest comfortably in a straight position. I've contemplated SN seats - like the Britax Hippo and could try her in this before purchasing if you think it is an option.
QUESTION:
The child does not meet the minimum criteria to ride FF'ing (weight). The medical professionals want her ff'ing for leg support (as silly as that sounds!).
IF, and only IF, the medical professional wrote a letter exempting the child from the legal requirements (or the child miraculously gains 3 pounds), would you, in this situation be comfortable having this child FF'ing?
Do you have other ideas to achieve a RF'ing install that is also supportive of her legs? (she's not "allowed" to bend them, cross them, or have them resting up the vehicle seat back.).
Thoughts on the Britax Hippo?
I'm looking for ideas, advice, suggestions!
The child in question is in foster care and her foster mom is likely to be along here shortly - I've suggested she come here for advice - so please be sensitive in your remarks!
Here's the background:
-CANADA
-28 months old
-19 pounds 2 ounces
(Ontario's MINIMUM for ff'ing is 20 - but increasingly rare to find a seat that allows this - most are 22).
-child is not likely to reach 20 or even 22 ANY time soon. She has other complicating medical factors that restrict her nutrient absorption and therefore also her weight gain.
-mild CP, walks on knees, wears braces, and pulls self to stand, and can climb onto/off couch.
-child has EXCELLENT neck and head control (remember, she is over age 2).
I am a big proponent of ERF'ing (extended rear facing) and congratulate the foster mom for getting her to 28 months rear facing! HOWEVER, in this situation I don't think ERF'ing is gonna happen any longer. If it were me transporting the child, I'd be willing to ERF the child knowing that it is so much safer than FF'ing.
The child's medical professionals - Peds / OT / PT / Etc. (none are CRT/CPST's) desire and want her legs straight most/all of the time, including in the car. Foster mom knows that ERF'ing is best, but really wants to move child ff'ing, likely feeling pressure from the medical side to FF.
FWIW foster mom is a mature grandparent who finds it easier to put children in the car FF'ing - as it's not as awkward a lift into her van!
Child's height is ALL in the legs.
I've tried her ERF'ing in my complement of seats (Scenera, MyRide, and EFTA) and cannot achieve an install that allows child's legs to rest comfortably in a straight position. I've contemplated SN seats - like the Britax Hippo and could try her in this before purchasing if you think it is an option.
QUESTION:
The child does not meet the minimum criteria to ride FF'ing (weight). The medical professionals want her ff'ing for leg support (as silly as that sounds!).
IF, and only IF, the medical professional wrote a letter exempting the child from the legal requirements (or the child miraculously gains 3 pounds), would you, in this situation be comfortable having this child FF'ing?
Do you have other ideas to achieve a RF'ing install that is also supportive of her legs? (she's not "allowed" to bend them, cross them, or have them resting up the vehicle seat back.).
Thoughts on the Britax Hippo?