Graco SmartSeat and a newborn - pics included

Pixels

New member
DS is 15 days old. He was 8 lbs 2 oz at birth, and 8 lbs 4 oz (and gaining) three days ago. He has an ~8 inch torso.
IMG_0443%5B1%5D.JPG


The harness pads were too thick, and were basically strangling him as I tried to tighten the harness. This is the tightest I was able to get the harness. There is gapping over the belly, and it does not pass the pinch test. However, DS was complaining and it was starting to look like his head would pop off, so I couldn't tighten any more. Also, because he doesn't really have a neck yet, those thick pads were holding the harness out to the edges of his shoulders. :thumbsdown:
IMG_0442%5B1%5D.JPG


I took the harness pads off just to see what difference that made, and the fit was much better. I was able to properly tighten the harness and DS did not complain. However, the harness pads are required in RFing mode, so IMO this seat is not good for newborns. The harness in the lowest position is just at his shoulder or slightly above. This seat requires the harness to be below the shoulder (not at) when RFing, so he needs to grow some more torso or wear a cloth diaper instead of the disposable he was wearing today to begin to fit the seat.
IMG_0441%5B1%5D.JPG


For comparison, here he is in a BabyTrend. It's difficult to see, but his shoulder is just at the slot in the bottom position.
IMG_0444%5B1%5D.JPG
 
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DaniChildcare

New member
has anyone figured out (or called Graco to find out) why exactly those extremely weird shoulder straps are required? That was really my only complaint about this seat when i played with it at the store.

You just confirmed my thoughts, at the fact that since newborns really don't have a neck, the "shoulder pads" would sit pretty much on their cheeks
 

Pixels

New member
CPSDarren posted sometrhing about because it's steel reinforced, the seat doesn't give as much. The chest Gs were kinda high rear facing, so they padded (and required) the harness covers to lower the chest Gs. I have a sleeping baby on me or I'd go find his post and link you.
 

msg221

Well-known member
I couldn't even look at the car seat! I just want to snuggle that adorable little guy!! Congratulations!
 

lovemybabies924

New member
i cant get my combi shuttle to pass the pinch test because of the padded strap covers either..her cheeks look just like his in the shuttle and shes 2m already but only 9lbs
 

BananaBoat

Well-known member
CPSDarren posted sometrhing about because it's steel reinforced, the seat doesn't give as much. The chest Gs were kinda high rear facing, so they padded (and required) the harness covers to lower the chest Gs.

That makes me nervous enough to hesitate using the seat RFing.

While I want to commend Graco for designing something innovative & unique, this seat leaves a lot to be desired, IMHO. :twocents:
 

Pixels

New member
I'm sure many seats had borderline injury measures at some point in the prototype stage, and were modified to improve them.
 

amie815

New member
He is just too precious! I am glad you forwarded those to Graco. Definietly a flaw in a seat that is suppose to be used from birth up.
 

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