We're thinking of getting a new car seat for our daughter, who is 3.5. Thoughts in this forum about car seats with or without head wings (e.g. Radian XTSL v. 85SL)? Right now, she is sitting forward facing in a Britax. We're concerned that she may not like having head wings obstructing her peripheral vision, since she is in a seat that doesn't have head wings. Just wanted to check in and see if this a realistic concern or not (and if there really was an added safety benefit to having head wings).
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pros and cons of head wings
- Thread starter andrewj
- Start date
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The idea is that restricting movement of the head can protect the spine. However, there are no standards for side impact protection, so they may be the best thing ever, or do nothing, and we have no way to know.
A forward facing seat, tethered properly, installed properly, and used properly with a harness is a fine choice for a 3.5 year old. If she doesn't want wings, fine. I wouldn't stress it at all.
Another option is to rear face her, if she's under 45 pounds. That's the ultimate in side impact safety, but I wouldn't stress a 3.5 year old forward facing.
Wendy
A forward facing seat, tethered properly, installed properly, and used properly with a harness is a fine choice for a 3.5 year old. If she doesn't want wings, fine. I wouldn't stress it at all.
Another option is to rear face her, if she's under 45 pounds. That's the ultimate in side impact safety, but I wouldn't stress a 3.5 year old forward facing.
Wendy
My kids rode in Britaxes with headwings (wizard & Boulevard). We loved them and now I am looking for another seat with wings. I like them for what seemed like added safety (made me at least feel like they were safer), the kids loved them for sleeping and didn't seem to have issues with not being able to see. They had them from early on, so I don't know if transitioning an older one would be different. Also, most HBB have some sort of "wings" so she will deal with them at some point, whether it is now or later...
NannyMom
Well-known member
Personally, I prefer headwings or deep sides. We don't know what true benefit they will provide because most side impacts aren't directly on the side.
Kids will lean their head forward to see around the wings. I had a child in a Vivo (booster with deep wings) and she would lean her head forward just enough to see around the wings, but still have her head inside them.
Kids will lean their head forward to see around the wings. I had a child in a Vivo (booster with deep wings) and she would lean her head forward just enough to see around the wings, but still have her head inside them.
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