Radian Recline...WWYD?

amyd · Aug 1, 2011

This isn't Canadian-specific, but I'm posting here because I'd like the opinions of Canadian techs who aren't normally into RF tethering.

Here's the situation:
Mom has a new baby...less than a week old. A Radian was purchased for the baby to use from birth. Vehicle is a 2006 Dodge Caravan. Seat's installed passenger captain's chair with UAS. Mom feels that the seat is too upright (I haven't seen it yet. I helped with the initial install before baby was born). I know that Sunshine Kids recommends using the RF tether to adjust the recline angle since noodles, etc aren't permitted. WWYD? I'm meeting with the mom tomorrow evening. Would you consider using the tether in this situation (especially if you don't normally recommend it)? Fortunately we may have another option for the baby (big brother is in a True Fit and we may just switch them if mom's okay with that), but I want to consider all the options before helping mom think through it.

tiggercat · Aug 1, 2011

I'm a RF tetherer typically, but not until kiddos are a bit older. For a n00b, I'd try adjusting the recline physically first. In my 02 Caravan I can get a full 45 degrees with UAS in cap't chairs no problem (through front passenger space is compromised) by simply paying attention to recline as I tighten the belt.

Edited because apparently they changed the UAS connectors, because my brand new 04/11 model's UAS is right at the edge of the belt path and slips like crazy? Grrr! Looks like I'll be loading through the hatch for the next two years...

canadiangie · Aug 1, 2011

I would absolutely advocate for the baby to take the TF.

snowbird25ca · Aug 1, 2011

canadiangie said:
I would absolutely advocate for the baby to take the TF.

Me too. I am completely uncomfortable with rf tethering a newborn and would only do it if the only other choice was baby being too upright and having his head falling forward chin-to-chest. Breathing trumps everything else so in a case of limited options I would tether to get an appropriate angle. But when there were other options, I would always use them first.

mommycat · Aug 2, 2011

:yeahthat:

Unless the TF happens to give really horrible harness fit on the baby, in which case again, I would consider RF tethering.

amyd · Aug 3, 2011

Thanks, ladies. We got the Radian reclined enough for the baby.

Unregistered · Aug 5, 2011

Hi, just reading through this thread, why is RF tethering a newborn not recommended in Canada and at what age/weight is it OK?

mommycat · Aug 7, 2011

Hello Unregistered, RF tethering is not specifically reccommended by Transport Canada in general (even though some seats allow it) because there are usually no approved tether anchors for this use, but the practice is allowed as a parental choice. As far as the reservations we have expressed in this thread, the issue with a newborn is that their heads are proportianally huge and their necks are extremely weak. RF tethering potentially increases neck loads at the point when the tether stops the seat's rebound motion, which while it isn't an instantaneous stop and is not at the point of maximum crash forces MAY still be bad for a tiny newborn. There is no specific weight/age at which RF tethering becomes "OK". We all typically have a general age or level of development at which we would feel comfortable with it, but it is an individual level of comfort based on our research and gut feelings on the matter, and not something necessarily based on specific data or research. Hope that helps.

Radian Recline...WWYD?

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