RF seats that stick straight up

bnsnyde · Sep 13, 2012

How bad is this, to have a RF seat stick straight up? Does physics have a general good vs. bad ruling on this, or does it depend on the seat?

I noticed a neighbor's baby (10 months maybe) in a RF Scenera that was totally upright, like they had the FF recline position. This was a TINY two-door car and there is no way the seat would have installed at a 45 degree angle with a noodle. Even if they put the recline adjust down to get some recline (though this older Scenera says it must be 45), the seat would likely brace the front seat. There is a kid next to the baby, so it's outboard or nothing. What's best in this case? There seems to be nothing that would work properly!

Come to think of it, my Orbit toddler stuck straight up when I installed it correctly. I called Orbit to learn there IS no recline. They suggested a rolled towel, so I did that and got a small recline (so my tot can at least sleep).

joolsplus3 · Sep 13, 2012

Technically of course you want it reclined to the level that the manufacturer dictates. But in a crash, more upright is probably better, less chance of launching out head first and putting extreme stress on the shoulders.
Here's a picture and description... http://www.carseat.org/Technical/tech_update.htm#angleRF

scariestone · Sep 13, 2012

joolsplus3 said:
But in a crash, more upright is probably better

:yeahthat: Swedish seats are extremely upright. Though they do tether and brace as well. I don't know if not tether/bracing would have any effect on a seat being that upright. Does the scenera allow bracing? If it does and their car doesn't have advanced airbags you could show them how to recline it more. Though in a two door car it would be rather difficult to get a kid in without moving up the seat in front of it.