Medically Fragile Child

ChristyK · Mar 5, 2008

My cousin has a 5/almost 6 month old child who had a severe case of meningitis at 5 weeks and just recently was released from the hospital (after 4 months in). She will never be able to sit or stand, or even hold her head up. She has well outlived her life expectancy, but is holding on, so we want a longer term option. They are also devastated by medical bills and such, so expense may be an issue unless it can be funded through some agency (the hospice person will handle that if we can decide what we want).

She weighs over 20 pounds so we know we need to take her out of the infant seat, but what options are there? I am concerned about a regular convertible seat rearfacing bc of her inability to control her head, neck muscles and her size.

Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions??????

Thanks!

wendytthomas · Mar 5, 2008

How heartbreaking for them!!

A convertible can be reclined to a 45* angle for a newborn, so their baby should be just fine in one. I'd get one with a 35 pound weight limit so she can rear face as long as possible in it.

Wendy

LynneWA · Mar 5, 2008

:yeahthat: I was thinking of the EFTA when I was reading the original post.

Jewels · Mar 5, 2008

I think the EFTA would work well. It can be found at Walmart, Target, TRU for about $130-150.
*Rear Facing for infants 5 to 35 lbs.
*Forward Facing for infants 20 to 50 lbs.
*Infinite Slide Harness adjustment system
*Removable body and infant head support pillows
*Multi-position ReclineRight base
*EPP, energy absorbing foam liner
*2 buckle strap positions accommodate growing child

celtic1885 · Mar 5, 2008

If I'm not mistaken the Roundabout also goes to 35 RF - it is costly but may be an option. I got one yesterday (collegiate but still..) for $149 new on babyage.com, just checked and they're still on sale. http://www.babyage.com/brands/britax_car_seats_convertible_car_seats.htm.

good luck!

Jewels · Mar 5, 2008

celtic1885 said:
If I'm not mistaken the Roundabout also goes to 35 RF - it is costly but may be an option. I got one yesterday (collegiate but still..) for $149 new on babyage.com, just checked and they're still on sale. http://www.babyage.com/brands/britax_car_seats_convertible_car_seats.htm.

good luck!

The nice thing about the RA is that it tethers RF but it won't last as long because it has lower top harness slots then the EFTA. If a RF tether is wanted then the Marathon (MA) would last longer but if cost is a factor it is more expensive then the EFTA. Since this child will need to be RF then I would look for seats that have a high RF weight limit as well with high top harness slots so that it can be used as long as possible.

flipper68 · Mar 5, 2008

FF recline is a great feature for kids with low muscle tone/poor head control.

EFTA can be installed with recline when FF, right?

Medically Fragile Child

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