Head slump?

NannyMom

Well-known member
I got an email from a fellow mom in one of my groups. She has an infant (1 month or less) in a Graco infant seat. She said she installed it with LATCH, and in the little window it's all blue (orange showing means angle is wrong). She had the install checked by a tech and they said it was fine. However, the Baby's head keeps falling forward. WHat else could be wrong? Any ideas?
 
ADS

MOM25BOYS

New member
She may just need to use a pool noodle or tightly rolled towel to get more of an incline for the baby. Also she needs to check and make sure her base foot is adjusted all the way up before adding a noodle. :)
 

LISmama810

Admin - CPS Technician
Also she needs to check and make sure her base foot is adjusted all the way up before adding a noodle. :)

I thought Graco now allows you to use the foot and a noodle--or that they're mum on the issue.

Anyway, sometimes those level indicators are a little wonky. You don't want the seat reclined more than 45 degrees, but it's possible it's not properly reclined even if the indicator says it is. (I've had more than one where the indicator was stuck on blue. You could turn it upside-down and it still showed blue.)
 

MOM25BOYS

New member
I thought Graco now allows you to use the foot and a noodle--or that they're mum on the issue.

Anyway, sometimes those level indicators are a little wonky. You don't want the seat reclined more than 45 degrees, but it's possible it's not properly reclined even if the indicator says it is. (I've had more than one where the indicator was stuck on blue. You could turn it upside-down and it still showed blue.)


Yes, sorry if my wording sounds funny, but that is what I meant. :eek: Make sure the base foot is extended or reclined all the way out or on the highest incline setting and then use a noodle or tightly rolled towel. I hope I don't sound confusing.:p

And I agree with the PP to check the indicator.:thumbsup: I have had mine to get stuck on my SS1 a couple of times and my old Snugride.;)
 

joolsplus3

Admin - CPS Technician
Even if a little orange is showing that it's 'overreclined', that's preferable to the head flopping forward (downward rotation for a tiny baby in the rare crash event is not as dire a consequence as a baby stopping breathing...). As baby gets a little older and more head control, I'd go back to the 'all blue' in the indicator being trustworthy :thumbsup:
 

TerisBoys

Well-known member
Another note - if the car isn't parked on a perfectly level surface, the indicator will be off.
 

Kat_Momof3

New member
heck, I'd do the paper test (www.carseatsite.com has it illustrated) for checking the angle... you fold the paper to make a right triangle and put the longest side (hypotenuse) against the seatback of the child seat.
 

Jeanum

Admin - CPS Technician Emeritus
Staff member
We were taught in CPST training that the baby's head is the ultimate RF angle checker. If the baby's head is flopping down toward the chest, then more recline would definitely be called for. :)
 

xxluckychicxx

New member
I always found that the leveler thingies (sorry it's getting late, can't come up with the right word :eek:) on my Graco seats were off and the seats wouldn't be nearly reclined enough if I went by it. Infact, with my ComfortSport the blue would be smack dead in the center when the foot was up for FFing :rolleyes:, and it wasnt stuck or anything.
 

Car-Seat.Org Facebook Group

Forum statistics

Threads
219,656
Messages
2,196,897
Members
13,530
Latest member
onehitko860

You must read your carseat and vehicle owner’s manual and understand any relevant state laws. These are the rules you must follow to restrain your children safely. All opinions at Car-Seat.Org are those of the individual author for informational purposes only, and do not necessarily reflect any policy or position of Carseat Media LLC. Car-Seat.Org makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. If you are unsure about information provided to you, please visit a local certified technician. Before posting or using our website you must read and agree to our TERMS.

Graco is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Britax is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Nuna Baby is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org!

Please  Support Car-Seat.Org  with your purchases of infant, convertible, combination and boosters seats from our premier sponsors above.
Shop travel systems, strollers and baby gear from Britax, Chicco, Clek, Combi, Evenflo, First Years, Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Safety 1st, Diono & more! ©2001-2022 Carseat Media LLC

Top