Please help me choose a Convertible Carseat (child with shunt)

Unregistered · Aug 26, 2009

I am needing help choosing a convertible carseat for my son. He has spina bifida and a shunt. I would like something that would be comfortable for his back and also one that has side head protection, bc I feel that if he was ever in an accident it would protect his head better esp. on the side where his shunt is located. He is 6 months right now and weighs around 16 lbs. He is not real long. And I drive a Toyota Sequoia, my husband drives a Jeep Cherokee. I was thinking a Britax Boulevard for my car and possibly the Recaro Signo or Como for my DH's car (the one on sale right now, I believe 2008 model) since he won't be riding in his car as much. But I am not 100% on either. Please help me to find a great seat that will be comfortable for his back and be great protection for his head. I am just lost and need help. Thanks!!

ShumNum · Aug 27, 2009

Does he have visible hydrocephalus (ie. is his head big?)?
And does he have any head control issues?
Also, one last question, does he have full sensation in his lower extremities?

Hopefully we can help!

jess71903 · Aug 27, 2009

My son has spina bifida and a shunt and we have a True Fit. It has deep sides with EPP foam all around. It has tons of RF leg room, which is good since he has braces and it would be a pain to take them off and put them back on every time we were in and out of the car. I'm not sure the Britax seats, and especially the Recaro seats would give you enough room if braces are in your future. At 2 years old and braces that com to about 2" below his knees, we have no trouble with leg room in the True Fit.

My #1 concern is to keep him rear-facing as long as humanly possible because he already has a compromised neurological system. Gage also had a Chiari decompression in June which involved removing parts of his 1st 2 cervical vertebre. Since this leaves him even more vulnerable, he will be getting a Radian 65 when the new baby gets here so he can rear-face to 40lbs. You could also look at the new Complete Air as it also has a tall shell and a 40lb RF weight limit.

If you have any other concerns, I'd be happy to help!

firemomof3 · Aug 27, 2009

I would look at the Graco MyRide, Radian and Safety First Complete Air. All these seats rf to 40lbs. which will enable you to keep him rf as long as possible, which is the safest way for him to travel :thumbsup:

Unregistered · Aug 27, 2009

No my son does not have visible hydrocephalus, by looking at him you would prob. never know that he has it. When he gets old enough we will probably have to use braces on his legs, so this will be a factor as well. He also has great head control right now. Thanks for your responses!

ShumNum · Aug 27, 2009

That's wonderful! Sounds like he's doing well. In that case, I would also agree with the other posts above....keep him rear-facing to 40lbs in one of those seats mentioned.

Please help me choose a Convertible Carseat (child with shunt)

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