Britax FR XT or PW SG for low tone child?

[northernmommy]

I'm ordering DD1 her new seat tomorrow. She currently rides in a Monterey, but it's not supportive enough for her. She has mild low tone and little trunk strength, caused by an as yet undiagnosed muscular condition. She tires easily, and therefor doesn't stay in position well at all in the Monterey.

I was all set to order her a Frontier XT, but I HATED our regular Frontier with a passion so am having trouble committing. A friend has her (typically developed) DD in a PW SG and is quite happy with it. She says it's quite supportive, and hugs her DD well. I'm in an isolated area, so trying one beforehand isn't an option. I've looked into a vest a bit, and it seems like I'd have trouble getting a script for one when she still fits the standard seats available. Is there any chance we could get away with a PW instead of the full on harness of the FRXT?

DD is 7 yrs old, 48" tall, 50 lbs, 17" torso. She's really slightly built, with narrow shoulders. At this point, we don't know if her condition will worsen over time, or if it's going to respond well to physio etc.




ETA: The seat will be going in a 2004 Chev Venture. I plan to trade/sell the van off for a pick up in the next few months though, if that makes a difference.

 

[April]

Is there a reason that a Nautilus is not an option? I wouldn't think a PWSG would be enough support for your DD. I certaintl don't find it more supportive than the Monterey. So if its only between the PW and the FN, I would choose the Frontier.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[ketchupqueen]

Yeah, while it may be closer to the body by a bit than the Monterey, I don't think the PWSG would provide adequate support for low tone. If she has low tone enough to have problems in the Monterey, I'd say she needs a harness.

 

[northernmommy]

sigh...that's kinda what I figured Off to order the Frontier...

Oh, DD2 has a GN, but DD1 says she feels "squished" at the shoulders in it, and it does look like she's cramped.

 

[April]

I think you're making the right choice Sara. What about the original FN did you loathe so much?
Posted via Mobile Device