Radian and redness on back

[JKC]

Hi all. My son is 3.5 years old (28lbs, 38 inches) and in a RF Diono Radian. Recently, he has started complaining that his back hurts when traveling. I have also been noticing red marks on his spine in the middle of his back for the last several weeks. I feel bad that I am just putting two and two together, but he has been in this seat for at least a year now without complaint. I can't figure out the problem.

Am I making the straps too tight? Is he just a thin, bony kid who needs a cushier seat? Are his legs long enough to the point when he folds them they still push on the seat which pushes his back into the car seat?

I'm not sure if this is a common problem or if there is anything I can do to rectify it in this seat. I really do like it. It is sturdy and compact and allows for extended RF. In fact, I was going to get a second one for when my other LO outgrows his evenflo triumph (he is a taller and larger boy). Any suggestions would be welcome!

Thanks,

JC

 

[creideamh]

Could the red carrying strap be inside the cover and poking his back?

 

[JKC]

I'll double check but I don't think so. I ran my hand down the center of the seat and it feels smooth but it is pretty hard/not too padded. I googled the redness thing with these seats and saw a couple of responses of people having similar issues but no real solutions or concrete causes. Any other suggestions?

 

[soph's mom]

My dd has this issue too. :-( make sure the red strap is unfolded under the cover... It helped some but not much. She gets red spots on her skin right above each vertebrae... I've actually considered turning her to see if it helps but I really want to get to at least 3. :-/

 

[creideamh]

Sorry, I have no idea! That was my best guess, lol. The Radians aren't our main seats so we haven't had this issue.

 

[JKC]

Oh my you are right. The strap was down so I moved it upward to see if it helps. His redness is just above each vertebrae so I am thinking it might help but not totally since his redness is in more than one spot.

I was thinking of turning him forward but I hate to do it with him still being so low in the weight and not to top height RF. I was hoping to get to 4!

I really cant afford new seats... these were a lot! I dont like seeing these bruises on him though.