Recline base busted on RA - Britax says I can use my seat like this...techs, please weigh in

[AwwMama]

DS2 outgrew his RA for height. Went to switch it around while I debate seats and the base won't lock into FF.

Called Britax, it's definitely broken and seat is long out of warranty but within expiration - has 1 year to go.

They have suggested I use the seat in the reclined base position while FF. He's 25 months, 34" & 29lbs. Would you do this?


I'm also debating getting another seat...Frontier 85 or Nautilus for my DS1 who is 4, 39.5" & 34lbs and using the other MA we have to get him by until 33lbs. I have no children to pass it down to so I hate to buy a Radian due to that and install issues. (Will be going in Aspen)

Willing to entertain all suggestions here.

 

[jjordan]

What is the weight limit in your manual for using the RA in reclined position while FF? If ds2 is within it then I'd use it like that for now. In the mean time, get ds1 a new seat right away, and pass down the marathon to ds2 so he can return to being RF.

 

[Jennifer mom to my 7]

The regular roundabout actually has no weight for using the seat forward facing in the reclined position. You can use it that way to the full 40 pounds. But, you would lose loads of harness height, and it would be pretty reclined.

Now, I like your second plan, OP. Get your older child a new seat, and put younger child back rear facing in the marathon you already have

Also, sometimes you an fix the recline on the britax seats, by holding the seat upside, and pushing it down a bit harder than you normally would.

 

[safeinthecar]

Also, sometimes you an fix the recline on the britax seats, by holding the seat upside, and pushing it down a bit harder than you normally would.

I have pretty good luck with fixing them by pushing the back of the base way from the shell with one hand while I pull it up towards the seat at the front(while holding in the recline lever) of the base. It takes quite a bit of force the first time, but clicks into upright position easier over time.

 

[aeormsby]

I have pretty good luck with fixing them by pushing the back of the base way from the shell with one hand while I pull it up towards the seat at the front(while holding in the recline lever) of the base. It takes quite a bit of force the first time, but clicks into upright position easier over time.

I've had to do this with our MA's also. I'd give it a try with your RA. Otherwise passing the MA down and keeping him RF sounds like a great plan.

 

[hrice]

I would get a new seat and pass the MA down to keep your 25 month old RF.