Recline on Britax Advocate - does it have to be 45 degrees?

[lili]

Hi,
I have my 3-year-old DD RF'ing in an Advocate in our Honda Odyssey (in a captains chair in the second row) - it's reclined at 45 degrees. At this angle, it restricts how far the front passenger seat can go back, which is fine at this point, BUT, my other 12-month-old will be growing out of her infant seat soon. I'd LOVE to get her an Advocate (we love it and I feel like it's a solid safe seat), but there's no way it will fit behind the driver seat at 45 degrees. Does this seat have to be at this angle for a RF'ing installation (for both ages?)?????

(I'd look it up, but can't find our manual).

Thanks!!!!!

 

[QuassEE]

No. Assuming there is no health reason why your child needs to maintain a 45 degree angle, ideally the seat should be a little more upright now that airway obstruction isn't a risk. It is commonly accepted by most manufacturers that rear-facing restraints can be used at up to a 30 degree angle, Britax included. You do still need to use the seat in recline mode, but there are various tricks and tightenings that should allow you to tweak the seat a bit, getting a more upright installation. It's wonderful that you still have your 3 year old rear-facing, but I suspect they're not enjoying that 45 degree angle too much at this stage The same advice applies to your 12 month old, so long as there's no airway/medical concern...generally by or before 5-6 months, children have the head and neck control to move their heads and protect their airway while in their carseats.

-Nicole.

 

[QuassEE]

One more thing--all of the manuals are available online from Britax's website. http://www.britax.ca

-N.

 

[lili]

OK, thanks for the info! I've re-installed it and think I got it more upright - it's really hard to just "estimate" the incline though..... I think it's about 30 degrees, but how do I know exactly what it is??????? But she definitely has less leg room now - I don't think she minded the 45 degree angle at all - she seems to love the car seat! I hope she'll still like it with a bit less leg room.....

It definitely give more room for the front seats - I think it will work if we buy another one..... BUT I do think the sides of the cushions will touch. Is that okay? If the two Advocates side by side are touching lightly (it would be the side cushions that would be touching). Anyone know this? I can't find info on that anywhere....

Thank you again.