ERF issues - not sure if I should turn DD FF

Twhylite21 · #1 February 3rd, 2012, 08:10 PM

Lily is 3.5 years old and she's now 40" tall and 36lbs. Most of her height is in her legs and she still has around 2 inches of height left in her Radian XTSL before being too tall for it RF.

The last 2 weeks, she has been complaining of leg pain during any car ride lasting longer than 10 minutes. She normally puts her legs straight up the seat back, or does a diamond shape with them. DH wants to move her FF since she's complaining *or* he wants to move the seat back (it's a captain chair) down to give her legs more room. But I thought you shouldn't move the vehicle back down and it should still be fairly upright?

If I can't move the seat back down to give her legs more of an angle to recline, then do you think it's time to FF her? I really want to ERF as long as possible, but I also don't want her to be uncomfortable.

::er!ca:: · #2 February 4th, 2012, 06:55 AM

You need to check your vehicle manual to see if you can move the seat back down. Some vehicles only allow it to be moved down one or two clicks. What do you drive?

I would have no problems with a forward facing 3.5 year old, and my 3.5 year old has been forward facing since August when she hit 40 pounds.

Augie · #3 February 4th, 2012, 07:34 AM

I agree with Erica. You're vehicle manual will tell you whether or not you can move the back of the seat. This should be in the child restraint section.

Also, at 3.5, I'd have no problem with your DD FFing. Congrats on making it to 3.5!

Twhylite21 · #4 February 4th, 2012, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ::er!ca::

You need to check your vehicle manual to see if you can move the seat back down. Some vehicles only allow it to be moved down one or two clicks. What do you drive?

I would have no problems with a forward facing 3.5 year old, and my 3.5 year old has been forward facing since August when she hit 40 pounds.

I drive an 08 Odyssey. It's just so bittersweet to turn her, you know? She's just growing up

::er!ca:: · #5 February 4th, 2012, 01:46 PM

Oh I know, I felt the same way. It was way awkward and it make me so nervous at first. You've done a great job keeping her RFing as long as you have!

Twhylite21 · #6 February 4th, 2012, 03:59 PM

Well, today she crossed her legs Indian style and was totally fine. So, maybe it's just the way she's been holding her legs. I know she prefers them up the back of the seat, but I can see how that would make them hurt after a while, versus crossing them. I'm going to hold out turning her as long as the leg crossing works out better.

.:fearless:. · #7 February 5th, 2012, 07:39 PM

Aw Shelley! I know how you feel. I had to turn J FF last month because it was just too much to lift him in there! Are you able to recline her RN more, or is it reclined as much as it should be. I couldn't remember if you bought the angel adjuster or not. She also could of just been going through a growing spurt which caused leg pain in general when she sat in one position for too long.

Twhylite21 · #8 February 5th, 2012, 11:24 PM

We do have the angle adjuster and I know that shrunk her leg room a bit, but I tried it without it as well and she said it hurt - but that was a few days ago.. She was fine again today (crossed legs Indian style). I'm not sure if it was just a phase or what, but for now she seems okay again. I'm still hoping to hold out on turning her until May when the baby is born, and then I may need her FF since it'll be harder getting her RF in the 3rd row.

.:fearless:. · #9 February 6th, 2012, 04:55 AM

I did RF in the 3rd row. It was a beast. However, I did it with a myride that has a higher profile, MUCH higher. Also, we were getting in and out about 4 times a day with preschool and babysitter.