Britax RA harness problem

[alehman]

I tried a search on this subject, but couldn't find any information. I recently purchased a Britax RA for my 2002 Subaru Forester (prior to LATCH) and along with not being able to get it at a proper recline angle, rear-facing, (I'm having it checked at a carseat inspection event at BRU this Thurs.) I've noticed that the lap portion of the harness falls across my daughter's thighs. She is 26" and under 15lbs. The harness is digging into her legs and causing indentations in her skin. Does anyone have any suggestions or solutions?

Thanks for any help you can give!

[jymarino]

I can't help with the recline issue since I am still working that out myself, but I may be able to with the harness issue. The harness is supposed to lay across the thighs as you describe, but it sounds like you may be tightening the whole harness too much. Try loosening the whole harness before putting your daughter in and pulling up on the lap portion a little. After you put her in, buckle each side and then slowly tighten it. It should tighten evenly for the whole harness. The other issue may be that the straps aren't in the right slot, check your manual for guidance on that.

[alehman]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think the harness is in the correct position, but I will check again. I'll also try your suggestion for tightening the harness, though it didn't seem too tight on her shoulders, just her legs. Maybe she's just too short in the torso for this seat.

[jymarino]

My daughter is about the same size as yours, maybe a pound lighter, and she does have long legs, but not a terribly long torso so if it works for me it should work for you. This seat is supposed to be good for newborns also, so you should be able to make it work. If you are still having difficulty, find a car seat inspection station in your area, they should be able to help you work out the kinks.

[alehman]

Thanks again. I'm planning on having it inspected this Thursday at a BRU event. I'm also bringing my Evenflo Triumph 5 Comfort Touch to see if that might be better. I purchased it before I got the RA and couldn't get it tight enough in the center seating position.