Weighing FF vs. solid install

[nitaghei]

I'd intended to keep DS (almost 19 months) rear-facing in his RA until he hit the weight limit. But now I'm wondering if it makes sense to turn him FF. And yes, I've followed the links. :)

It's just that we've had a hard time getting a solid install RF'g in my car (Buick LeSabre) because of the angle of the seat, I think. We need a couple of towels or a pool noodle in there, and even then, have to adjust it periodically to keep it correctly positioned. And there's still a little give, RF'g. It looks like the install FF'g would be rock solid. (The RF install in DH's Suburban is absolutely solid, but there's NO way I can drive that monster safely! :))

So, which is safer? RF'g with a slightly loose seat, or FF'g with a really tight install? I just want to keep my child as safe as possible, and I'm no longer certain that RF'g is the way to do it.

TIA

Nita
mom to Neel, January 2003
dog mom to a cocker and a PWD

[Joolsplus2]

Have you tethered the Roundabout RF? (I won't go on about that till you tell me if you have) Do you have top tether anchors for FF?
There are a couple other things, but let's start with that for now.....

:)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 2 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx

[nitaghei]

No, no tether. My car's pretty old (1996), and DH couldn't figure out where to tether. No LATCH, obviously.

Nita
mom to Neel, January 2003
dog mom to a cocker and a PWD

[Joolsplus2]

If you climb around under your front seats, you might find the perfect place to tether it http://www.angelfire.com/wa3/isakswings/ratetherrf.html If you can, you'll be amazed at the difference in the installation.
If you can't, I'd highly recommend calling your dealer to get a top tether anchor installed, as it will make your FF installation much, safer. I don't have the part number, but I have the technical service bulletin number for all GM's, and it is:
99-09-40-004
It basically entitles you to a free top tether anchor, they will either install it or give you the instructions to install it (which usually is quite easy to do in a sedan, basically you just screw it in).
I would personally choose a slightly loose RF install over a FF install for my own child, until I could get tether anchors installed, but the decision is for you to make, and he certainly is within the FF weight and height limits, and a tether's not technically required, but it does substantially decrease risks of head and neck injury.


Julie CPS Tech and mom to 2 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx

[nitaghei]

Julie,

THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!

This is really, really helpful. I just want to keep him as safe as possible, and have no real desire to turn him FF'g, unless it actually is safer for him. Hopefully, my DH will be able to install the anchor - he does a lot of the work on our cars.

Thank you, again!!!

Nita
mom to Neel, January 2003
dog mom to a cocker and a PWD

[Joolsplus2]

My fingers are crossed for your DH finding a place to tether and that the dealer just happily hands you your anchor hardware...tell us how it goes....
And maybe you should send a picture in to the extended RF gallery, Neel's a cutie!

:)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 2 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx

[nitaghei]

Thanks! We think he's pretty cute, too. :) And great idea - I'll take a picture of him in the car.

Nita
mom to Neel, January 2003
dog mom to a cocker and a PWD