Slumping forward in Recaro Stage 3 HBB, any suggestions?

[Chunkamatic]

I moved DS1 up to a HBB a couple of months ago as DS2 had outgrown his infant carrier and needed to move up. Seemed to me the best option just to move DS1 up too. We went for the Recaro Monza high back booster. He was just over 15kgs which is the minimum weight for this seat.

However when we are driving for long periods (which we do quite often as my parents are 200 miles away) he falls asleep and slumps right forward. So much so that a couple of times he has fallen right down so his head is on his knees, bent double. My instinct tells me that this is dangerous, but just how bad is it?

Is there anything I can do to improve this? Have tried adjusting the headrest to no avail, I didn't get the seatfix version which was a complete error but DP threw away all the packaging before I realised so couldn't be returned, so it can't be reclined at all.

I would consider getting a different seat if needed, but what should I be looking for? Any advice welcomed, please!!

Could you buy another seat that still has a harness? The slumping forwards sounds quite dangerous to me. In that position I doubt he would be adequately restrained in a collision.

Ok thanks, thats what I thought. Can anyone recommend a good stage 2-3 carseat instead? I can keep the recaro for when he's a bit bigger!

How old/tall/heavy is he? If he is under 4 I'd seriously consider getting a Britax Two Way Elite and in a year or so trying the Monza again as booster training.* The TWE could then be passed down to your younger child if they out grew their seat before reaching booster age/weight.

*Basically teaching your child to sit upright (no slumping), no reaching for lost toys/drink, not messing with the seat belt/buckle whilst in the booster and impressing upon them that if they mess about in the seat that they aren't safe any more. If the child messes about or breaks the rules they go back to a harnessed seat. Not saying your son is doing any of this but that's what needs to be taught before a booster is used full time to make sure the child is as safe as possible.

Sorry forgot to link to seat it's here. As a note - most people buy this seat for extended rear facing but it can be used to 25kg forward facing as well.

Thanks for that Truthsweet. I hadn't really considered that this would be an issue as he is over 15kgs, which is the minimum weight for this seat and is quite tall for his age. He is 3.3. Problem is that right now I don't have £200 to spend on a new seat. I know this sounds terrible doesn't it? I think for now I am going to borrow the maxi cosi priori that my in-laws have in their car, which is hardly used, and try and get some money together for a better in between option. Thanks again!

truthsweet - how does that work when the child is only 'slumping' whilst sleeping?

he could be slumping due to the angle of your actual cars seat rather than his booster.because they are so upright,if your cars seats dont slant backwards slightly(and your booster doesnt recline),it is a problem,we found ours slump when sleeping in different cars we use but are fine in our vectra.

If he is only slumping when sleeping then I would think they need to be in a harnessed seat (especially if they fall asleep often) or if they are of an age not to be harnessed (6+) then look at a booster with a recline function, although some I have seen have a max weight to use the recline, or locking the seat belt before starting a journey likely to have the child sleeping during.

I was going to start a similar thread.

My DD is 4, over 18kg and slumps forward in her Britax Kidfix HB booster. When she's awake she seems quite comfortable, and I've reclined the booster as much as it will go, but as soon as she goes to sleep her head goes forward. The seatbelt keeps her chest upright, so she isn't bent double.

Will watch for answers.