Bent legs in RF seat?

[SlightlyDoolally]

Hi ladies

I know someone out there will know the answer to this one [hsmile]. DS (2.6) is in a RF seat (Britax Multitech). He's around 20kgs, so still well within the weight limit for the seat (25kgs), but is quite tall and starting to have to bend his legs to sit in it. We're a little concerned that this limits his safety in the seat, as his feet are braced on the back of the back seat and his knees are bent.

I think I remember the Britax fitter telling me that children will have to bend their knees as they get taller, but that this is still safer than the FF position. Is this right, or do we need to turn him round?

I never understood how an older child would be able to continue in a rear facing seat past the age of about 1. I had a brittax too, and didn't even last that long. I know it's supposed to be safer but looked dreadfully uncomfortable.

Sorry - no help I know!

I haven't used RF seats past baby carrier stage but I have read about them and having bent legs is fine. Hopefully someone who knows more will see this and advise as well.

Bent legs aren't a safety issue.

Not sure why bent legs would be less comfortable than dangling legs though

Thanks all. Rita, do you know why they're not a safety issue? Or a link to official guidelines that they're ok?

I don't have a link for you but I have read safety advice that specifically said bent legs should not be considered a reason to move to the next seat stage.

Basically everyone (including adults) would be safer in rear-facing seats since in a crash the momentum is always forwards. Your child is still too small to withstand the strain a crash would put on their neck.

Forgot to say... Apart from weight there is also height though. If your child's head goes above the top of the seat you need to switch.

There's some info quoted here - kidsincars.blogspot.com/2007/09/bent-or-crossed-legs-are-not-dangerous.html

Brilliant, thank you [hsmile]. Head height ok thanks, just legs a concern. I knew someone here would know the answer!

ah That pic makes sense. My Brittax in RF left no room at all for legs to come down. The front of the babyseat goes right into the fabric of the actual car seat. It would start to look like a 'lotus' position in yoga.

That's fine smackapacca - the child can just cross their legs like this.

Remember that kids are not like us, they after all can suck their own toes. Do you ever sit in the car with your legs straight? Please don't worry about the legs!

Bent legs are not an issue :) If you think back to LO sitting on the floor (or equivelent with bags of legroom) you'll notice that they always cross their legs :) Also it's safer because in a collision when a child is RF the knees come up to the chest, following the natural bends in the leg (no pulled muscles/torn ligaments etc) When FF the child's extremeties are flung outwards putting pressure on joints, also the sensitive neck area is much more at risk when FF :)