AO Elite Recline... Does it fit in my car?

[SaritaW]

Hi,

My MIL just bought an Alpha Omega Elite for baby since he's outgrowing his infant seat. Rear-facing in the back of our Ford Taurus however, even in full recline the "level to ground" lines are not even CLOSE to horizontal...

One site I read said to wendge firm padding, like rolled towels, to recline the seat base so that the seat is at the proper angle. That doesn't seem safe to me.

Am I doing something wrong or does this seat just not fit my car?

	Rear Facing Car Seats A rear-facing seat is one in which the infant faces the back of the car. Always install a rear-facing seat in the back seat of your car. This is the safest position for an infant. NEVER place a rear-facing seat in the front seat of a vehicle with passenger airbags.

	Infant Car Seats Infant-only rear-facing seats are for babies up to about 22 to 30 pounds, depending on the specific car seat. You will need a new seat when your child gets bigger. Infant-only seats have handles that allow you to move the seat from the car to the house or other locations. Some have a base that you can leave installed in the car, so you can just click the car seat into place each time you use it.

[Papooses]

What is the vehicle year, make, model?
What is the child's age, weight, height?

If you do a search within this forum you'll read why I personally would not use the AO & it's never 1 of the seats I suggest parents consider.... However, many vehicles do require a pool noodle to achieve proper recline for infants -- the pool noodle will not compress over time like rolled up towels -- click the last link in my signature to find your local CPST to get help acheiving proper installation

[SaritaW]

Car: 2003 Ford Taurus
Baby is 7mo., 19 lb., 29"

I'll look into the pool noodle thing. I guess I just thought that the base should lay flush to the car seat and be snug. I think I can tighten it down on a towel or noodle...

[MnMadhouse]

I have found that removing the base for RFing acheives a much better angle and install. You will need the base for FFing. I, too, am not a fan of the 3 in 1 seats, but if it works for your vehicle and you can get a good install, then great for you! The one plus side to the 3 in 1 is that they will allow your child to RF to 35lbs!

	Forward Facing Car Seats A forward-facing car seat is one in which the child sits facing the front of the car. The seat should be installed in the back seat of your vehicle. Most forward-facing only seats are for children above 20 pounds.

	Rear Facing Car Seats A rear-facing seat is one in which the infant faces the back of the car. Always install a rear-facing seat in the back seat of your car. This is the safest position for an infant. NEVER place a rear-facing seat in the front seat of a vehicle with passenger airbags.