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Why can’t I recline my car seat into the lying position?

If your car seat won’t recline, it’s usually due to how the recline mechanism is activated rather than a defect.

Updated this week

If you’re having trouble reclining your car seat into a lying or more reclined position, this is usually related to how the recline mechanism is used, not a fault with the seat.

On car seats like the Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro2, the recline function works by unlocking the seat with a dedicated recline handle before adjusting the position.

👉 Watch how reclining should normally work (Pebble 360 Pro example):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9pLjr8gj4c

✅ If the seat does not recline – try these tips

1. Confusion with the harness adjustment

  • Make sure you are using the recline handle, not the harness strap adjuster.

  • The recline handle (often white) controls the 5 recline positions, while the harness adjuster only tightens or loosens the belts.

2. Recline lever feels stuck or does not move

  • Do not just push the seat backwards.

  • Pull the recline lever towards you first to unlock it, then gently push the seat back while holding the lever.

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