I had the meridian ahr for DS as a baby and then purchased the maxi rider when he was ready for a booster seat. Personaly for my son the ahr or not he still slept/sleeps quite comfortably in both. I do notice though that he looks so small in such a big seat (he's 2 yrs) i think the ahr may have made a difference to that but i'm still happy with my decision. I don't think the ahr would push your daughters head forward in any way, IMO either way you are making a good decision, they are both good seats.