Child Seat Advice

[boobles]

hora said:

boobles said:

Hi,

According the the Britax fitfinder, this seat will fit into both the Focus & golf.

That is a superb price for that seat aswell.

Thats what I can't figure though 'Olivia' - is it a sub-brand of the Evolve?

I can only assume that they have alot of this colour in stock. It's also a popular colour & for that price, I would snap it up.

[boobles]

pikey said:

Hello Boobles,

I have a question I've been pondering recently if you please!

We have 6 month old and a Maxi-Cosi "CabrioFix". You can keep taking bits out of the seat as the baby grows and we're about at the stage where her head is filling the head support 'bit'. If we take this out then the baby's head seems to have a lot of freedom, so we have the choice of her head being fixed and it looking uncomfortable or loose and free.

Should we remove this, then buy another neck support for an older baby or is the head support just for when she has weak neck muscles?

Thanks

Ben

PS. Had some Australian friends over recently, who were amazed by our ISOfix system as when they had baby seats for their kids (about 10 years ago) they were not allowed to install them.. so would never remove them. If it was removed (ie. for cleaning?), they had to take the car to a centre where a specially trained person fit the car seat (ie. threaded the seatbelt round the seat). It was just the done thing that seats remained where they were installed and never removed!

Hi,

Have you removed the "filling block" this should be removed when the child is approx 4 months old. This will make the seat deeper which allow you to keep the "head support" attached. Also, unless the fitting instructions say remove it after a certain timescale, I wouldn't remove it or replace it with anything else.

We recommend that you should always check the seat belt tension pretty much after every journey
because they can come lose overtime & can make the seat un-secure.

Edited by boobles on Tuesday 15th February 12:08

[boobles]

pikey said:

Thanks

boobles said:

We recommend that you should always check the seat belt tension pretty much after every journey
because they can come lose overtime & can make the seat un-secure.

I take it this doesn't make much sense as I've always docked it into the ISOfix base?

This applies to both belted & isofix seats.
It's always better just to check it over.

[boobles]

Dr_Gonzo said:

Hi Boobles,

We have our first child on the way pretty soon. We have a E92 3 series touring and a Nissan Qashqai, both with ISOFIX. What would be your top recommendation?

Thanks,

The Doctor

Hi,

Due to the fact that there will be several seats that fit in either cars or just one but not the other, I can't start naming them due to that very reason (there are to many). If you are asking me from a safety point of view, I can't & won't name or shame products due to obvious reasons (like being taken to court). You can however try either of these to sites for an indication to what will & won't fit.

http://redirectingat.com/?id=1044X509854&xs=1&...


http://redirectingat.com/?id=1044X509854&xs=1&...

[boobles]

pikey said:

boobles said:

pikey said:

Thanks

boobles said:

We recommend that you should always check the seat belt tension pretty much after every journey
because they can come lose overtime & can make the seat un-secure.

I take it this doesn't make much sense as I've always docked it into the ISOfix base?

This applies to both belted & isofix seats.
It's always better just to check it over.

Now I'm confused as to which belt you're referring? When I dock the car seat I get a green indicator to say it's in properly, never attached a belt..

Either seats whether it be seat belt only or just isofix (no seat belt)
Both installations should be checked on a regular basis to ensure it's still secured.
I realize that you are saying that the indicator is still green but it doesn't hurt just to check once in a while.

[boobles]

joewilliams said:

What's your opinion on extended rear-facing seats?

Whilst I appreciate the theory behind doing it, I haven't seen any accurate statistics confirming how much safer they are, only scare-mongering.

How do you mean "extended rear facing seats" ?

Do you mean keeping children rear facing for longer?

[boobles]

Amateurish said:

My eldest is now 15kg and so old enough to move to a group 2 seat. Should we do this soon or is it better to keep her in her group 1 seat until she has outgrown it (i.e. 18kg)? Cheers.

I would keep her in the current seat until she is 18kg, unless she is to tall for it. If thats the case I would look at getting the next one.


KeyR1 you can PM me if you like where I can hopefully help if you would prefer it.

[boobles]

joewilliams said:

boobles said:

How do you mean "extended rear facing seats" ?

Do you mean keeping children rear facing for longer?

Stuff like this: http://www.carseat.se/

Designed for keeping children rear-facing for as long as possible.

It may well be safer, but I can't find any proper statistics.

I think the most important rule is, don't put children forward facing before they are ready.
Far to many parents can't wait until they put their children forward facing & this can be dangerous if involved in a collision. I know this hasn't really answered your question but I won't get into a debate as to which is safer, rear facing or forward facing.

[boobles]

swamp said:

Does anyone know about using a car seat on an aircraft?

One airline says:

Parents can use their own baby car seat provided it has been certified by the government of manufacturer's country and provided the infant is flying on a child's fare ticket.

But it seems the UK Government (ie Civil Aviation Authority) don't/won't certify car seats for aircraft...

It really is down to the individual airline. Some say yes, others say no. It's better to check with who ever you are flying with to be sure.

[boobles]

Dino D said:

boobles said:

It really is down to the individual airline. Some say yes, others say no. It's better to check with who ever you are flying with to be sure.

I am also looking at that and just checked with Emirates - they have a section on there site about it that says:
Parents or guardians may use infant car seats at any stage of the flight. Airport Services will approve the infant car seat at check-in for use onboard. Cabin crew will assist parents with the fitting of the car seat to the passenger seat. The car seat must be the forward facing type only and one that can be secured to the seat by the use of the lap seatbelt, and not a shoulder harness (2-point seatbelt) as per car vehicles
In regards to European made seats they say:
Seats meeting European safety standards requirements of ECE regulation 44, -03, or later series of amendments.
http://www.emirates.com/english/plan_book/essentia...

I have a Maxi Cosi Cabrio fix and in the manual it states it meets the ECE regulation referred to above but it is rear facing so no good apparently - strange they want forward facing only...

Boobles - can you even buy a forward facing infant seat in UK?

Edited by Dino D on Wednesday 16th February 16:03

I don't think you can buy seats specifically for aircraft use, certainly not forward facing seats anyway. Nobody seems to make them.

[boobles]

jcelee said:

Hi Boobles,

Going back to Caterhams, is it possible to safely secure a child seat for a 3yr old using a 4 point harness rather than an inertia reel belt? At what stage can you legally/safely use a booster cushion? I could refit the inertia reel belt but would still need to find a seat that fits on top of a fixed back glassfibre Tillet seat. Any suggestions greatfully received!

Unless the fitting instructions show that you can do this, otherwise the answer is no.
These seats are designed using either isofx or 3pt seat belts & should not be tampered with or used any differently than what the fitting instructions state.

Booster seasts can be used from the age of approx 4 years.

[boobles]

DBSV8 said:

boobles said:

We test to R44-04 & Euro Ncap & ADAC. We also go that extra mile & test Side Impact pulses.
I can't compare the Swedish plus tests because we don't do them & it would be unfair for me to try.

thanks ,

but to clarify the swedish plus test exceeds both the above standards and included specific testing to the head and kneck and only 3 manufacturers have so far passed these tests

would that be correct

Can't answer that one because I am unsure.

[boobles]

Piloti said:

Thanks for the offer of advice, which coming from your basis of product testing is really appreciated. A couple of quick questions...

Firstly, our everyday cars have rear side airbags. Does this influence the choice of car seat? We currently have Jane Monte Carlo Plus isofix car seats in a BMW 5 series and a Discovery 4.

Secondly, I'm looking to get a couple of occasional use child seats for my wife's station car - a Skoda Fabia which has isofix connection points. We'll normally keep the car seats in the garage, and only use them if we are carrying children in the car. Our children are 4 and 6, 18kg and 25kg.

I'd rather avoid booster cushions, as I value the side protection of a full chair. I wonder whether there are decent non-isofix seats for this occasional use, as it's not the work of a moment to fit and remove an isofix seat. There are some very cheap seats available, but that in itself is a concern - does the Graco Junior High Back provide any advantage over a booster cushion?

What would you recommend?

Thanks!
Piloti

Thank you for you're kind words.

Here is a link which explains side airbags & child seats which should point you in the right direction.
http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/factsheets/airbags...

Have you considered "high back boosters" these are booster seats with adjustable backs & give adequate side impact protection & some do come in "isofix" mode but you would still have to use the 3pt adult seat belt to secure the child. I am not sure if the Graco Junior comes with isofix but they do offer better side impact protection than booster seats.

[boobles]

djt100 said:

Hi boobles,

Can you offer any advise on one of these, seem to get good reviews on web, We're after one as a second to keep in the back of my car

http://www.kiddicare.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet...


Kiddicare.com Midi SP Car Seat - Tarmac

Hi,

The only thing that would put me off that seat is the way you adjust the harness.
There are many many seats out there with a "one pull" harness system which means one strap tightens up the harness rather than 2 seperate straps like in this one. You do run the risk of having un-even tension in one of the straps where as the "one pull" systems eliminates this.

[boobles]

JQ said:

Boobles - I really appreciate this thread, and for once my wife is not moaning about me being on Pistonheads.

We have a 2006 Ford C-Max and an 18 month old and a 3yr old. The 3yr old is starting to get too big for our first seat and we're looking for a stage 2 seat (Booster?). What is your recommendation for a cost effective safe seat with no isofix.

ps - what's your view on airbags and forward facing child seats. My sons come out in my MX5 during the summer in forward facing seats - I have manually disconnected the passenger airbag - would you leave it off or turn it back on?

Hi,

Always glad to help where I can.
I would suggest a "high back booster" these are basically booster seats with a back & they last until the child is approx 11. You can buy several different versions but I would look for one with nice deep side wings which optimize safety for side impact collisions. They do vary in price and worth shopping around.

The airbag should always be switched off if the child is in the front or ofcourse in a 2 seater.
If the airbag can't be switched off (I know you are able to switch you'rs off) then it's recommended to have the passenger seat as far away from the airbag as possible.
I hope this helps.

Edited by boobles on Saturday 5th March 21:29

[boobles]

sheldo said:

hi we are currently looking at car seats for our 6 month old lad. He's very nearly out grown his infant carrier and we are now looking for a stage 1 (9months to 4 years) He currently weighs 23Lb if this makes any odds. We currently have a kia picanto gs on an 06 and a bmw 530 sport on and 02. We want something that can be interchanged between the two fairly easily.

We nearly parted with some money yesterday for a recaro young expert plus. Any thoughts on these seats or better suggestions in the same price range? Also will it be suitable for both cars?

Thanks for offering your help in what can be a bit of mine field.

Hi,

23lbs in weight is fine to start looking at the next stage seat.
The thing about trying to find one seat that fits both cars is always farily difficult because not all child seats fit all cars. You may find that the Recaro fit's one but not the other.

I always suggest taking both cars if possible to Halfords or Mothercare where the staff are trained to install seats until you find the right one....

[boobles]

I think the "protection pad" is used in BMW's & some other makes due to the car manufactures seat design. I think the pad absorbes energy & takes this away from the child seat & child.

The impact cusion scores high in Impact tests because of the forces that are measured, IE chest accelerations, no other measurements are required for an R44 approval.

Edited by boobles on Sunday 6th March 16:36

[boobles]

Hi,

Nothing wrong with looking at buying the next stage up so long as your child is ready for this.
As always, I would recommend going to either Halfords or Mothercare & try some in before you commit to buying. The staff there are both trained by us & they are pretty clued up when it comes to installing them. I would also say that buying the most expensive doesn't always mean you are buying the best. You must buy what is right for your vehicle & this is why I always suggest going to these stores before you commit to buying anything.

[boobles]

DBSV8 said:

sheldo said:

hi we are currently looking at car seats for our 6 month old lad. He's very nearly out grown his infant carrier and we are now looking for a stage 1 (9months to 4 years) He currently weighs 23Lb if this makes any odds. We currently have a kia picanto gs on an 06 and a bmw 530 sport on and 02. We want something that can be interchanged between the two fairly easily.

We nearly parted with some money yesterday for a recaro young expert plus. Any thoughts on these seats or better suggestions in the same price range? Also will it be suitable for both cars?

Thanks for offering your help in what can be a bit of mine field.

I can reccommend the Atka Graco Duologic 2 ,

I upgraded from a Maxi cosy Cabriofix to the Dualogic 2 , when our daughter outgrew the cabriofix ( age 16 months @ 10 kgs ), The Dualogic 2 covers ages from Birth newborn - Toddler - Infant 18 kg 3 - 4 years old .
It has passed the swedish plus test ( higher than European tests ) Is rear facing , and is the most compact of any rear facing seat ,
I have fitted it to a Honda Accord Aerodeck , Lexus IS300 sportcross , and Toyota Yaris , It can be fixed either with seatbelt or Isofix.
It is very easy to fit ,
The seat can be removed with child still a sleep , it has wheels and a trolly handle so you can wheel your baby around a store still asleep , ( great advantage ) you dont need a push chair !
The seat has 3 positions , so you can go from upright to recline position ,

It cost 340euros direct from Sweden , Excellent service from Haken arrived in 4 days , info here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrmKpEN1148&

http://www.carseat.se/store.html

Installed in the Honda using seatbelt option and in recline position 1

Edited by DBSV8 on Tuesday 8th March 07:36

Something doesn't look right with that installation. Why isn't the diagonal belt securing the rear of the seat? I think you have installed it wrong.

[boobles]

DBSV8 said:

boobles said:

Something doesn't look right with that installation. Why isn't the diagonal belt securing the rear of the seat? I think you have installed it wrong.

It is installed correctly , although the photo may look confusing , the frame is actually secured by the seatbelt and locked into position with a tensioner that is hidden in the photo, alternatively you could use ISOFIX to fix the seat in place ,

The seat itself is locked into position in the frame , it also has the option to be removed from the frame ( when used in a taxi ) fixed in place using a seatbelt that would secure around the rear of the seat ( same style fixing as a Cabriofix )

there is a manual in English that fully explains the fixing points , I dont have them to hand as I am at work and the car and seat are in the UK

Thats ok then.

As you can imagine I see hundreds of child restraints that are fitted wrongly & yours just doesn't look right.


This looks right to me.


http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://johan...

Edited by boobles on Monday 21st March 13:45