[mamma bear]

Hi,
Husband, myself and our two boys (14months and almost 5) are going overseas to the Philippines.
There will be no baby seats where we are going and no big name car rentals either. We will be lucky to get a reliable vehicle even. Husband and his whole family have flat out said we are not taking one with us (Due to not much point as there is no anchor points and have just found out there is no guarantees our rental car will have back seat belts)

So have you been in this situation. My friends who have also been are saying, you just need to deal with that how it's done there. I'm finding it hard to get my head around it all.
Now I would be more comfortable if it was only short trips, but from the airport to where we stay is almost 2 hours (in minimal traffic)

I'm ok about my almost 5 year old. But how can I get around this for a young bub?

I had thought of trying to find an old school booster (with no back) so it could fit in my luggage and maybe a 5 point harness? But I'm doubtful the age of car we get will have a bolt for it anyway??

Any advice or suggestions???? I'm dreading this holiday already and this is not helping, so after positive suggestions please!!!

This post has been edited by mamma bear: 23/01/2013, 11:08 PM

[HeroOfCanton]

Husband and his whole family have flat out said we are not taking one with us

why not? the cost of extra luggage?
I don't think a few hundred dollars & a bit of inconvenience is worth the risk to my childs life.

For the 5 year old, maybe I could deal with it, but for a 14 month old, I'd not go - honestly. I just couldn't see how it would be worth the risk.

[lsolaBella]

No to the booster and add on harness. No anti sub device and the fact that research had 100% used incorrectly, putting child at risk of internal injuries from the belt.

Me I would be trying to get my hands on a EU maxi Cosi Cabriofix capsule and take that. It installs with just seatbelt (lap sash). Suits a child to approx 80cm. Gumtree or eBay sometimes have them advertised (as pram accessory)

Refer to lower post for RF Aussie seat thoughts

This post has been edited by lsolaBella: 22/01/2013, 08:35 PM

[Fossy]

Your husband and his whole family have said you can't take one? Gee they sound like a cheerful bunch

Take a seat, your child is a baby, they need a carseat. Even if you can't top tether it it will be safer than nothing.

[AvadaKedavra]

2 hours travel at what speed?

I have travelled extensively with kids not in carseats - but in highly urban areas with so much traffic that the max speed (by us or anyone else) is 30-40 kph. This was an acceptable risk for me.

I would balk at 60kph plus, especially if it was on roads where other vehicles (eg trucks, busses) can also so higher speeds. That said, as a child I have travelled on such roads with no restraint (including no seat belts) because that WAS the done thing. Would I do that with my own kids, knowin what I know and having seen what I've seen. Not likely.

(You might also want to find out if, even if you take a seat, there will be anything to attach it to).

This post has been edited by AvadaKedavra: 22/01/2013, 08:30 PM

[lsolaBella]

Actually at 14m I would in this case also use Aussie seat RF without TT. I would not use Aussie seat FF without TT though. That is assuming seatbelt in rear seats.

This post has been edited by lsolaBella: 22/01/2013, 08:31 PM

[Betty_D]

Honestly, I would be taking a car seat and telling my husband and his family to just deal with it.

[lsolaBella]

This is a good article (yes all 6 pages) to get your DH to read. Babies get 10kgs luggage allowance so that should cover pram and car seat. Never had to pay extra for these for bubs going overseas. Also watching the video links is good too


http://www.thecarseatlady.com/taxis/using_taxis.html

http://www.thecarseatlady.com/taxis/using_taxis_3.html

This post has been edited by lsolaBella: 22/01/2013, 08:45 PM

[bikingbubs]

you dont get charged for taking a car seat (ie, its not included in your luggahe allowance...its goes free)

[baddmammajamma]

I would:

* Be buying a Sit 'n Stroll from the U.S. as fast as my fingers could order:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SIT-N-STROLL-NE...=item460241ce82

(too bad you aren't in Sydney -- as I have lent mine to several EBers)

or

* Be searching for a Maxi Cosi Cabriofix capsule (per IsolaBella)

or

* Be planning on taking my Aussie seat (rear facing)

-and-

* Be bringing a light weight booster for my almost 5 year old that can be secured with a lap sash

I would NOT:

* Be letting my clueless husband and clueless inlaws dictate what essential safety items I packed for my children! Really, you need to put your foot down on this one. They are being ridiculous!

Good luck & safe travels!