To consider getting a stage 2 car seat?

[MrsBumblebee]

Genuine quandary here. DS is just about to meet all the manufacturer requirements for moving into a stage 2 seat (9 months old in a week, weighs 9 and a bit kg, and can sit very well). He also absolutely loathes the car - he's fine for 10 mins or so, but then starts to whinge, and eventually scream hysterically. I'm sure it's a combination of boredom and not being able to see mummy. I've tried toys, nursery rhymes etc, but nothing helps that much. It's got to the stage where it's actually affecting my life - I'd love to visit family more, but I simply can't bear the thought of a long journey alone in the car with him.

Anyway, I've been waiting impatiently for the day I can get a forward facing car seat, as I have a strong suspicion that he might be a lot better in the car if he can a) see out of the window, and b) see me. However, I've since been reading loads of stuff on MN about how babies are far safer staying in rear facing seats as long as possible. And there's no absolute need for a new seat, as his current one goes up to 13kg.

So, on the one hand I'm putting my child in more danger by getting a new seat. On the other, I'm limiting my activities (and getting dangerously distracted whilst driving) because of a screaming baby in the back, which might or might not be resolved by getting a new seat. What should I do??

[CaurnieBred]

Have you tried putting a mirror up so that he can see out? We had one with our dd and she never created at being in the car. I liked it as it meant I could see her as well

L

[Love2bake]

Both my kids grew out of those small seats by about 8 months - thier legs were just too long.

I moved them to a forward facing one then. As long as he is big enough for the stage 2, I don't see any problem with it.

[Baffy]

Any way you can turn the passenger air bag off and have him in the front next to you?

I know the safest place is in the back. But I read when ds was small that as long as the passenger air bag was off then it was safe to have them in the front.

Ds has always been in the front with me and it's great.