How safe is the Trunki Boostapak?

[upyourdiva]

Neither DP or I drive but we use taxi's or relative's cars every nwo and again, mainly my mums car.

We don't have anywhere to store a big car seat and as we travel by train to visit family in Glasgow 3/4 times a year we don't want to be carrying around a big car seat but it would be handy to be able to take on with us.

My mum has twin 5YO so they are high back boosters in teh back of her car sso something that can squeeze into the middle of them when we need to.

I would prefer a high back booster with side impact but don't really think this is possible and would be too bulky to carry but teh fact this has the seatbelt adjuster is a bonus for me.

How safe and comfortable is it though for long/short journeys? or can you recommend anything else? Budget is also a big issue.

My DS will be 5 in June.

[sazm]

tbh its will be as safe as a normal booster.
boosters dont offer any protection,they are just to lift the child up so the belt is in the correct position for them.
could your mum not keep a high backed booster at her house for him?

[stressedmum2011]

You could try a Bubblebum booster seat - cheaper, packs up smaller and should fit between your mum's 5YO in her car. You can find out more here www.bubblebum.co.uk/ and this gives some good information on safety and a review thecarseatlady.blogspot.com/2010/12/bubble-bum-most-innovative-backless.html.
Hope that helps.

[TwoLittlePontipines]

Can I please hi-jack and bump this thread!

I too am interested in the BoostApak. DS is 3, and I'm wondering if it would be too big for him. I need to hire a car to drive to airport (approx 3.5 hour drive) with 2 dcs. The car hire companies cannot guarantee availability of car seats, and I'll need 2 (dd turns 2 on the day we travel) so I'm wondering if I should get a BoostApak for ds.

Has anyone used one for a three year old?

[sazm]

how heavy is he?
personally for a 3.5hr drive i wouldnt even consider putting my 7yo on one.
for a couple of 5 minute taxis yep,def not for a long drive,they offer NO protection at all in an accident.

[TwoLittlePontipines]

thanks for reply. He's 16.6kgs, so above the minimum weight guideline.
I see your point though about protection in case of an accident.

[sazm]

yep,i would take a highbacked booster for him if you dont want to take your regular carseat, we have britax hiliners (also called adventure) from halfords,they were £30 and are really lightweight and have a good head support and side impact protection.
do you need to take carseats with you to where ever you are going??

if not : can't you use a hire company that will let you hire carseats too - sounds like a LOT of hassle taking a 3yo,2yo,2 carseats/luggage/buggy with you at the airport!?