P&T Explorer - when can I use the toddler seat?

[WinterOfOurDiscontent]

Dc2 is 9 weeks. Obviously too small for the seat now but is fat outgrowing the cocoon and cries when in there as it's dark and unable to see out.

When wouldn't be reasonable to use the second toddler seat?

[WinterOfOurDiscontent]

Sorry should read fast outgrowing

[leeloo1]

I believed that the toddler seat is from 6 months - eg old enough to sit up fairly independently.

[WinterOfOurDiscontent]

Thank you, so are they expected to be in the coocon until 6 months? Because dc2 won't fit.

[leeloo1]

No, I think the cocoon is only the first month or so, then you just have the baby in the lie-flat part of the buggy - probably with a cosy toes round them. :)

[WinterOfOurDiscontent]

Thank you leeloo but how can I do that if I'm using it as a double buggy? It's not possible is it?

[Ihateparties]

Why is it not possible, all the cocoon does is sit in the laid flat seat isn't it? Strap positioning is the only thing I can think of that would make it not possible.

[WinterOfOurDiscontent]

ihate ds is very long on the 99ty centile and has almost reached the end of the cocoon and the sides are already too narrow.

[leeloo1]

I don't think anyones saying its impossible for your DS to outgrow the cocoon, just that he can't have outgrown the seat. You need to use the main seat in the lie-flat position (as you would with the cocoon on it, but without the cocoon) with the toddler seat in front of it.

[WinterOfOurDiscontent]

Im just confused as to how I can use the main seat and the toddler seat...where does the bigger child sit? At the back?

[leeloo1]

No, the smaller seat clips on the front - you should have 2 'elbow joints' that fit in where the bumper bar would go, then the seat clips onto those.

[WinterOfOurDiscontent]

Oooh okay now I get it - god how thick am I. Right so just leave it as it but take the cocoon out. Makes me think the cocoon was slightly pointless really.

Even so I don't think he'll enjy spending time in the pram, he screams everytime he's in it and I think it's because it's dark and he can't really see ou.

Just want him to be able to use the toddler seat.

Dd was able to sit unaided at 4.5 months, if ds follows do you think that's too early to put in the seat?

[leeloo1]

I think you just use your own judgement - I'm sure DS was sitting fairly securely from 4 ish months too, so would have been fine for short periods in the back seat. I think they have to have a cautious limit as some 6 month olds are 'floppier' than others. :)

I'd guess if you're not using it for really long periods then you should be fine. But if he's sleeping then make sure he doesn't slump too much - as I think the concern is to do with oxygen saturation dropping when their heads slump and compress their airways - which is why little babies shouldn't be in carseats for too long either.

[OneMoreThenNoMore]

We had the same issue with our enormous ds; we did as pp have said and had him lie flat without the cocoon, inside a footmuff. I attached a couple of dangly pram toys to keep him entertained when he was awake.

He was sitting up unaided by about 4 months and that was when we turned it into the proper two-seater, with him in the back seat. He loved it.