to want not want to fork out 350 quid for a rear facing toddler seat

[chairmanofthebored]

I have looked at the scare mongering youtube videos about the dangers of internal decapitation, resulting from car crashes where the toddler was in a standard forward facing care seat. I then did a quick bit of research into the cost of the recommended rear facing seats. IT turns out they are bulky, difficult to fit in smaller cars, and also around the 350 quid mark.
Does anyone know of one that might be a bit cheaper? I am in danger of being either an over protective parent or a skinflint and I have to decide which!

[youngblowfish]

Sorry, Sockreturningpixie, I only just saw your message.

This is the carseat DH bought about a week ago from our local Mothercare in Manchester. I think it was cheaper, but I don't know exactly what the ticket price was. I can find out and PM you if you like?

A word of warning though, the staff did not fit it correctly and it was only after DH got home and had a read through the instructions that he was able to fit it properly himself. That is very important, because Which? reports that some of the rf seats are so difficult to install correctly that they can be less safe than ff seats because of incorrect fitting. I am sure you would do so anyway, but if you do end up getting a rf seat, just make sure it is fitted according to instructions.

As for the discussion on the merits of ff and rf carseats and their benefit to cost ratios, it is a parenting decision like any other. As long as it is within the law, one should do what one deems the best choice at the time. Personally, I thought it was a good idea because:

1. We could afford it.
   
2. Road accidents are the lead cause of spinal injuries in children.
   
3. There is overwhelming evidence that rf seats are much safer in dangerous collisions and particularly good at preventing spinal trauma because of the way they help to redistribute the force of a crash across the back of the seat.
   
4. DH had two serious RTAs (sober, driving within the speed limit) and I am weeks away from taking my driving test. I realise things can go wrong.
   
5. My DSis used to work as a personal carer for a wheelchair-bound university student, who suffered a spine injury in a car accident as a toddler.
   
6. I am suffering from severe PFBitis.

[mrsrosieb]

My health visitor knows of one case of a toddler paralysed from the waist down due to a front facing seat.
I am going to get a rear facing one 2nd hand from eBay when my son is old enough to need one.

[hobnobsaremyfavourite]

MrsRosie you think a forward facing seat is too dangerous but are willing to risk a rear facing seat that is 2nd hand from ebay