Car seats in a minibus

[Waffles80]

DMIL’s birthday party tomorrow night. She’s booked a local minibus firm to drive us all back to her house (where we are staying), at 10.30. We were initially told it had seats for our three-year-olds, but now DMIL says they aren’t seats but “all-age straps”.

Our car seats are isofix only, so won’t go in.

Us driving would be quite inconvenient.

AIBU to feel that all-age straps just aren’t safe down windy country lanes for a journey of about 40 mins, at 10.30pm?

Some minicab firms have child seats if you ask for them when you book. Tell them the age of your child.

I wouldn't do that kind of journey with just standard straps.

taxi with car seats - its a pain and extra money, but worth it from a safety point of view.

YANBU to think a seat would be safer.

You may be U to suggest it's inconvenient for you to drive and provide said seat?

It’s really remote - it’s the only taxi company and they don’t have seats. I’m glad you both agree it’s unsafe. DMIL doesn’t “get it” at all and DH doesn’t want to make a fuss.

If your 3 year olds are over 15kg then the adjustable seatbelts are the same as a booster cushion.

I'm a nanny and am very pro car seats. However, I did a school trip with my charges school who had hired a mini bus with seat belts that have the ability to be lowered so the seat belt sits just above their shoulder.

The children were checked by the driver (and me!) and they were well fitted to each child. I think if you sit on a two or three seater with DS between two adults, he will be fine.

Although i do agree with a PP about calling the minibus firm to see if they can provide a car seat.

The minibus / taxi company don’t have any car seats.

I just don’t want to go now. DC are under 15kg.

It’s so last minute to have told us - could’ve borrowed seats if we’ve known sooner. MIL giving me broken record of “but it’s legal”.

Why not buy some cheap high back boosters tomorrow?

Are they safe? Safer?

Any car seat on sale is safe. You'll need one with a harness if your children are under 15kg.