How to buy toddler car seat without own car

[katerose2022]

DS will turn 1 year old soon and outgrow his infant car seat. We don't have a car and don't drive, but may need to take him out in an Uber occasionally (e.g. to time-sensitive appointments when buses are not very reliable). Wonder how to choose a toddler car seat please in this situation? Thanks for any comments and advice!

I'd probably ask in one of the car seat advice groups on Facebook "car seat safety UK" is quite a good one. You'll want something lightweight, probably belted but with a short belt path to make sure it fits all cars (isofix will be fine for taxis as they are generally new cars but these seats can be heavy), rear facing as he's still young and one that can come with a large bag with handles to carry it the other end!

Thank you! @Springadorable

Does he still fit into his current car seat? I'd stick to using that for as long as possible because they are by far the most convenient and portable, until he gets to the backless booster stage (which is YEARS away!)

They don't usually have to stop using the infant seat on their first birthday. If his head is still contained within the shell and he fits into the height and weight limits then he can stay in it.

@BertieBotts thank you! Yes he is still within the weight and height limit specified on the car seat. We were just worried that he may get uncomfortable in it. Will continue using it for now :)

You need a seat that’s lightweight and can be fastened with a seatbelt. Cybex and various big Spanish brands do these for all ages as they’re more popular in europe. Best to search online for what you want and then when you go on holiday to Europe to buy them there.

@Ozanj thank you! Though we haven't been to holiday anywhere yet since DS's birth...

There are seats like that available in the UK too so don't worry. Joie and Graco are the companies that make them in the UK. And Cybex do their impact shield ones which is the type I had for DS1 when I was a non driver. There weren't many rear facing options then, there are more now.

OP if he fits into the infant carrier keep him in it as long as possible Some children fit into them until over 2! DS1 I had him in his until he was 18 months.

@BertieBotts thanks a lot for the recommendations! :)