Car Seat Advice

[rowrowrowyourboat]

Can anyone tell me if we need to get DD the next stage car seat please. She is 9 months still well within the weight range, her head isn't over the top of the seat BUT the shoulder straps are below the level of her shoulders and I understood that they sould be level where they go through the back of the seat.

No they are safest in rear facing for as long as possible. Keep her in there as long as possible (plus they often have sale in August when the fabric designs change for the big baby show)

I'm hoping to get a rearfacing seat for the next stage, that's partly why I'm asking as I want to see if babyworld are going to stock a non iso-fix rearfacing seat. I'm just a little concerned that DD seems a bit hunched even though the straps aren't over thightened.

I bought my DD a Britax First Class Si seat. We kept her rear facing until she was 24months in it. Then we turned it around. Over a year later she still fits it really well. It is quick to install and will recline in FF mode.

you're right, the straps should be at the level of the shoulders. If below, and you can't move the straps, then look for a new seat. But CarGirl is right too, rear facing is safest.

So look for a seat that she can be rearfacing in as long as possible.

I'm trying to look for one that is rearfacing until about 4 years, but as I'm sure you know they aren't that easy to find in the uk

when rear facing it doesn't matter if straps are below shoulder level if at highest slot tissy. That is only important when FF.

I think you'll find it hard to find a car seat in the UK that rear faces to 4. DD was born in Scandinavia and I so wish I'd purchased a seat that rear faces to 4 there. Try looking at the Britax site in Sweden www.britax.se/ they may have some links. I'm now trying to find a car seat that will keep her in a 5 point harness past 40lbs! LOts of US sites have them (up to 80lbs) but then will they conform to UK standards etc?
Good luck.

all these seats are rear facing. Not sure why they are listed as special needs seats- they are suitable for childen without special needs too.

The company are extreemely helpful, too. I have bought several seats from them (work-related) and they are very knowledgeable, and delivery is next day.

sorry, the Traveller plus is not rear facing, but the rest are