Must I use a car seat?

[missslc]

Hi

I am returning to the UK with my 5 month baby in the summer and have organised a car seat for most of the period i will be home but one weekend i will be going somewhere by train and so unable to carry the car seat.

I am just wondering what people do?

If a friend picks me up in her car and she has no car seat can i just have my baby in my lap and the belt over us? My parents seem to think so- but then thsy had kids in the 70s when car seats and seat belts were not on the radar.

people must get taxis with babies sometimes which have no car seat? anyone know the law on it?There must be occasions when car seat are not used- just puzzling over how I will solve it really. ANy help appreciated.

Is it really terrible to suggest buying a cheap car seat?
My mum picked one up for about thirty quid from Tesco, so we can use whenever we visit, also lends out to her buddies with grandkids

Baby on your lap strapped to you with a seat belt = stupid, dangerous and illegal behaviour but I guess you get that now.

thanks everyone- i have already bought a car seat for the time I am in the UK but apparently it does not have a handle on it so would be difficult to carry across london to get the train.

Actually it seems like a lot of hassle for a weekend- perhaps I won't bother going.

Or I will just take the bus to my friend's house- but as i said i have never been involved in a car accident yet so it would be pretty terrible luck for it to happen that one time.

What about all the millions of children in countries where they do not have laws on the use of car seats- like many countries in south america for example. Do we not care about the safety of their children too?

Thanks for those of you offering practical advice- much appreciated and informative.

Apparently in 75% of plane crashes there are survivors which suprised me!

Well in a bus most people keep their babies strapped into a pushchair - which at least means they are restrained which is the main cause of injuries from accidents.

You can push a buggy straight into a black cab, too - this is legal and though probably not as safe as a proper carseat, it would be much safer than holding the baby on your lap and fine for one journey. I am very paranoid about car safety and I have done this a couple of times.

can´t you find a baby hire place in your friends area and get her to pick up a car seat...at least then you only have to pay a small hiring fee rather than buying a new one or like others have said she might know someone who has a spare??