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Original poster

Big baby about to outgrow car seat - not ready for forward facing

18 replies

springerspaniel · 02/01/2006 09:07

My 6 month old has hated his Britax Cosytot car seat for about the last minute because he is so squashed. He is a big baby (just gone in to 9-12 clothes) but is obviously not ready for forward facing yet. Has anyone bought a rear and front facing car seat? The Britax First Class did okay in the Which trial but not great. Lady in shop said it was a pain to use rear facing and FitFinder website said it would work in my car but 'full body weight' required to fit it! Anyone had any experience of rear&forward facing seats? Apparently Concord are bringing one out soon but that doesn't mean that Which have analysed it.

OP posts:
Original poster
springerspaniel · 02/01/2006 09:08

Oops! Brain not in gear. I mean he has hated it for the last month, not minute!! LOL

OP posts:
misdee · 02/01/2006 09:09

what5 about the 0+ seats like maxi cosi citi/cabrio, they are slightly larger than the cosy tot i think.

biglipskissinunderthemistletoe · 02/01/2006 09:12

can i ask why is not ready for forward facing yet?? as my DD was 7 mths when i put her in a forward facing carseat (in the rear seat) as seh was so big and loves it as she can see the people and cars outside..

terryschonkyorange · 02/01/2006 09:14

If you're anywhere near Milton Keynes I can recommend the In Car Safety Centre (recommended to me by another MNetter). They have a huge range to choose from, and are really switched on with what seat is best for your child/ car - and helping you fit it.

In Car Safety

terryschonkyorange · 02/01/2006 09:14

biglips, it's to do with having enough head and trunk control to be forward facing.

biglips · 02/01/2006 09:16

oh right as my DD was strong and could hold her head....

Blondeinlondon · 02/01/2006 09:16

We have an American Britax car seat - v similar to the UK one that goes rear and forward
Seems fine to use rear facing so long as you leave it in the car

Hulababy · 02/01/2006 09:50

My PILs has a Bebeconfort car seat that could be used both rear and forward facing. They used it with DD until very recently - she is now 3y8m. Much more spacious, and it did well in the car safety tests at the time when it was bought.

NannyL · 02/01/2006 10:04

its also because f you put a young baby forward facing and are in a crash you can give them severe neck and spinal injuries, hence NOT advised at all

Auntybrandybutter · 02/01/2006 10:07

Thought it went on weight as well as age?

Gillian76 · 02/01/2006 10:09

Weight more than age I think, and also the ability to sit up reliably, unaided.

Our Club Class (before the first class) went in OK rear facing. I would definitely consider it or another rear and forward facing seat.

No matter the inconvenience, safety is your first consideration.

Hulababy · 02/01/2006 10:11

Yes, it is age, weight and also the ability to sit unaided for lengthy periods of time (guess this shows developed back/neck muscles)

Hulababy · 02/01/2006 10:11

Yes, it is age, weight and also the ability to sit unaided for lengthy periods of time (guess this shows developed back/neck muscles)

NannyL · 02/01/2006 10:13

it is weight as well as age, but in many countries ther recommend rear facing for the first year!

also the vast majority of car seats go up to 13kg anyway! (not yet met any 9 month old OVER 13kg, infact my 3 1/2 year old charge has only just made that weight! (tho i accept she is tiny!)

At the end of the day babies are safer rear facing (even if they are a little squashed) and springer spaniel is right not to put him forward facing yet!

terryschonkyorange · 02/01/2006 10:13

I'd personally choose a rear facing option for as long as possible.

terryschonkyorange · 02/01/2006 10:14

In some parts of Scandinavia it's rear facing until 3

Helen38 · 02/01/2006 10:50

My ds1 was only in his first seat for 6 0r 7 months, we bought one that was suitable from birth till 6yrs, it did rear facing at first, then forward facing reclined, then upright now ds2 is 4 and still in it as 5point harness comes out and can use it with seatbelt. have used it for up to 6 year olds too. Trouble is that it is in the car and dh has gone to work in it and I can't remember the make it is over 6 yrs old now but if you could get one that did it then I'm sure you still can. Will try to remember to look when he comes home tonight, am 32 weeks pg with cotton wool brain so no promises but will try

divamummy · 02/01/2006 13:33

dd was out of her carrycot carseat at 3m, we bought britax first class combination 0,+1 faces both way. i think its great you will use untill 5 years

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