Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Mr Skrunts on 02 July 2008, 14:57:50

Title: Child Seats
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 02 July 2008, 14:57:50
I dont have children, and very rarely even use the Miggy as a passenger car.  Odd occasions I have a front seat passenger.

As a favour to help a single young man out with 2 young kids below infact school age I was considering taking them out some where for the day, even if just locally to a country park or maybe further afield maybe to the coast.

But I am not sure on the child seat laws and what is required.

Any advice would be appreciated.

TIA.   :y
Title: Re: Child Seats
Post by: theowletman on 02 July 2008, 15:00:28
Yes you need them. Depending on their age, weight etc different types are required. Go to the Halfords or Britax or Mothercare websites for full details.
Title: Re: Child Seats
Post by: Jimbob on 02 July 2008, 15:01:08
You have to have a suitable restraint for them....

without knowing the ages history etc...

has the normal kids guardian not got the seats to lend you?  that is normal procedure.

Failing that, what are the rough ages of the kids, can advise more then
Title: Re: Child Seats
Post by: Jimbob on 02 July 2008, 15:03:47
rough guide...

<9 months, rear facing baby seat
>9 month < 3 years, forward facing 5 point harness
>3 years, Booster seat,pref with adjustable back to hold seatbelt
>4 years Booster seat, poss with strap to hold seatbelt
>12, Normal seatbelt.

very rough off top of my head.  Ages very approx, its all on height really
Title: Re: Child Seats
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 02 July 2008, 15:06:30
Dont actually know thier ages, weight or height, just Googled child seats and found some info.  Shame I have to get get 2 seats to take them 5 or 6 miles op the road and it may only ever be a one off journey.
Title: Re: Child Seats
Post by: Jimbob on 02 July 2008, 15:16:02
just hide em in the boot, be easier!

To be honest, that being the case, these things aint cheap....
If they are big enough to just need a booster seat, they can be got for about a fiver, looking nearer the 100 mark for some of the others


Get a taxi!  they dont need child seats!
Title: Re: Child Seats
Post by: theowletman on 02 July 2008, 15:19:07
Yes I know it is expensive, but what price a childs life? Titanic only ever did a one off journey as well. Any neighbours that could lend you them ? Don't know if they can be hired, local taxi firm provided one for the grandson on an airport run as they couldn't take the seat with them.
Title: Re: Child Seats
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 02 July 2008, 15:35:02
Quote
Yes I know it is expensive, but what price a childs life? Titanic only ever did a one off journey as well. Any neighbours that could lend you them ? Don't know if they can be hired, local taxi firm provided one for the grandson on an airport run as they couldn't take the seat with them.

I fully understand and totally agree.  I have just found out that the kids are 2 and 3.  There is a booster seat, but if I did take them out I would prefer them in child seats.

I dont mind buying seats, but not for a one off journey.  Will see if any can be borrowed.  :y

Will see how it goes.
Title: Re: Child Seats
Post by: BIGHUCK on 02 July 2008, 17:04:37
Quote
I dont have children, and very rarely even use the Miggy as a passenger car.  Odd occasions I have a front seat passenger.

As a favour to help a single young man out with 2 young kids below infact school age I was considering taking them out some where for the day, even if just locally to a country park or maybe further afield maybe to the coast.

But I am not sure on the child seat laws and what is required.

Any advice would be appreciated.

TIA.   :y
i,ve got four kids under 7 (hence the zafira), you will have to have the proper age and weight range seats,for the kids any good high street motor shop will help hope this helps!!
Title: Re: Child Seats
Post by: Andy B on 02 July 2008, 17:15:56
Nanny State steps in again. I know the argument about 'what price ......... etc' but do we really need rules & regs that affect somebody doing a favour for someone? Common sense applied when ours were young. They were always in a seat/booster of some kind in our car, but there were the few occasions when they had a lift in a friends/relatives car and their own seat was at home & they were just strapped with belts. Do we expect our kids to wander around carrying a booster just in case they need a lift in some one elses car?  :-/
You could always black the windows & have the kids roaming around inside unrestrained like I've seen many many times! :-?  >:(
Title: Re: Child Seats
Post by: Martin_1962 on 02 July 2008, 19:03:39
Mine are 10 8 8 and none have seats now - haven't for over two years.

Why?

They don't need them, the belts are height adjustable and my daughter despite being below the cut off height is still taller than some of the mums at school - and they don't have booster cusions.

Some cars (MEtros) are a lot more dangerous with booster seats due to the layout of the seat belts.


The children don't slide about on the cushions and I can get three in the back.

BTW this is called common sense.
Title: Re: Child Seats
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 02 July 2008, 19:14:48
  [size=14]Children aged 3 and above, until they reach EITHER their 12th birthday OR 135cm in height [/size]  [/b]

In the Front Seat

The child MUST use the correct child restraint.

In the Rear Seat

The child MUST use the correct restraint, where seat belts are fitted.

There are three exceptions where there is not a child seat available. In each case the child MUST use the adult belt instead. They are -

1) in a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle;

2) if the child is travelling on a short distance for reason of unexpected necessity;

3) if there are two occupied child restraints in the rear which prevent the fitment of a third.

In addition, a child 3 and over may travel unrestrained in the rear seat of a vehicle if seat belts are not available.

It is the driver's legal responsibility to ensure that the child is correctly restrained.




[size=16]The Law[/size] (http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/law/index.htm)


Title: Re: Child Seats
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 02 July 2008, 19:16:11
Quote
  [size=14]Children aged 3 and above, until they reach EITHER their 12th birthday OR 135cm in height [/size]  [/b]

In the Front Seat

The child MUST use the correct child restraint.

In the Rear Seat

The child MUST use the correct restraint, where seat belts are fitted.

There are three exceptions where there is not a child seat available. In each case the child MUST use the adult belt instead. They are -

1) in a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle;

2) if the child is travelling on a short distance for reason of unexpected necessity;

3) if there are two occupied child restraints in the rear which prevent the fitment of a third.

In addition, a child 3 and over may travel unrestrained in the rear seat of a vehicle if seat belts are not available.

It is the driver's legal responsibility to ensure that the child is correctly restrained.




[size=16]The Law[/size] (http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/law/index.htm)



The last bit makes a farce of all the rest
Title: Re: Child Seats
Post by: HolyCount on 02 July 2008, 19:20:15
Can children be strapped to a roof rack ? As long as the load is secure, what's the problem ???

Title: Re: Child Seats
Post by: Martin_1962 on 02 July 2008, 19:20:30
I have fitted rear seat belt to vehicles without them for safety reasons.

I would not let mine in a car without belts.

They are safe as they are
Title: Re: Child Seats
Post by: stuart30 on 02 July 2008, 19:48:02
Quote
rough guide...

<9 months, rear facing baby seat
>9 month < 3 years, forward facing 5 point harness
>3 years, Booster seat,pref with adjustable back to hold seatbelt
>4 years Booster seat, poss with strap to hold seatbelt
>12, Normal seatbelt.

very rough off top of my head.  Ages very approx, its all on height really


Good post HOWEVER.......its a bit more complicated than that.

My two were very small for there age and we were told that its very important for a child to be able to sit up unaided for approx 30 seconds (due to strength in neck muscles) and be over a certain size as you say  :y...One of my twins now has a forward facing seat and the other is no where near ready despite being the same age.

Basicly if the comfortably fit in a rear facing car seat thats without question the safest option...failing that a forward facing just make sure who ever has bought it has looked at saftey and comfort as opposed too style.

Could cheerfully slapped the woman next too me in Kiddicare who said ""Na i dont like that it looks crap....i like that one it looks better"" despite it being blindingly obvious it had NO padding and Looked like it was straight out of a rally car.

Simple cow didnt give a toss about the kid"s comfort just how it would look in her MG 25 thingy.... ::)


Just read back....oh 3 yrs old.....ignore the above  ;D

Title: Re: Child Seats
Post by: theowletman on 03 July 2008, 08:55:36
We got a Btitax recliner for the grandson ( 10 months old now ) at Asda Living for £55. Same seat at Mothercare was £97.