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Van Baby Seat Fittings

Posted: 02 Jul 2010, 06:31
by bitler1@gmail.com
My wife's pregnant so I was wondering if anyone knows if there's a simple solution to fixing a child seat into the back seat? My van's only got lap straps in the back and I'm trying to avoid the expense of having to get a proper 3 point seat belt fitted.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Phil

Re: Van Baby Seat Fittings

Posted: 02 Jul 2010, 06:35
by Llamapup
Infant child seats need to be fitted in a rearward facing position witha 3-point seat belt.

You can get forward facing child seats that fit securely with a 2 point belt. Britax do two of them: Eclipse and Prince.

I have the Britax Eclipse in the back of my van. It fits great. Seems really secure.

Thanks

Llamapup

Re: Van Baby Seat Fittings

Posted: 02 Jul 2010, 12:01
by armyphil
I fitted a long 3 point seat belt when mine was born and the eldest who is three sits on a booster seat in the front

Re: Van Baby Seat Fittings

Posted: 03 Jul 2010, 08:57
by CovKid
And about the only time you can put a child in the front. I do that too Phil. In fact if you can't resolve it, do what many do, put baby in front seat (rearward facing baby carrier) and everyone else sits in the back. Can be useful - fed a few babies on the move like that! :rofl

Re: Van Baby Seat Fittings

Posted: 03 Jul 2010, 11:06
by Llamapup
Yes, on long trips my two year old son sits up front with me while I drive, while mum sits in back with 5 month old daughter.

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You can get some really good child seats(9months to 3 years) that fit securely with lap belts alone. So my toddler does sit in the back with his seat secured with the lap belt on shorter journeys.

One issue I have found with putting child seat in the back is that my Westy rock'n'roll seat has a mattress that is thicker and squishier than a normal car seat. This means that you have to work a bit harder to get the car seat to securely. I tend to put my whole body weight onto the seat while I pull on the seat belt strap to get things nice and tight, otherwise it flops about a bit too much for my likeing.

Re: Van Baby Seat Fittings

Posted: 04 Jul 2010, 20:45
by bitler1@gmail.com
Thanks Fellas!

Re: Van Baby Seat Fittings

Posted: 02 Aug 2010, 21:19
by MrH
I had twins last year so had the issue of not being able to put them in the front seat. I managed to get two rear facing seats on lap belts by using Britax Baby-safe plus seat on Baby-safe belted base. Although this base says it is for 3 point seatbelt it does work on lapbelt without compromise to safety.
I am currently selling ours if your interested