megabusa

Could anyone recommend a good travel system with the puschair and removable baby seat which fits nicely into a WRX? I have looked around the shops but find it a bit confusing. Seen Mamas & Papas and Britax so far, but there must be others about?
It's always better to hear first hand experience than salesman/woman type info!!

pban

We've gone the Britax route, Mothercare gave the rock-a-tot the thumbs up when we test fitted it in the car

Nigel H

Depends how old the child is. I got my 2001MY when my lad was 18 months old, so I can comment on small seats (group 0/1).

Now have a Britax Club Class Elite, which fits very well - read the Scoob handbook to see how you use the rear seat belts when fitting a baby seat. Very good idea.

Was sorely tempted to go and buy a Britax ISOFIX seat, but since I'd only get a year out of it I didn't bother. If I had my time again I'd seriously try it.

Lots of people on here seem to like the Recaro, but it's only suitable for 4+ y/o IMHO, and it didn't do too well in the recent What Car test.

MattW

When the nipper was small we had a Graco 3 wheeler with car seat integral. It was ok, especially wedged into the back of the passenger bucket seat, but I found the shiny material on the back seats slippy, which meant a decent fix was difficult. (MY01)

Just bought a Britax isofix, it fits very well and is a doddle to get in and out. Not cheap at £160 though.

I am flogging a six month old Britax Renaissance, check the for sale section.

megabusa

Thanks for the replies! The baby isn't born yet! I'm just trying to get as prepared as possible. I find it a bit daft that newborns seem to have to face backwards when in the car, I was hoping you could disarm the front paasenger airbag, but obviously you can't.

pban

megabusa
I know of a dealer that will disarm your passenger airbag. All they need is authority from your insurance company.

MattW

They have to face back because newborns necks are not strong enough to deal with potential whiplash. In a rear facing seat they are effectively lying down.

Airbag turned off aside, I'd prefer my children to ride in the back.

Hong Kong Phooey

Megabusa,
good luck m8. I've just arrived home today with our first baby - magic!

P.S. we've a Britax rock-a-tot. Easy to use, if that's any help.

Scott Kirk

We used a mama's and papa's travel system until recently and couldnt fault it - expecially good for getting bab in and out when asleep.

Now have a Britax ISOFIX which as mentioned above is excellent but no good for newborn as they (baby) have to weigh 20 lbs and be sitting up unaided before they can use it.

KimA

Ditto MattW's comment.

Even if you get the airbag disabled you are still advised to keep the baby in the back - if you have a head-on smack what's going to save the baby if your car is crushed in from the front???

We're expecting our first baby in 5 weeks' time (have gone with the Britax), and the strong advice is to keep it in the back, in the rear-facing seat. If the baby needs attention it will let you know. (If it's in the front with you, that would give you more time to keep looking at it, fuss over it when you should be concentrating on the road).

All the best with your newbie

[Edited by KimA - 7/22/2002 10:04:26 AM]

gregh

britax rock a tot worked for me, baby always in the back.

Decided not to go the 'integrated' route, for following reasons:

Specialised baby seat meant to be better for babys back
Was told that Britax spend alot of R&D on this.

Seemed more hassle to clip in and out etc, rather than leave seat in car and just lift baby into pram

regards,

greg

Alpine

We went the m&p route of integrated system.. Chloe is now 4 months old (first solids last weekend... coo coo sorry hmm).. Found the seat to be excellent and no hassles to move in and out of the car with the added advantage of letting her sleep on when you take her out of the car..

To be honest when she first came home she would only sleep in her seat at night.. she seemed to find her pushchair too open and felt secure in the snugness of the seat..

megabusa

This is great, thanks for all the help and advice, and kind words. All the best to everyone and their little 'uns!!
Its between the Britax and Mamas and Papas right now, Britax being the most 'cost efficient'