child seats

[kay9jess]

whats is the legal age for children to be in a child seat,i`ve been told its up to 8yrs is this true...thanks bernard..

[ujpest doza]

I believe it is 5 years old for a proper child seat, but think you may still need a booster seat after that.

[blott]

This is the appropriate child seat law in Florida:

All children 5 years of age or younger must be properly restrained no matter where they are sitting in the vehicle. Children through age 3 must be secured in a separate carrier or a vehicle manufacturer's integrated child safety seat. For children aged 4 through 5 years, a separate carrier, an integrated child safety seat, or a safety belt may be used. (FL Statute 316.613).

By 'through age 3' they mean up to their 4th birthday. So up to 4 they need a child seat and between 4 & 5 they need not necessarily have a child seat as a seat belt can be used. The legal requirement is therefore that a child seat must be used up to the age of 4.

[Sharon G]

Blottie......The last child safety seat we hired was useless and my son was able to escape and it was too small for him.

We re-contacted the hire company who simply told us they didn't have any bigger safety seats!!![msneek][msneek] and were not very helpful!!

In the end we found that the vehicle had a pull down booster seat integrated within the rear seats (Hire company didn't tell us this!!) and in this was like a safety harness to strap the child in safely, more so than the child seat we'd paid 3 weeks rental on!![msneek][msneek][msneek]....

....Is this classed as a legal requirement within the FL law??

Sharon

[steph_goodrum]

Sharon
The best advice is to save money on rental and take your own. You know then it is the appropriate size for your chlds size and weight, it hasnt been in an accident and you will also know how to fit it correctly as the hire companies make you fit your own to absolve them of liability in case of accident and if was fitted incorrectly.

You can check them in with the luggage so its not too bad.

[blott]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Children through age 3 must be secured in a separate carrier or a vehicle manufacturer's integrated child safety seat[/quote] Yes it is Sharon.

[Sharon G]

Thanks Blottie.........Think I need some glasses...didn,t see that the first time!!!!

Sharon

[gromit]

Just take your own car seat. They can go into the hold with the cases. Some airlines will put them in a large bag to keep them dry and clean but if not just cover it yourself - you will save money on rental and the child will be comfy. On the other hand if you are needing a new seat for back home anyway, just rent a seat from the car hire company for a couple of days and buy a new one on holiday, They are much cheaper in America and there is more choice. Just try and get one with a 5 point harness!

[Sharon G]

Thanks Neil and Camilla, I do have 2 car seats here at home!!
Have decided to take one out with us in November[msncool]

Sharon

[gromit]

Despite everything Camilla suggested about taking your own car seat - we got to the airport to find the stroller was at home! I've had to shoot straight out to Burlington baby depot to buy yet another. Anyone want a cheap stroller?