thread: Awfully Confused...

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  1. #1
    Registered User
    Add NaeNae on Facebook

    Sep 2007
    South Gippsland
    3,753

    Hey Em,

    I am not sure what you mean by a reversible car seat are you talking about the ones that go from birth to say 18kg? My understanding is bubs need to be rear facing until a certain weight rather than age but they say 6 months because thats the average age for the right weight??
    Just to be on the safe side - I would recommend talking to a Vic roads approved fitter person (or equivalent) that way you are getting the best advice.

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Jun 2007
    Forster NSW
    1,444

    I'm thinking what you mean by a reversable is it does rear facing and forward facing seating positions, in which case it is fine, that is what I had for DD. Call the RTA hotline to find your nearest fitter and they will put it all in for you and when the time comes you can take it back and get them to turn the seat around for you.

    As for the forward facing position, You can sit you bub up when they are in the correct weight range and can sit unassisted, being able to comfortably hold their own head up etc, which is generally around the 6 months mark.

    They don't recommend putting bubs in the 3rd row at all, it is best having them in the 2nd row until they are at least in a booster seat (as a toddler).

    I hope this has helped, it's always easier (when the time comes) to take your car seat to the RTA fitter and they do go through a lot with you to clear up any confusion you may have.

  3. #3
    Life Subscriber

    Jul 2006
    Brisbane
    6,683

    Rear facing capsule I'm sure would include reversible seats. I have not heard anything to suggest that this has changed. And I would be leaving them rear facing for far longer than 6 months - it's much safer - have you seen the YouTube clip on this?

    Also, yes, the second row is the safest place, and that is what is referred to when they say "back". The middle seat in the row is the very safest spot if you have room to put it there.

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Jun 2009
    Victoria
    116

    Not sure if it's the same in NSW but I recently purchased a car with 3 rows and was told by the dealer that it's illegal and unsafe to put a capsual/baby seat in the 3rd row?

    Was a bit suprised considering we purchased the car to fit our (soon to be) 2 plus my 2 DSS. We are planning a 3rd down the track, and since children need to be in car seats until the age of 7 it will be squashy in the 2nd row.

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Apr 2008
    USA - Louisiana
    39

    I live in the US in the state of Louisiana. The law here requires babies up to 1 year be in a rear facing car seat only(the small carrier type). We can't use the the one's that can face both ways until after 1 year regardless of weight. That doesn't make much sense to me because some babies are on the large side and exceed the weight requirement for the seat.

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Apr 2009
    in the garden
    3,767

    We have a Kia carnival, DD2 is in a capsule atm but will be moving this week into a reversible car seat (facing backwards of course).
    She is in the middle row behind the drivers seat.
    It's also the easiest spot for me to reach her if I need (only if we're stopped of course!)

    GiiGii, you're right, that doesn't make sense.....lawmakers, huh

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Aug 2006
    Terrace BC, Canada
    1,004

    Our laws here (I'm in Canada) require children to be rear facing (in either the infant bucket type seat or one of the larger convertible seats) until they are 1 year old AND weigh 20lbs. My son was 24 lbs at 11 months when I went to a car seat clinic at the RCMP office and they were very adamant about him staying rear facing for another month as they physically aren't strong enough to withstand impact fwd facing until then.