Car seat advice

[k4th]

Hi all - I've been off bnb for a while. Life is hectic (but fun!) atm

I have a car seat question that I'm hoping someone can help me with.

We have a maxicosi cabriofix infant car seat. Ds is just 20lbs and will be 9 months at the end of April. The car seat is suitable until 28lbs.

But.... We don't have a base unit & Ds has just figured out how to pull the seatbelt out of the restraint that holds it across his lap. I've tried putting toys etc near him, but he's only interested in playing with the seat belt. Obviously this is hugely dangerous when he's in the back & im driving. I tried him in the front of the car today, but the seat angle made it even easier for him to pull it out.

We have maxicosi priory xp which dd stopped using about 9 months ago. But it's forward facing.

I had really hoped to keep him rear facing until 28lbs and then move to the priory. I'm taking extended maternity leave so have no money to buy a different car seat or base unit.

I think the law has changed in the uk so children have to be rear facing until 15 months - and I know it's safer. I heard that it only applies to newly purchased car seats though?

What on earth am I going to do? I feel like neither option is hugely safe but I have no cash to change the options I have. Any thoughts???

Thanks all

 

[Sqwidge]

have you looked on facebook selling sites to see if someone is selling a base? or ebay? you may be able to pick one up for about £20.

 

[k4th]

have you looked on facebook selling sites to see if someone is selling a base? or ebay? you may be able to pick one up for about £20.

Is it ok to buy a second hand base? I would never buy a car seat in case it has been in an accident - does that rule apply to the bases or not?

 

[Button#]

You can buy covers to go on the seatbelt. I've seen them mentioned before on a previous thread.

 

[Button#]

Something like this

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0...AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=seat+belt+covers

 

[k4th]

Thanks for taking the time to reply button!

It's not the actual seatbelt that he unclips sadly. He just un-hooks it from around the car seat hooks. It's still plugged in & around the back of the car seat, but it's no longer holding down the part of the car seat where his legs are iyswim. It's an infuriating talent!

 

[Button#]

Ah ok! You have a Houdini on your hands!

 

[SpringCrane]

I would search out a second hand base first, then my back up would be to try to fashion something that keeps him from pulling at the belt. A strip of duct tape over the opening? I don't know what exactly... But I wouldn't want my kid forward-facing that early. However, law here is rear-facing until 2 and my almost 3 y/o still is, so clearly I'm on the extended rear-facing bandwagon :-D

I've sold bases to someone. I ended up with 3 for our infant seat but only needed 1. But if the seller is seller is dodgy and you're worried it's been in an accident or compromised, I'd go with your gut.

 

[Smanderson]

We used a second hand base with DS and had no issues, I'm planning to use it again this time. I haven't heard about any issues with second hand base but if there is a risk of the source being unreliable I would avoid

 

[k4th]

Thanks all ��

Dd had a party with school friends this evening & I was telling another mum about the issue. Amazingly she has a spare base that she's willing to lend me until she sells her car seat with the travel system - as she's still using the buggy it will be a little while. & her Ds has grown out of that car seat & she bought him a new one recently.

So lucky!! A freebie & from a source I trust *phew*

��

 

[Sqwidge]

I was just about to say that I don't see a problem with a second hand base - in fact i'm trying to sell mine (it's silver cross so couldn't have helped you!). See that you found one from someone you trust, definite bonus