Child seat conundrum - help needed

[Maverick]

I believe the airbag off switch is in the glovebox isnt it? (i havent actually checked but its says its there!)

This is removed from Australian cars and so are the front seat isofix mounts for a child seat.

We're way behind on child safety in cars in this country and haven't adopted the ROW standard of isofix despite the massive number of benefits that it brings including the ability for the most stupid of people to fit a seat correctly and safely because of it's positive locking system. (everytime they test fitment of child seats something like 75% are fitted incorrectly)

These seats can be imported from Europe often cheaper than buying a seat here and have benefits including removable bases for fast click in and out operation and a smaller footprint so fitting three across the back is easy.

Strictly speaking they are illegal in Australia because they don't meet the ADR's however they do exceed the ADR's by a long shot especially in the critical side impact tests where the Australian units don't do very well. Without a doubt I'll be getting ISOFIX child seats when required, I'm not going to use a sub standard seat because the government is too slow to react to something that has been available for 5+ years now.

If the OP get's stuck he might want to take a look at this option for one or two of the seats to free up some room, the range of seats available in Europe is massive and you can even get Recaro child seats or leather to match the interior of the VW

I can't recall the site but I remember seeing a system where a frame went across the back seats and different seats and capsules would clip in and out, not sure if this was a system designed for standard isofix or not. It was on one of the larger European sites that sold seats and capsules.

[mikinoz]

Try having a look at this thread - I had a play around with some at the time to answer someone else's question: http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newf...ght=child+seat

For our Passat, we've gone for the Safe-n-Sound Compaq Deluxe, convertible, suitable from birth to 18kg, and (as the name suggests), a little smaller than most to suit smaller cars. Admittedly we're not trying to fit three in for now (need to get #1 and 2 done first)...

We have two of these forward facing in a Golf and an 8 year old that sit in the middle. I suggest you get a capsule for the baby when small, as opposed to a rear facing based on space.

Nice work on number 3 - not many of us out there with 3 any more.

[Rocket36]

Not totally on topic, but related is the actual safety of children in cars. So I thought I'd post this.

Something I think many people probably need to be made aware of, is that it's important to continue to use a 5 point harness for kids for as long as possible. Even if you think they'll be fine with a more simple booster seat.

This thread made me remember about a couple of clips I watched on YouTube in the last couple of years when my cousins had kids and I wanted to help them keep them safe in cars.

I had a bit more time today to look up the 5 point harness info (and the two very touching clips on YouTube).

Basically, when you think your children are too big for 5 point harness car seats, think again. There are some designed for when children grow (3 - 7 years old!) and I know if ever I have children I will want to keep them as safe as possible.

These three 5 point harness seats can take children up to 36kg, which is pretty big for a young child. I remember when I was 8 I was only around 40 - 45 kg hence I would say a lot of children could still use these up to the age of 7.

http://www.britaxusa.com/car-seats/regent

http://www.britaxusa.com/car-seats/frontier

http://www.elitecarseats.com/Sunshine-Kids-Radian-80.pro

There may be others out there, but those are the ones I know of (thanks to someone who tragically lost a 3 year old in a more simple booster seat).

So don't compromise safety for saving a few dollare or saving space. If they don't fit in the car (especially 3 wide) then change cars or don't take the kids in the car.

These are the clips on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azgBhZfcqaQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2LFo8vVi04

And finally, remember this... Even if you're driving 1km to get milk, if you're taking children, be safe and secure them properly. Don't ever become complaicent and think it's such a short trip it won't matter and that the normal seat and belt will do "just this once".

Cheers!
Kris

[Jase]

I couldn't agree more. As an ambulance paramedic, I can atest this stuff is important. Sometimes a crash will kill adult occupants, yet if done properly, babies in capsules and kids in boosters can survive fairly unscathed (awful situation of course). All depends on the crash of course but you get the idea.

Whatever your seating solution, make it as safe as possible given the cramed situation.

[jimbo]

Seems no-one has any solution as yet. Will the non Oz standard approval for ISOfix seats cause any issues of insurance coverage, TAC etc? In short would we be breaking any laws if we import 2 ISOfix seats for my two bigger kids?

Does anyone know about child seat mounting options in Multivan/Caravelle?

[jimbo]

I got the good info on three seats across back of a Passat.

2x Safe'n'Sound HiLiner SG
1x Safe'n'Sound Compaq

Pity ISOfix seats are off limits from a legal perspective as is dioes not have Oz standards sticker while inferior seats do. How backwards are we?

[Rocket36]

Like snow socks being better than chains in snow and ice but not "legal", I would go for safety as NUMBER 1 over legality when it comes to the lives of my children. When it comes to safety, using what's best is just common sense.

[victorwhisky]

I bought a Recaro booster on ebay... is awesome.

Does not have an Australian safety sticker on it, but I am convinced if it is safe for the UK, Germany and the US then my 4 year old is safe... Plus, it looks great!

[Silver Caravelle]

Does anyone know about child seat mounting options in Multivan/Caravelle?[/QUOTE]

Jimbo,

The 128KwTdi Multivan (of which I have) has mounting points on all middle seats and the third row bench (& airbags front to rear). We love ours. I personally don't think it is too truck like - infact quite stylish. We have three boys (one in a wheel chair) and carry a 'truck load' of stuff for a trip. I averaged 7.9 l/100km on a recent interstate trip.

Cheers, Scott

[Noodlemofe]

I got the good info on three seats across back of a Passat.

2x Safe'n'Sound HiLiner SG
1x Safe'n'Sound Compaq

Pity ISOfix seats are off limits from a legal perspective as is dioes not have Oz standards sticker while inferior seats do. How backwards are we?

Jimbo
How did you fit them in? Compaq in the middle or on one side?
Noodlemofe

[jimbo]

Compaq on drivers side.
HiLiner with H harness on passanger side.
Hiliner with normal seatbelt in middle.

Its a little easier to access car seat belt points with both hiliners together.

[ope126]

With Bub no.3 due in January, we now have to ensure 3 baby seats will fit also.

The following are my findings as I am going through the same thing at the moment trying to source 3 baby seats for the Passat;

Passat Exterior width: 1820mm
Interior (rear) usable width (inner door handle to inner door handle) i.e. narrowest part from door to door: 1333mm

Here are some other cars I am now considering (Comparable interior widths);
1500mm Toyota Torago
1480mm Ford Territory
1450mm Falcon Sedan
1420mm Toyota Kluger
1420mm Holden Sportswagan
1370mm Toyota Aurion / Camry
1320mm Ford Mondeo Wagon
1300mm Holden Captiva LX

Considering that a safe n sound Compaq is 440mm wide, to fit 3 = 1320mm

So things are looking to now be a squeeze.

I have taken our two baby seats out; Safe n Sound Meridian and Maxi Rider AHR.
We are going to a baby shop tomorrow to conduct a test fit of suitable baby seats.

If we can't make it fit, looks like I will need to sell up and get a Falcon...

Will keep you up to date on the outcome...

[mikinoz]

We had 2 Compaq delux and a capsule in the back of both a Golf and a Peugeot 308 SW wagon.

It is doable.

We now have the 308 and a Multivan and you will always love the extra space van gives you.

[ope126]

We had 2 Compaq delux and a capsule in the back of both a Golf and a Peugeot 308 SW wagon.

It is doable.

We now have the 308 and a Multivan and you will always love the extra space van gives you.

Fingers crossed then...
Will hopefully find out tomorrow.

[Lambo]

We have an allroad (1320mm clear i/s), and have maxi rider, meridian & capsule just now. Lookin to trade up to tdi wagon, but also considering another maxi rider in the near future. Have 3 kids - 0, 2 & 4. Just went to baby shop to check fit with 2 maxi's and the meridian in the back. Tis tight, but fits. When kids hit 18kg, internal harness is no good. Booster seat time - lap sash belts, and a pain to belt up each time. Considered a 7 seat car/4wd option, but u still need to belt them up each time, and get to the 3rd row to do this too - more hastle than a 5 seater i recon!? Pretty much convinced now that passat wagon can manage 2 maxi's & meridian in toddler & booster modes......