Car Seat Dilemma
January 21, 2007 by kate baggott
Filed under Baby Care
Now that Consumer Reports has withdrawn its damning reports about infant car seat safety, there is just one thing I want to know. Assuming I have a 5 year-old, a two year-old and a newborn, what is the smallest, most fuel efficient, reliable and cost-effective car I can drive while meeting car seat safety requirements for three children? This is my research quest for the next few weeks.
I am not impressed with the safety records of minivans, nor am I impressed with their environmental impact. I also fear that they are a pain to park. Plus, I live in Germany where gas costs twice as much as it does in Canada and almost three times what it costs in the US.
The answer really will influence our decision about whether or not to have a third child. What are you driving?
I’d love to hear about good vehicles for a larger family, since while we are done at two children, my parents live with us, and the (now) six of us often go about together.
On the carseat issue, the problem with the tests was that they were conducted in conditions simulating 70MPH rather than 38. I don’t know about anyone else, but I’d rather have a carseat that’s proven safe at the higher speed.
I am with you.
See next post for how in awe I am of you.