Pls recommend a safe car/booster seat that fits a Focus hatchback

angel_delight

Have just got my first car (which my mum has very kindly payed for), a 1.6 5 door ford focus hatchback (2004 yr).

Have still yet to pass my test -hopefully this year now I have the chance to do extra private lessons with her.

Eventually i'm going to need a car seat for my soon to be four year old. It's the safety issue of booster seats and just being harnessed by the seat belt that really concerns me though especially after viewing you tube clips of children (similar ages) that have tragically died using them where as they might not have done if kept in five point harness seat not to mention facing backwards for longer. I'm not sure off dd's weight exactly but she's average for her age. I suppose what i'm really asking is are there any five point harness car seats that will accomodate the older child after the toddler stage to buy in this country? Something like this what they have in America which can do rear/forward facing aswell- (see product features towards middle of page.) http://www.amazon.com/Sunshine-Kids-Radian-Convertible-Seat/dp/B000G7YLZW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1248503529&sr=8-1

Momentarily I thought about purchasing it as a few websites do ship to the Uk but then thought "daft idea it might not even fit my car". Tried the Britax/Maxi cosi websites which brought up very few and even then I got worried thinking what if there ones that haven't scored that well in crash tests or the 2009 which report? Even though it'll be a while before she's in the back of my car it's really stressing me out hence asking on here.

I'm hoping as it's quite a popular family car to have that all you focus owners/parents can help put my mind at rest and recommend what car/booster seats you have for your children please? Is anyone signed up to the which website also that could brief me on the latest report of which ones have scored well and to avoid?- I would be most greatful.

Thank you

An anxious mum!

maniac886

Have a look here for some reviews.

Inactive

Are you not going about all of this the wrong way?

I would first off get some driving lessons with a repuatable Instructor and get your driving test passed before worrying about child seats.

A bad driver is more likely to injure a child than a bad car seat.

Sagaris

If your daughter is almost 4 years old then the chances are by the time you pass your test she will be too big for a seat with a 5 point harness anyway - they are for use by children up to a 40lb weight limit.

Although you might be able to source a seat from abroad that has a bigger weight limit with a 5 point harness, they are not approved for use in the UK so cannot be used.

I think I'd concentrate on the driving lessons first, as others have said - good luck with those and passing your test!

angel_delight

Thanks for the reviews and good luck. Good point about the bigger five point harness seats not being approved for the Uk, but it is a shame though as the one in the link has exceptional high marks in American crash reports for the older child and many extra added safety bits to add to their protection. More so than most of the booster seats approved/sold over here.
It's annoying and upsetting that this country is that behind in child safety that there seems (so far) nothing similar or as safe once your child reaches the age of four or a certain weight.

Inactive: I've already had a fair amount of lessons with an instructor over the course of the last year. Wouldn't think of not doing it that way round first. The private lessons are more so a top up to get to improve on weak areas so therefore hopefully reducing lesson costs and passing sooner. There are bad drivers about everywhere regardless of the fact that I myself will be a newbie on the roads so high risk. This makes it even more so paramount that I do extensive research on the the best safest car seat for her age no matter how long it takes rather than just buying one that suffices right at the last minute.

Thanks again.

Inactive

angel_delight wrote: »

Inactive: I've already had a fair amount of lessons with an instructor over the course of the last year. Wouldn't think of not doing it that way round first. The private lessons are more so a top up to get to improve on weak areas so therefore hopefully reducing lesson costs and passing sooner. There are bad drivers about everywhere regardless of the fact that I myself will be a newbie on the roads so high risk. This makes it even more so paramount that I do extensive research on the the best safest car seat for her age no matter how long it takes rather than just buying one that suffices right at the last minute.

Thanks again.

So how come you havn't taken a driving test?

Your child could be too old to need a seat if you don't pass your test soon.;)

angel_delight

Cheers that's made me feel a whole lot better about how long it's taking me- were not all naturals you know. :D

In my defence though I haven't had a lesson every week to due various reasons and it's more been 10 months (just rounded it off before).
Apparently according to my Adi i'd of probably passed in an auto ages ago but am determined to stick it out going down the manual route. If I could wave a magic wand and make roundabouts dissapear too I would.:rotfl: