Do we need a car seat for our 3 yr old twin boys?

Question

Hi, I've just gotten confident with driving n getting a new car - do i need to buy 2 car seats for my 3 year old twin naughty boys to strap them safe in the back seat or the existing seat belt is sufficient - unless they learn how to unbelt themselves - what shall i do? i want them to stay put and stay safe n not have distractions while driving - whats ur advise???

Answer 1

Not if you put them in the trunk, where naughty boys should be.

Answer 2

First of all I believe that it's a law that parents have to keep their children in some sort of restraint up to a certain age (or weight). And being "confident driving a new car" has absolutely nothing to do with the safety of your children!!! Are you 100% CERTAIN that you won't get in an accident? 100% CERTAIN that someone else won't run a red light? 100% CERTAIN that the seat belt is the best protection that you can give your children? The best!! Your children deserve the best and it's your job, as their parent to give that to them. They count on you to protect them. To keep them safe. We don't put our children in car seats so that WE won't have any distractions while we're driving. If that were true, you wouldn't talk on the phone or eat or listen to the radio while driving! Those are all distractions.
My advise? Buy them car seats and make sure they're properly installed! When they outgrow them, buy the next step up. That will most likely be a booster seat.
AND STOP ASKING THE SAME QUESTION OVER AND OVER! THREE TIMES IS MORE THAN ENOUGH!!!!!

Answer 3

What country do you live in? In any first world country you'd know the laws are very strict that all infants and toddlers up to 40 lbs must be secured in proper car seats. To think that you'd even imagine for one second not strapping them in before driving makes me physically ill. Not only shouldn't you be allowed to drive I doubt your ability to care for these children at all. Do you know they oughtn't have knives or that bathroom chemicals should be kept locked up or that windows should be secured so they don't fall out the second story or that they oughtn't wear hoods with strings because they could hang themselves? Where does it end but in the grave? Be sure to feed them milk but not soda pop and wash their bums daily. Who are you, how old are you? *vomiting*

Answer 4

children under 10 years of age, or under 4 foot 5 inch should always be in a car or booster seat appropriate to there size and age for there own safety

Answer 5

You are so lucky! I want twin boys! I would spend the extra money to buy two carseats for them, better safe then sorry!
Even if you are confident with your own driving, it doesn't mean someone else won't hit you... I heard they should be in a carseat/booster seat until they are 52 pounds, are they?
Good luck, but I think my boys would mean enough to me that I could spend $200 bucks on saving their life!

Answer 6

Yes you need to buy the car seats

Answer 7

examine the automobile seat and Seat belt regulation on your state. i ought to get 2 booster seats to strap them into. opportunities are intense you could must have them in a seat until eventually 6 years of age.

Answer 8

You need to think more responsible. would you like to be thrown around in an accident. Yes get them a car seat !

Answer 9

Definitely, yes. In most States, car seats are required by law for all children under 6 years of age. They are only exempted if they weigh over 40lbs, or are 4'9" tall or have special physician orders to the contrary. In such cases, then they can ride in the rear seats just using the lap and shoulder belts. Failure to comply would cost a fine of $50.00. This is the new regulation in a nutshell.

Moreover, these car seats are for their safety and comfort and your own peace of mind. Playing the radio, or letting them watch a DVD movie or music; usually would help afford some entertainment; esp for long driving. Or you can resort to the old trick of playing games.


A more detailed version of the new regulations as of Sept.18,2006::

Child up to 3 years* Correct child restraint MUST be used*. . If one is not available in a taxi, may travel unrestrained.

Child from 3rd birthday up to 135cms in height (approx 4'5") (or 12th birthday whichever they reach first)** Where seat belts fitted, correct child restraint MUST be used. in the rear seats. Must use adult belt if the correct child restraint is not available:





A child 3 and over may travel unrestrained in the rear seat of a vehicle if seat belts are not available.
Child over 1.35 metres (approx 4ft 5ins in height) or 12 or 13 years Seat belt MUST be worn if available.


Adult passengers (ie 14 years and over) Seat belt MUST be worn if available.




In addition, the revised regulations also say that rear-facing baby seats MUST NOT be used in a seat protected by a frontal air-bag unless the air-bag has been deactivated manually or automatically.

* Children under 3 years MUST use the child restraint appropriate for their weight in all cars, vans and other goods vehicles, with the single exception for the rear of taxis. They cannot travel otherwise. This means for example that they may not travel in cars, vans or goods vehicles which do not have seat belts installed.

** Examples. A 7 year old who is 140 cms tall is over the height for a child restraint and may use an adult seat belt. A 12 year old who is 130 cms tall is over the age threshold and therefore may use an adult belt.

*** If no seat belts are fitted in the front, then children under 135 cms in height (who are also under 12 years of age) cannot travel in the front.

In buses and coaches (including minibuses), seated passengers aged 14 years and above will have to use seat belts where they are fitted. Regulations requiring children 3 years to 13 years to use seat belts (or child restraints if they are available) in these vehicles will be brought forward as soon as practicable. The regulations will not include any obligation for anyone to provide child restraints in these vehicles. Bus and coach (including minibus) operators need to notify their passengers that seat belt wearing is compulsory.

There are only three exemptions when the child is over 3 yrs old or is 4'5" in height:

in a licensed taxi/private hire vehicle; or
- for a short distance for reason of unexpected necessity; or
- two occupied child restraints prevent fitment of a third.

Answer 10

Get them harnessed seats. Law or not, this is safest for them. They are too small for a booster, and definately too small for the adult seatbelt.