Are convertible vehicles safe for children?

[sgriner]

Does anyone have information or do you know of anywhere I can look to get information regarding child safety as is applies to convertible/drop top vehicles?

[papooses]

Do you already have a convertible vehicle :confused:
What year, make, model & what is the childs age, weight height :confused:
Is there a backseat which the vehicle manual allows installation of carseats in :confused:

These past convertible vehicle threads might be helpfull.... http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=938 http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=3823&highlight=convertible http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=1370&highlight=convertible http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=1079&highlight=convertible

[sgriner]

Thanks for the websites. In anwer to your questions:

My husband wants to purchase a 1990's model BMW 3 series convertible. My son is 2 years old (26 months). He is approx 27 lbs and I am not sure how tall he is. I am also not sure about the drivers manual for this vehicle. I hope this will help.

:)

[papooses]

Hmmm, well, I had a 325 hard top when my daugher was born -- maybe it was the leather seats or the fact that I'd not yet discovered the wonderful world of Child Passenger Safety Technicians, LOL ... but it was really difficult to get her infant seat & her big sister's combination seat in there securely.

If you're still shopping, then you might test out the carseats in the vehicle & ask to read the owner's manual, too!

IMO, it would definitely be best to follow the American Academy of Pediatric's policy statement & the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's advice to keep kiddo rear-facing until the MAXIMUM limits of the seat: I'd look into trying out the Cosco Scenera in the middle lap belt position for it's 35 pound rear-facing weight limit (then using a Regent after outgrowing it altogether), or the Britax Marathon/Decathalon/Boulevard for use next to the door as they have a 33 pound rear-facing weight limit with the tall harness slots....

Will this be the primary/only vehicle???

[papooses]

FWIW, my BMW 325 was a 1993 ... my sister's & cousin's 2000+ BMW 5 & 7 (or is it 8) series haven't been a problem for installing carseats :)

[sgriner]

No. My vehicle is a 1999 Subaru Outback Wagon. I love it and it is easy to install the car-seat safely. It fits right behind the driver seat. Thank you for the advise. I will use it while helping my husband choose a vehicle.