Question Kids in convertibles?

CMeMeC

New member
How do you all feel about kids in convertibles? My parents are thinking about buying a new car, a camaro convertible, and my mom takes my kids sometimes. She will have other options and I'm not even sure if car seats will fit, but the convertible might be fun! But is it safe?
 
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LifeAtHome

New member
Our secondary car is a cavalier convertible, I got it when I was single, and we don't drive it much anymore though. I have mixed feelings about it. I have been told that convertibles have reinforced sides compared to other cars to compensate for the lack of structural support from the roof, which might reduce the risk of intrusion, but the possibility of a roll over is scary. Being low to the ground makes that less likely than in a tall vehicle, but it's still possible. Also, there are no top tether anchors in many convertibles, including mine, which bothers me. Overall, I'm not so worried that I won't let my kids ride in it, but I'm glad it's not my only car anymore. That probably doesn't help, sorry.
 

1mommy

New member
As long as they are properly restrained I don't see an issue with it. BTW when I first saw the thread title I thought you meant convertible sears and I was so confused. Funny memory from my past; when I was first researching car seats past the infant bucket for DS I thought a convertible car seat was just for convertibles. LOL I was like but I don't have a convertible so what the heck do I get???
 

CMeMeC

New member
1mommy said:
As long as they are properly restrained I don't see an issue with it. BTW when I first saw the thread title I thought you meant convertible sears and I was so confused. Funny memory from my past; when I was first researching car seats past the infant bucket for DS I thought a convertible car seat was just for convertibles. LOL I was like but I don't have a convertible so what the heck do I get???

I'm having a hard time finding information, because everything that comes up is referring to convertible seats, not convertible cars!
 

LifeAtHome

New member
Ok, you've inspired me to do some more checking, here are a couple of articles,
http://www.convertiblecarmagazine.com/features/are-convertible-cars-dangerous/ http://money.cnn.com/2006/08/03/autos/convertible_issues/
This one is the most interesting, but it doesn't mention the Camaro. http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr053107.html
Your carseats should fit, but there won't be room for a third passenger in back, and the rf true fit will need to be in the upright position and the seat in front of it will lose some legroom/ability to recline. It could be uncomfortable for a tall front passenger.
 

LifeAtHome

New member
Oh wait, somehow I missed that you have 2 in GNs. No way 2 GNs and a TF fit in the back of any convertible. She won't be able to take all 3 at once in that car, in those seats.
 

CMeMeC

New member
LifeAtHome said:
Oh wait, somehow I missed that you have 2 in GNs. No way 2 GNs and a TF fit in the back of any convertible. She won't be able to take all 3 at once in that car, in those seats.

She won't use my seats. She will likely use a radian or a booster, probably not both at the same time. She has a truck and full size sedan, so if she has all three kids she can take one of those. The convertible is more for fun, and she'll probably just drive it when she has the 2 year old. I'm just really struggling with the thought of them having nothing over their heads.
 

LifeAtHome

New member
You're welcome! I hope they help. On the top right of that iihs page you can download the whole report with more detailed info, unfortunately, it is not specific to kids.
Assuming your mom is a cautious driver and the kids are properly restrained, I would be ok with that. But it really comes down to a parental decision and what you are comfortable with. If you do go ahead with it I might consider limiting top down trips to low speed roads. The back seat does not get the full benefit of the windshield and imo, it's too windy back there at highway speeds. And don't forget the sunscreen if your kids are fair. :cool:
 

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