Are convertable cars safe

Unregistered · May 30, 2008

Is it safe to put an infant or toddler's carseat in a convertable car? Does having the top up or down make a difference? Does a hard or soft top make a difference?

Victorious4 · Jun 1, 2008

With the top open, you run the increased risk of otherwise easily preventable injury due to projectiles. I personally would not have a convertible as my only/primary vehicle, especially not for driving my child around in on a daily basis. But, a once-in-a-while trip while properly buckled in an appropriate carseat would be fine.

CPSDarren said:
Convertibles, small coupes and smaller pickups tend not to be very child friendly. These types of vehicles also tend to provide less protection in crashes. Even so, it is possible for a child to ride safely in them.

First, it is never recommended that children 12 or under ride in the front seat.

Second, children should always be seated in an appropriate child restraint that is installed properly. Kids should be in a properly installed rear-facing carseat until they are over a year and over 20 pounds, preferably longer. Then they should be in a front-facing model with a 5-point harness to at least 40 pounds. Finally, kids should be in a booster with a lap AND shoulder belt until around 8 years old unless they are already 4'9" tall. The back seats of many smaller vehicles can often accomodate kids safely with some effort.

If you can't install their carseat/booster properly in back, then it may indeed be unsafe for them to ride in the vehicle. I've installed carseats in various small vehicles without a problem, but there are cases that are simply incompatible.