Question Developing World travel - car seat suggestions?

Hi Everyone,
Our family is planning on spending about 10 weeks next year in a developing country (and potentially several years after that). I am very car seat safety conscious and I am understandably concerned about the car seat situation we will be in. I have traveled extensively in the developing world before I had kids. I am realistic about the situation and understand that a lot of vehicles do not even have safety belts, most kids ride in laps in the back of trucks and families of 4 regularly travel on motorcycles together. However, I'd like to give it my best effort. We will basically be using public transportation in a large city (taxis) next year and if we end up moving overseas we don't know what the situation will be.

I have looked at the Cosco Tote n Go and the Eddie Bauer Portable seat - these seem to be the only options I have. Lugging our Decathalons in this situation is just not possible. I have also seen a travel vest option although I can't recall the brand name. The reviews of these products (even on this site) are difficult to decipher. There is a lot of negative feedback but it seems as though people might be reviewing this as an alternative to a "regular" car seat. However, in my situation the other option is holding my children in my lap or just strapping them in with a seat belt. Please keep that in mind when making a recommendation for me. I realize these are not the safest, best fitting options is car seat safety. I need something that will be practical in this circumstance and basically keep my kids from being ejected in an accident.

I have a daughter who will be 3 when we leave. Right now she is 27 lbs. I doubt she will weigh much more than that in 5 months. I also have a son who is 10 months old now (will be 15 months then) and weighs 23lbs now.

I thought the travel vest might be a good option for my daughter but I think the weight minimum is 35 lbs and we aren't close to that. I just not sure what to do. There have to be others like us out there somewhere! Help! Thanks so much in advance!

Are you opposed to a seat with a shell or do you want something that does not have a shell? How about 2 cosco scenera's. Or a scenera and a chase if your oldest is ff. They are very lightweight and cheap. Once you get the hang of it they are relatively easy to install rf and ff. They also work perfectly in a lap only situation which I imagine is what are you going to see the most of.

The problem with the RSTV is I believe it requires a top tether so would not be the best choice. I was going to suggest the Safeguard Go but think it requires a top tether as well.

I would choose the Scenera over the Tote N Go or the EB version. I don't have any experience with either the Tote N GO over the EB version but have read they can be difficult to install. They are also forward facing only and I'm assuming not the best fit for a smaller child. They have a 25 lb minimum weight requirement. If you are in vehicle that you can install the Tote N Go or the EB version, you can install the scenera. The scenera will give them extra protection because it has a shell PLUS it can be used rear facing and it it would be far more comfy for your baby.

Plus the Cosco Tote n Go is a serious pain in the rear to install. IMagine taking the lid to a shoebox, cutting 2 slits in it, and installing it tightly against a vehicle seatback. That's about the size of the part of the 'vest' that attaches to the vehicle seatback.

The SafeGuard Go is a better option for your 3yo, but even that has a 30# minimum. It requires a top tether when used with LATCH or lapbelt, but not when installed with a lap/shoulder belt.

Another thing to consider is whether or not the cabs you take will have locking seatbelts. A lot of Eurasian spec vehicles do NOT have belts that lock, requiring a locking clip.

TerisBoys said:

The SafeGuard Go is a better option for your 3yo, but even that has a 30# minimum. It requires a top tether when used with LATCH or lapbelt, but not when installed with a lap/shoulder belt.

Click to expand...

I thought the Go always requires a tether in harnessed mode--it's what holds up the back of the seat.

As much of a PITA as it is, the Tote N Go might be your best bet. It's better than nothing.

I'm not sure what the requirements of the EZ-on harness are, but that might be an option, too. I think a tether is only required after a certain weight.

For your son, a lightweight seat (like the Scenera) is probably your best bet, but it will be bulky to carry around a city.

Oops - you're right Jennie.

I had the Go and the Ride Safer Travel Vest mixed up.