Toddler car seats in Taxis????

[qwerty123]

Hi everyone,
we are moving to Singapore at some point. As for now we are not planning to buy a car. It seems that most places can be reached by public transport or by taxi and the taxi fares are also quit cheap. Since we have a one year old daughter, my question is, if there is a service in Singapore, that some taxis may have child seats. Or is it more common to use the own child car seat in taxis? Has anyone experinece with this topic being mobil in Singapore with a toddler? I would be happy for any good suggestion.

[Mary Hatch Bailey]

I had three here but alas, always had a car (if for no other reason that to have them properly buckled up). I have never been in a taxi with a car seat as an option. Singaporeans are dangerously remiss on this point. Wait till you see your first infant riding on the dashboard. Your blood will run cold. Wish I better news, but there it is...

Most people use an 'umbrella stroller' that they can fold up easily and put in the boot of the cab. Not helpful at all when it comes to riding in the cab, I know.

[k1w1]

The best possible option I think is the JoeySafe (you can buy them online for about $100). They're a child harness that is attached to the seatbelt to make it safe for use by toddlers and pre-schoolers. The harness can be removed and put away once you get out of the taxi - a lot less cumbersome than a seat obviously and they're approved in the US.

[Mary Hatch Bailey]

The best possible option I think is the JoeySafe (you can buy them online for about $100). They're a child harness that is attached to the seatbelt to make it safe for use by toddlers and pre-schoolers. The harness can be removed and put away once you get out of the taxi - a lot less cumbersome than a seat obviously and they're approved in the US.

K, I thought these were recalled due to a choking hazard? Am I confused?

[k1w1]

I think so. They look like a full chest/body harness (and go under a child's bottom and between their legs - kind of looks like they're about to go parachuting) so there's no way a child could choke as it couldn't ride up. Also the seatbelt fits begind the harness and is clipped there so there's no risk at that end either.

[qwerty123]

Thanks for your help,
I have taken a look on the Joeysafe and it looks reasonable. I also have found the Cosco Tote 'n Go which looks a little bit more stable.
So at the end we have to decide about this alternatives.

[caligirl]

I would highly, highly recommend the Sit 'n Stroll:

http://www.familyonboard.com/Sit_n_Stroll_car_seat.html

It functions as a rear facing, then front facing portable car set & also works as a booster chair & FAA approved plane seat. We love ours. There is no way I'm putting my 8-month old into a taxi without a car seat!

You can purchase abroad if you want to save a little money, but they can also be found in Singapore.

Good luck with your move!

[yeeyee]

Personally I've used the Sit and Stroll, Cosco tote n go and the Joeysafe but in the end I found the Joeysafe most practical and served the safety aspects as well. The Sit and Stroll was great until my daughter became too heavy and it was a pain carrying the whole thing into the taxi and struggle to take it out with her sitting in it at the same time.

The tote and go was the 2nd purchase and I found it was a bit too big to stuff into my handbag because of the hard backboard. And finally came the Joeysafe which I borrowed from a friend which worked out great coz my 2 year old thinks she's going to jump out of a parachute. I also attach a leash behind so that we don't even have to take it out and I know she won't get lost either!

We recently got ours (since I've got 2 kids now!) from Taiwan: www.joeysafe.lenoirphoto.com It was much cheaper than ordering from the US.

[The Nanny]

Hi,

I'm a nanny here and use the joey safe with the children I look after. I think it's great!! You can put it in your bag and not have to lug a huge seat around, who wants to do that, with a baby, push chair, bags AAHHH!!!