Car Seat for 2 1/2-year-old

[Kizzo]

Hi. We recently moved to Singapore with our 2 1/2-year-old son and the car seat we have (Britax) is huge and too big for taxi use. Any recommendations for a car seat that will only be used in taxis (meaning easily portable)? He weighs about 13.5 kg and we often don't use a stroller when we go out since I've mainly used a back-pack with him or now he walks also. I know that most people here don't use car seats with their kids (the locals, I mean), so I'm hoping you expats can give a good suggestion as to what's available here. Thanks!

[durain]

i guessed for portability, you can use the carseat booster type. i dont think they are specify for 2.5 years old so if you do use it, make sure the seat belt is hooked up to strap from the carseat that pull the seat belt across lower.

[taxico]

i use a child harness on my wife's 3+ year old baby niece when we take cabs in singapore; it retrofits (with the lapbelt) into a child-friendly seat belt.

the harness came with the kid, so i don't have the details. i'm sure it was purchased in singapore and it lasts for a few years coz it's adjustable.

i've seen families who have an interesting hybrid pram... the seat is detachable from the unit and becomes a child seat.

the bottom portion can be flattened and stashed in the taxi trunk. i've seen it a few times at paragon taxi stands.

you betcha that's what i'll use if i ever have kids and stay in singapore!

[Blue Sapphire]

You could get a Sit 'n' Stroll. I've seen some people that have it. Considering renting one for my next travel.
http://www.lillygold.com/

They rent it here if you want to try it out.
http://www.toyrentalclub.com/travel.html

But I dont know any stores that sell it here in Singapore.

[thirdeagle]

This is an interesting website about carseat safety that gives recommendations for what to do in taxis. http://www.thecarseatlady.com/taxis/using_taxis_5.html

Probably the most widely available of what she recommends is the backless booster seat which is available at many stores.

Of what she recommends, I have the safeguard go - http://www.safeguardseat.com/go/index.htm - first few years at paragon sells it. It can be used as a booster seat above 40 lbs/18kg and it folds into a carry bag. It transforms from a backless booster into a booster with a five point harness if you have latch with a back tether, which is what we use in the grandparents car (or if you travel, a rental).

I also have the Cosco Safety 1st Tote N Go which I got at a yard sale. I don't think is sold any more but at least one of the toy rental places rents it. She doesn't really recommend it because she finds it hard to get it to fit well. I don't use taxis very frequently so until I got the Safeguard Go, I just made use of this. I figured it was better than nothing.

She recommends the Ride Safer Travel Vest - it looks a lot more sturdy and secure than the Tote N Go and if I took cabs more frequently than I do, I'd probably strongly consider buying it. Unfortunately I don't think its available at any stores here that I have seen - you may have to buy it online.