Date:         Sun, 12 Jul 1998 00:11:19 -0500
Reply-To:     -Chip <Shaner@FAMENT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         -Chip <Shaner@FAMENT.COM>
Subject:      Re: Child seats in VW vans?
Comments: To: DavidM <dmc@CYBURBAN.COM>
Comments: cc: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

DavidM wrote:

> Can the rear facing seats be used? Is it possible to change the rear
> facing seats to face forwards?


As the father of almost 5, and a very big advocate of child car seats, I
feel it my obligation to step in here.

There are basically 2 types of car seats. Infant stlye seats that cover
birth-20lbs, and regular seats that can be used from birth-40lbs.

The infant style seats should NEVER be faced forward. Do to the nature
of the restraint this could cause severe neck/head/back trauma.

The regular seats should  be used from birth to 20 lbs as a rear facing
seat. There are often adjustments to be made depending on the seat so
please consult your documentation.

After the child reaches 20lbs they can be turned around. This has to do
with the child's ability to control his/her neck and back.

In any car, the safest place for a child is in the back/middle. If you
do need to put your child in the front, be sure to use the locking clip
to securly fasten the seat down. This is a metal thing you lace the seat
belt through prevent it from slipping.

The documentation that comes with your child seat should/will inform you
of what style seat belts need a locking clip.

If you are worried that you are not using your equipment right, check
your documentation. If that doesn't help you ask someone to help.
Remember, we can buy parts for and fix our Vanagons, but our children
cannot be replaced.

On a side note, you should never buy a carseat from a garage sale or
other used wares place. If the seat has been in an accident, it can be
structurally damaged and rendered unsafe for your child.

End of sermonette :)

--
Chip Shaner
4 kids and 1 cookin'.......He's almost done....
Love your children enough to buckle them up.
ICQ# 14983821
http://www.fament.com/chip/vw/vw.html  - The Un-named VW page