kids in convertible cars??

[Amy]

Not sure if we'll even do it, but we are considering renting a Mustang convertible while on vacation in a couple weeks. We actually wanted to rent one this weekend since we'll be child-free for our 5th anniversary, but none are available here in Indy this weekend (damn race!!). DH found one available in Ft Myers for 2 days the week we are there, and we're kicking it around.

Here's the thing...how safe is it for the girls to be in the backseat of a convertible with the top down? They're 2 & 3, so I'm thinking they would be fine, but I'm really not sure about all the wind. If they were babies, we wouldn't even consider it, but I'm pretty tempted!! We wouldn't be doing any interstate driving, mainly just around town.

Anyone have any advice? TIA!

[Shanna]

I would think you would probably be fine as long as their seats could still be belted in properly :dunno: It's a fairly common thing around here (but not always buckled correctly - but thats an entirely different rant :lol: )

[Amy]

Shanna, that's a good point. DH mentioned that the rate he found included two car seats, but I would prefer to use our own!! TG for Latch...which I don't even know if the new Mustangs have...:dunno:

[Shanna]

I think that new vehicles are required to be fitted with LATCH, but I might be wrong :scratch:

[Kris]

http://www.car-safety.org/latchfaq.html

"New vehicles and child safety seats manufactured on and after September 1, 2002 will be equipped with the LATCH system."

I would think if car seat installed correctly they would be fine the wind may bother them though.

[Kara]

We have one...rarely ride in it LOL but the kids love it...

Austin is in his car seat...and is fine.

They usually wear hats or pull their hoods up if the wind bothered them. My neice used to wear a scarf around her head LOL.

[Amy]

I was thinking about my sister's Jeep, and it's a 2005 but doesn't have LATCH. :dunno: Guess that's a good thing, because I certainly wouldn't want my kids riding in an open Jeep while still in car seats!!

so duh, yeah, the Mustangs would have LATCH. hmmmmmmm....it's $160 for two days' rental, but soooo tempting!!!

[Kara]

I was thinking about my sister's Jeep, and it's a 2005 but doesn't have LATCH. :dunno: Guess that's a good thing, because I certainly wouldn't want my kids riding in an open Jeep while still in car seats!!

so duh, yeah, the Mustangs would have LATCH. hmmmmmmm....it's $160 for two days' rental, but soooo tempting!!!

Have they ridden in one before?

[marcy]

Keep in mind that the backseat of a Mustang is not that big! So depending on which brand of carseat you have, it might be too big to comfortably fit. Plus getting the kids into and out of the car since it's a coupe.

Oh, the new Mustangs are sweet though.

[Shanna]

It's easy to get them in/out of a convertible - just pull 'em out the top :lol: I think you'd be fine for in-town driving :nod: Splurge!! :lol:

[Theresa]

I say GO FOR IT!! :nod:

[pam]

It's usually more cold & windy in the back since there is no windshield back there. Also, it might be harder to hear them :dunno:

[Shel]

David had a Jeep when we got married. Jake was 2 1/2 and he HATED it. We started only putting the top down when he wasn't with us. The wind is a lot "harsher" in the back seat than in the front.

[marcy]

It's easy to get them in/out of a convertible - just pull 'em out the top :lol:

Until the major rainstrorm hits!

[Amy]

The wind is my biggest concern. Emily especially doesn't like wind in her face, so I'm thinking may skip it this trip. :blue: I'd much rather have one this weekend when we are child free anyway!!!