Use of car seats and taxis

[New mum]

I'm thinking of getting a lightweight stroller for baby rather than a travel system. But I am confused about what to do when I travel in taxis. If I take a car seat, then of course I am stuck carrying this around eg. at shops. But I assume its not safe to go in taxis with a newborn in just a sling or baby carrier?

What does one do. Or is there a very very lightweight travel system out there that I have not found yet?

[How About?]

 http://www.expatsingapore.com/ubb/Forum10/HTML/000386.html

Refer to the above thread.

[Steeno]

And you would put your baby in a taxi!

[and your point is?]

Well Steeno - what do you suggest one does when one doesn't have a car of their own?

[baby use]

Hi,

Definitely recommend a lightweight stroller.  Mclarens' range is good.  Even better if you can afford it, look at the Aprica range (one hand fold) at Robinsons.

A lot of mums I know, including myself, buy the travel system and it's good for maybe 3 mths.  Then after,  they tolerate the use of it for another 3 more months (maybe less) and decide it's time to buy a lightweight stroller (most go for McClarens or Chicco) and use the Baby Bjorn sling when riding in a taxi.

AND maximise the use of your sling as baby gets heavier sooner than you realise...by which time, your neck, back or shoulders will be hurting!

Save your money and maybe when baby is older nearer 9mths old, you can buy a type of car seat that converts into a "stroller" costing abt S$300 and use it in the taxis or airplanes.  So far, only e-babyasia at Forum sells it.

Not too sure the maximum weight it can take, but it shld last for a good 2 or 3 years, unlike the travel system.

At 9mths, they are a little too heavy to be in a baby sling in a taxi.  I find that their feet get in the way, when I'm seated.

So good luck, and hopefully you don't end up like us with so many strollers!

[Mum to many]

No babies & children don't need their own car seat to travel in a taxi - the choice is yours. Unfortunately safety means strong & sturdy & therefore not lightweight so to my knowledge you can't get a lightweight/small combi. But there are a whole range on offer out there some lighter & easier to use than others. You need to think what your lifestyle is likely to be andtry & find something to suit although I've come to heconclusion that in Singapore you really need 2 strollers, unless or course you have a maid & or a car!!!!
My advise is try before you buy and also ask taxi drivers to help you. We still use our graco combi and the detachable car seat with excellent sun shade has been great - I can leave home with a sleeping baby go shopping etc. and never have to disturb him!!!

[shortie]

I haven't found anyone else who imports the 'sit n stroll'  the previous poster mentions.

Are you already here In Singapore? If not you should consider buying one before you come over.
I used the Baby Bjorn for my son after he outgrew the Graco travel system.  I managed to buy a Sit N Stroll just before ebaby asia closed and find it great, even though it looks ugly.  Travel systems are great if you are using taxis a lot, in my opinion.

[This message has been edited by BoardManager (edited 06-08-2003).]

[steeno]

To and your point? .............Travel on public transport!!!!!!!! Many people cope with going on public transport. I do it, it is a hassle but the safety of my child is important to me.

[eeh?]

Steeno: sorry - are you seriously suggesting that your child would be safer unrestrained on a bus than in a taxi??? A bus can just as easily be in an accident as a taxi, lurches about more than a taxi and also takes much longer so the child will get bored, wriggley and much harder to hold still (plus there are all those metal bars to bang against on most buses) Get real and don't be so "holier than thou" (PS I do take buses as well so I know what I am talking about)