18 mo.old in a Golf Cart ???

[KathleenFL]

We're going to be at FW Cabins in November, & we've rented a golf cart for the week.

My granddaughter (18 mos.) & I will be spending the day together, while the rest of the family goes to Sea World. Does anyone have any ideas about how to secure her in the golf cart seat next to me? I don't feel safe with her sitting on my lap.....I've thought of using a shoulder harness, & attaching it with something to the "poles" in back of the seat---??

I posted this on the Camping board, but no one had any ideas...

 

[Bird-Mom]

Honestly, I don't think this is a safe idea. I have an 18 month old, and she is very wiggly. She wouldn't understand that you have to sit still on this seat while we are driving. And because you are driving, you wouldn't be able to give her your full attention. I haven't stayed at FW (only gone for the HDDR), but can't you take the bus around? If you can't use the bus, I would plan for a day close to the cabin. If your granddaughter is anything like my dd, running around outside is tons of fun, and it will be even better because she is running around with her grammie.

 

[Memaw2Wm]

Tough question ... I've rented the golf carts and I'm not sure you could safely secure your granddaughter ... I'm somewhat nervous about driving around with my grandkids in the golf cart ... they are 6 & 8.

I suppose you could buy a harness and tie it to the seats, but I'd be more incline to use the campground's bus system or push her around in a stroller ... even though I LOVE tootling around the campground in a golf cart.

 

[ktbugsmom]

I don't want to get flamed for being unsafe with my daughter, but she has been riding with me in a golf car since she was 6 months old (her car seat then), and she is now almost 4 years old. I take her golfing with me at least 2 times per week in the summers...

The summer when she was 18 months old, I did buy a harness and a cheap dog leash (6 foot long - at the dollar store) that I could hook to the harness then tie to the car, but never had to use it.

The carts don't go very fast, and if you go slowly, I personally think it would work. If she sits in the sit next to you, you can put your arm around her and hold he snugly. She does not have to sit on your lap. Usually, kids are so mezmorized by riding in a "open car" - that they do well.... at least that is my experience.

However, if you think she is too squirmy, maybe you should only take her if there is another adult with you...

Good luck.

 

[roserae]

I also think you should be able to buy a harness (like the kind that are used as leashes to keep the child from getting away from you while walking) and secure it to the golf cart if necessary. It doesn't have to be secure like a car seat, but just a reminder for her not to try to get up. If she throws a fit and gets too squirmy even with the harness, then you have your answer...she is not able to ride safely.

I agree with ktbugsmom, also. This summer when my dd was about 18 months old I drove around with her in the golf cart and she did great. I did not have a harness...she was just so mesmerized by the ride that she sat still. I also just had her sit right next to me with one arm around her. Just go by the temperment of your GD. I can see what an advantage it would be and how much fun you could have with her being able to ride around in the cart.

In fact, how much are those carts? And do you have to be a guest at FW to rent them? We will be at Wilderness Lodge in January. A golf cart for a day would be a blast.

 

[Memaw2Wm]

Part of my worry about driving around FW with an 18 month old is that you are driving on roads, with cars, buses and bike-riders and you really have to pay attention to them ... last summer I had a elementary school age bike rider suddenly turn his bike right into my path (he was riding on the wrong side of the road and made a U-turn in the middle of the road), I had to slam on my brakes ... luckily my grandkids (6&8) were holding on, but it did scare them — and me and the kid who nearly ran into us!!!

 

[bunny]

We went to Put-In-Bay in Ohio this summer with our 4 month old. People use golf carts to explore the island. All the golf cart companies had car seats available for the little ones. Our 4 year old did not use one, but the baby did. He did just fine in his car seat. My husband secured it to the cart with the seat belt and it seemed pretty tight. Also we didn't go fast and it worked out well.

 

[kadaten]

Hi Kathleen!

My DH's parents live in a city where everything has to be tied to the golf cart paths that connect everything, so most families use their carts rather than cars most of the time. So, we're pretty experienced on this one!

When more than one adult is along, one drives and someone holds the little one. I know a lot of folks won't agree with this, but that's what we do. Never had a problem.

When it's just one adult, it's a little different. When the kids were tiny (still in the infant type car seat) we simply secured the car seat to the golf cart with bungee cords (no seat belts on their cart since it doesn't go above 25 miles/hour). When they outgrew the infant seat, we secured their larger car seat to the cart, also with bungee cords. However, the last time we went to visit, we had taken along our portable high chair that straps in to any regular kitchen chair. We discovered it would also strap into the golf cart since there are poles, seat backs, etc to wrap the straps around. It also has a 3-point seat belt to put around my DS to keep him sitting safely in the seat. And with the tray attached, he can have a snack or use it as a play surface while we're driving around. The high chair obvoiusly doesn't act as a safety seat, but it does give you a way to keep your grandkid sitting down and not falling out of the cart. I know my little guy is a little busy and won't stay seated unless he's in his seat...then he doesn't give me any problems.

Hope you have a great time on your trip!
Katie

 

[KathleenFL]

Thanks so much, everyone, for your ideas!!.........I hadn't thought of using the car seat or portable high chair.....Since we'll have both anyway, one of those might be our best option.......

Roserae, the golf cart are about $45/day...You don't have to be staying at Ft. Wilderness to rent one--but you can't take them outside FW...........Another option is renting one for an hour (it's about $12)----they don't advertise this, & in busy seasons, they don't have any available for hourly rental, but you shouldn't have a problem in January......It's a great way to tour FW.....

 

[Memaw2Wm]

Originally posted by KathleenFL
Thanks so much, everyone, for your ideas!!.........I hadn't thought of using the car seat or portable high chair.....Since we'll have both anyway, one of those might be our best option.......

FYI -- I've rented both the old white and the new green golf carts and neither of them had seatbelts.

 

[KathleenFL]

I just ran across my old thread, & thought I'd show you our solution............Cathryn LOVED her "throne" !!! (We used those real strong rubber bungee cords to secure the booster seat )