Kids and Convertibles

[Cindy's Mom]

I don't own a convertible but DH and I just love them, prior to the kids when ever we travelled we would rent a convertible.

For our upcoming trip to FL I really want to rent one, but don't know enough about them to know if its OK for the kids.

My dad always had a convertible, my seat used to be the arm rest
while I realize that times have changed and my DD6.5 and DS 5 will be in their car seats - I asking if its acceptable now a days.

We are renting our car on the last day of WDW, then heading off to South Florida for 10 days. We would not put the top on on the drive from Orlando to Delray Beach so that's not an issue, we just want the top down for cruising coast in the evenings and driving in Miami Beach.

I don't want flames, I am seeking information so I can make an educated choice.

 

[mommasita]

I don't see a problem with that. We don't own one either, but SIL and BIL do..They often have taken my kids in it, at those ages as well. They absolutely loved it, greasy hair and all.

 

[Daxx]

We've rented convertibles when we've gone to WDW and started when DS was 6 yo. Actually, it was on his request that we rented one to begin with. We had his carseat in the back seat and there were no problems at all! We only wish our weather was better so we could justify buying one!!! I say go for it and enjoy! Nothing beats the wind in your hair and the sun shining down on top of you. Put some sunscreen on the kids b/c you can get burned!

 

[Cindy's Mom]

I am so happy that 2 people said it was OK . We are going to rent one now

The only problem is the luggage - I don't think a Sebring will hold our luggage. If it comes down to it, I will TOTALLY pack less stuff (that will make DH happy at least)

 

[Minniemouse07]

Just an FYI, car manufacturers are not required to put LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) in convertibles. Some do add it, but many do not.

So you may have to either install your children's car seats w/ the seat belts and/or not be able to use the top tether to help secure them.

 

[MareQ]

Please make sure the manufacturer of the car has locking seatbelts otherwise it will not be safe for the car seats.

 

[KristinBelle]

I don't see a problem with it, I say go & have fun!

 

[Jennifer S]

I am so happy that 2 people said it was OK . We are going to rent one now

The only problem is the luggage - I don't think a Sebring will hold our luggage. If it comes down to it, I will TOTALLY pack less stuff (that will make DH happy at least)

last time we went to WDW we rented a Sebring w/ two kids. We looked like the beverly hillbillies with all our stuff. The kids had to put suitcases on their laps. VERY small trunk - but hey it was only to and from the airport. I say do it. Our kids loved it. They were 4 and 8 at the time.

My DH wanted to buy one when we got home.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

last time we went to WDW we rented a Sebring w/ two kids. We looked like the beverly hillbillies with all our stuff. The kids had to put suitcases on their laps. VERY small trunk - but hey it was only to and from the airport. I say do it. Our kids loved it. They were 4 and 8 at the time.

My DH wanted to buy one when we got home.

this is what I'm worried about - we wil have to drive 200 miles with it. I don't think we'll have the room

 

[robinb]

I have owned a convertible since before my 7-year old DD was born. She rides in our current convertible about 30% of the time, sometimes with the top up and sometimes with the top down. Be aware that the wind can be pretty wicked in the back seat. The windshield protects the front seat, but doesn't do much for the back seat. If I drive at speeds more than 40 MPH I put all 4 windows up which helps with the wind and noise. I also put my DD's hair back in a pony and have her wear a hat, otherwise her long hair turns into a rat's nest!

FWIW, I sold my beloved Toyota Celica because there was no roll protection ... people in the back-seat would have been toast in the roll-over. My Saab 9-3 has roll protection in the back seat head rests. Other convertibles have automatic roll bars which pop up in an emergency. I would make sure that the convertible that you rent has some kind of roll protection. No LATCH in the back seat is pretty shocking to me ... my Saab has LATCH, but they are known for safety. Either way, a 5 and 6 year old will probably be in boosters, which makes the LATCH/locking seatbelts/etc point moot. You don't want to lock seatbelts when using a booster seat.

BTW, I am very jealous! My DH doesn't let me rent a convertible in FL. He tells me if I want to drive a convertible I could bring my own . I was able to rent one in Hawaii after I pointed out that the car can't swim, LOL!

 

[Cindy's Mom]

I have owned a convertible since before my 7-year old DD was born. She rides in our current convertible about 30% of the time, sometimes with the top up and sometimes with the top down. Be aware that the wind can be pretty wicked in the back seat. The windshield protects the front seat, but doesn't do much for the back seat. If I drive at speeds more than 40 MPH I put all 4 windows up which helps with the wind and noise. I also put my DD's hair back in a pony and have her wear a hat, otherwise her long hair turns into a rat's nest!

FWIW, I sold my beloved Toyota Celica because there was no roll protection ... people in the back-seat would have been toast in the roll-over. My Saab 9-3 has roll protection in the back seat head rests. Other convertibles have automatic roll bars which pop up in an emergency. I would make sure that the convertible that you rent has some kind of roll protection. No LATCH in the back seat is pretty shocking to me ... my Saab has LATCH, but they are known for safety. Either way, a 5 and 6 year old will probably be in boosters, which makes the LATCH/locking seatbelts/etc point moot. You don't want to lock seatbelts when using a booster seat.

BTW, I am very jealous! My DH doesn't let me rent a convertible in FL. He tells me if I want to drive a convertible I could bring my own . I was able to rent one in Hawaii after I pointed out that the car can't swim, LOL!

Thanks for all the info, I will take it all under consideration.

BTW, Love your avatar. I like you already

 

[KariC]

We have a Mustang convertible, and took our twins in it several times in their car seats. It does not have latch (it's a 96), but the belts always kept the seats in tight (my Mom's Jeep Cherokee doesn't have Latch either....just before the cut-off....and they have ridden in that all the time.). My DD loves it, my DS doesn't. Kinda funny.....I love it, my DH thinks it makes his hair puffy .

But, there is not a lot of trunk space, that top has to go somewhere. Pack lightly!!!

 

[Minniemouse07]

Either way, a 5 and 6 year old will probably be in boosters, which makes the LATCH/locking seatbelts/etc point moot. You don't want to lock seatbelts when using a booster seat.

Actually, it is perfectly fine to lock a seatbelt when using it w/ a booster seat (as long as the manufacturer's instructions don't prohibit it). In fact, it is often recommended for children that may not be mature enough to sit in booster w/ the lap/shoulder belt without moving the belt out of position.

Not all 5/6yos are in boosters. The recommendation is to keep them harnessed as long as possible and most parents I know have their kids in harnessed seats as late as 7 or 8!

 

[SC Minnie]

I have a Toyota Solara Convertible. I was very surprised and the size of the trunk for a convertible plus it is very sporty! I would be able to put a med, and couple of small suitcases in plus a few other things. A large and Med suitcase would be difficult to fit.

 

[MareQ]

I have a Toyota Solara Convertible. I was very surprised and the size of the trunk for a convertible plus it is very sporty! I would be able to put a med, and couple of small suitcases in plus a few other things. A large and Med suitcase would be difficult to fit.

I had a SUnbird Turbo GT and a Mustand Convertible in my younger years - both had fairly roomy trunks.

OP - Only pack 1 standard suitcase if you can get away with it and pack the rest in larger soft sided duffle bags if you can. Those will be able to fit better in the car in between the kids and on the floor at their feet. Standard suitcases - even soft sided ones are going to be an issue for a family of 4

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Thanks everyone, but I think I'm going to have to nix the convertible. There is NO WAY in the world our luggage will fit in the car.

But I might rent a car at WDW, then when we get to S. Florida, return that one, and then get the convertible for the week, but then I run into the same problem as to how to get to the airport.



UNLESS I return in Delray Beach, and hire a car to take us to the airport

Seems like ALOT of work....boo hoo