We are driving down, has anyone used this before?

[Sonya]

DS gets so tired of sitting with his feet hanging down. I found this:
http://www.onestepahead.com/jump.js...itemType=PRODUCT&iProductID=427769&change=117
Has anyone used it or something like it?

 

[GatorGal]

That's not the safest option. In the event of an impact, your child could be forced into the tray or other solid part of the unit.

I used this one, which you could probably fashion one yourself using a towel and a roll of paper towels.

http://www.greatbabyproducts.com/Foot_z_Rest_Car_Seat_Support_p/basc-90047.htm

 

[Sonya]

That is a nice option. I never thought it wouldn't be safe. We would really like for him to have a work surface.

 

[mrsv98]

YES! We have had it for three years and DD absolutely loves it. She can draw or play or have the dvd player right there. I don't worry about her hitting the tray since she is still in a three-point harness. The cupholders are great for juice or crayons so they are not rolling on the floor every two minutes. We have used it on many long road trips and it has held up well, worth the money! :thumbsup:

 

[KimberlyC]

When my DS was an infant we carried him in a carrier (using the handle) and then snapped the carrier in the base in the car. The handle would go down, but I started leaving it up because it was more convenient (I would need to open it to carry him when we got out of the car so I figured I skip the step of putting it down.) My cousin saw me do this and was mortified. "Why" I asked. She explained that in a rollover collision the open handle could be smashed and crush my baby. I never thought of that.

I like the idea of having a tray, very convenient, so I have been looking for a good product. I have ordered many products that I like from one step ahead and have been quite satisfied. I have not and will not order this particular product for the same reason GatorGal mentioned. It just doesn't look safe. I figure if airbags are not good for children, a metal pole between their legs can't be good either. I'll take safety over convenience. JMHO. And so my search continues to find something similar but safter.

 

[mrsv98]

While understanding your concerns, I respectfully disagree. The pole between the legs is plastic, not metal. In fact, the entire product is plastic. DD is restrained in a harness and not a simple seat belt so it would be virtually impossible for her to actually hit the tray. We have used this product for years and are about as safety conscious as a family can get. Each family needs to decide, but we see no problem with this tray.

 

[GatorGal]

DD is restrained in a harness and not a simple seat belt so it would be virtually impossible for her to actually hit the tray.

Please view this simulated crash video which shows just how much a child is thrown forward even in a properly secured child restraint. The shoulder straps and seatbelts do have some give to them even with the seat installed tightly.


http://www.oeamtc.at/netautor/html_...videos/test2002/frontcrash/maxicosipriori.mpg

 

[linda_loo]

We would really like for him to have a work surface

not sure how old he is and how well this would work.

i just picked up an activity bag thing (hard to describe and i can't find a pic online) at walmart for $9.96. it's a zippered case, like the size of a thick binder. inside is a flat area for work, and the lip of the sides keeps stuff from falling off. the other side of the inside has pockets for crayons and books. i think it actually comes with some supplies. i'll go check.

 

[tjmw2727]

Carseat manufacturers and the AAP strongly discourage using aftermarket products of any kind and consider them unsafe. In fact using aftermarket products will likely void the warranty of your CRS.

If you search your CRS manual you will likely find something like this:
From the Britax manual:
"The use of non-Britax Child Safety, Inc covers, inserts, toys, accessories, or tightening devices is not approved by Britax. Their use could cause this restraint to fail Federal Safety Standards or perform worse in a crash. Their use automatically voids the Britax warranty." (This statement can be found under the Warranty section of all Britax Child Restraint manuals)"

Here is a quote from the AAP website:

Are you using an unsafe product on or with your car seat? You might be if you are using an aftermarket product.

An aftermarket product is anything that is not sold with your car seat. Shoulder belt positioning devices, seat belt tightening devices, head/foot cushions, travel tray and car seat covers are considered unsafe aftermarket products. It is never recommended that you use anything extra with your car seat without the express consent of the car seat manufacturer.

Here is the link for anyone interested,
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/AftMarketMan.aspx

Great resource for carseat saftey information.
HTH
TJ

 

[nin8jc]

I think crayola makes something like this too. I bought it for my DS for our trip a couple years ago it came with those magical markers that only write on certain paper, it had a zip mesh pocket for the markers and a large surface to lean on. Another thought would be to buy one of those lap desks that have a beanbag type of backing to it.

 

[mapmakerj]

We used this tray/footrest for DS on our last trip to DW and we will use it again this year. We only kept the tray attached during on the go snacktime ( it does remove very easily on the go if you can reach it )because DS thought it hindered his mobility to reach the DVD player, magnadoodle, etchasketch, game boy and everything else he could cram into his travel bag! We absolutely love the footrest part. DS never complained about his legs hurting or feet falling asleep. FYI: the tray can be adjusted to keep it further from your child's body if it would make you feel more comfortable.