[MommaColleen]

I was watching an episode of Cash Cab yesterday and the one contestants got in with his young daughter. This child was obviously of car seat age ( 4 at the most) and the Dad just buckled the girl in the regular seat.

How does that work in a big city like that where lots of people do not own cars and rely on public transportation? I'm just curious if the laws are different or some cabs, buses, etc have car seats for children, etc.<O</O

[DivasMomma]

the hospital i go to (where all my doc appts are and everything) is really big and they have a shuttle service in a mini van from ur car to their door. I just have to get in with the kids and be on our way...no its in a parking lot/small roads, so i guess its pretty different but i know i feel very uncomfortable with my 2 year old not being in her seat!

[twinzplus3]

You don't need a car seat in a licensed cabby or on public trasportation (at least here). It would be impossible to get around at all.

[angelic_ky]

in australia you are only required to have your child in a carseat if they are under 12 months (laws really need to be changed), i don't know how it is with cabs but on the bus we just hold them on our laps (even newborns) we aren't even allowed to have them stay in the pram

[ProudMommy77]

My husband drives a school bus, and although they are exempt from the Canadian rules for car seats, he has two car seats in it for the girls. Here in Ontario, kids have to be in car seats until they are 40 lbs, and then they go to a booster seat until they are 80 lbs or an age that I can't remember. However, school buses and public transit are exempt.

[MommaColleen]

Thanks guys. I was just curious how that worked with public transportation like that. DH;s cousin lives in NYC and said most people don't have cars because it is either too expensive to park them someplace or finding a parking spot is very difficult.

[twinzplus3]

We do have a car. . .but use public transportation frequently. We did not own a car while we lived here until I was pg w/#3 so I was very pg and toting a 2yo, and 4yo. It is substantially cheaper to use public transportation and often it can be quicker bc you're not subject to traffic delays--at least on the subway. Strollers, IMO are a pain in the rear end in the city so that's how I ended up doing so much of the baby wearing thing--even w/the twins. You can take strollers on the subway but on the buses you'd have to fold your stroller, carry the baby ( or babies) and your 'stuff'. . .just easier to carry your little person or take something else.

Our van is slowly heading towards its sting in the junkyard. It has been good but we've driven it into the ground. So we were recently contemplating giving it up and using zipcar.

[Tracey with 6]

what is 'zipcar'?

[twinzplus3]

Essentially, it's a car you rent per hour.

[erinellakal]

I saw the same Cash cab and was wondering the same thing.
I also read up on zip cars and it seems like a great idea!
We live in a town of less than 800 people so we don't have to think about any of that!