Do the Taxis have shoulder straps or just lap belts?

[erina320]

I was looking for a safe alternative to a car-seat for my three year old for use while traveling in taxis and I was thinking about getting this:

http://www.elitecarseats.com/Safe-Traffic-Systems-Ride-Safer-Travel-Vest.pro

But it will only work if the taxis in HK have shoulder straps or an anchor system that one could latch it to. Does anyone know if the majority of taxis have one or both available? I'd hate to spend the money and then not be able to use it.


Thanks

 

[carang]

every taxi will have shoulder straps beside the passenger doors. the middle seat is lap belt only.

 

[southside852]

actually we found that some taxis in HK didn't even have seat belts!

 

[erina320]

Thanks Carang.

Southside- I guess we'll just avoid those.

 

[Portia]

You could also consider the Boostapak (see http://www.boostapak.com/home.html) for your child. I've used it for taxis since my LO was 3 years old. It's a booster seat and backpack in one. It uses the car's shoulder belt.

 

[AngieO]

Hi Portia. Did you buy this in HK? How much does it weigh? Is it easy for a 4 yr old to carry themselves? I am always laden down with bags and a 2 year old that I couldn't manage to carry this as well if my 4 year old couldn't. Thanks.

 

[Honkyblues]

Have a look at the Bubblebum Booster, available in Bumps to Babes. Very lightweight and compact. Easy to use. We use it for our 5-yr-old if we go in a taxi.
http://www.bubblebum.co.uk/

 

[erina320]

Portia and Honkyblues, I had already considered the Bubblebum, but I was looking for something that would secure her more like a traditional car-seat would. Once she's older we'll graduate to a booster seat. Thank you for the links though.

 

[Portia]

Honkyblues - Are you actually able to fold the Bubblebuinto the m back bag that it came with? I bought one last year and returned it because I found it impossible to put back into the bag (which then split when I was trying) and the staff at store couldn't do it either. I exchanged it for the Boostapak instead.

AngieO - I think a 4 yo could carry the Boostapak comfortably if it's empty or only had something light in it like a sweater, but it could get heavy if you filled it with water bottle, toys, etc. You can actually see it at Bumps to Babes in Central. I've just put it on my scales (not sure how accurate they are) and it weighs about 1.8 kg or 4 lbs.

 

[Honkyblues]

Portia: Well, when we expel the air from the Bubblebum we can squash it half into the bag - I have to admit, we can't do it as compactly as when it's first bought. But yes, it sort of fits. Still very light and easy to carry.

 

[AngieO]

Thanks. I will look at both in Bumps to Babes next time I make it to Central.