Baby Car seats in Austria?
 

Hello,<BR><BR>This summer we will be travelling to Vienna &amp; Salzburg with a 1yr old infant. Do I need to take a car seat for the baby? We will not be renting a car and driving ourselves. We will be taking a train, tram or a cab.<BR><BR>What are the car-seat laws in Austria for a baby in a cab?<BR><BR>Thanks.

Does it really matter what the law is? What is the right thing to do. Cabs can get in accidents just like regular cars. Would you like your daughter/son to be involved in an accident while sitting on your lap...just because you didn't want to bring a car seat?<BR><BR>In Switzerland, and I think Austria, Car seats are mandatory up to 7 years of age and no one under 12 may sit in the front seat.<BR><BR>Some taxi companies will have car seats. You can make the decision to only hire those taxis. But, if that taxi is not availiable...take the bus!

Of course, buses cannot be involved in accidents so your baby can never get hurt by sitting on a bus seat with you. And buses never stop suddenly either and they are much less jerky than a taxi. So yes, never get a taxi with no baby seat when a bus is available (with no baby seat). By the way, where are these amazing buses? - I have never travelled on one in Vienna.

You guys are really being hard on a mom who has a valid question. Obviously she is thinking about the logistics of having to take all the stuff you need for a 1 year old, plus dragging along a car seat. <BR><BR>Mita--how about one of those strollers that has a seat tht converts into a car seat. maybe a friend has one and you could take it with you. That might eliminate one thing you will need to drag along because I am assuming you will proabably be taking a stroller with you.

Thanks everyone for your postings. Your points are well taken :-) <BR><BR>The reason I was asking these questions is that I have travelled to countries (yes, with my infant baby) where cabs did not have means to install a car-seat. I do not want to carry the car-seat if it cannot be used. Hence no harm in checking ahead of time. <BR><BR>Julies, I will check for the one you have suggested. Thanks for the info.

Mita,<BR><BR>Know where you are coming from on this one, we have a couple of little ones ourselves. It never hurts when getting into a cab with an infant (with no way of installing a car seat) to remind the driver that number 1 on your list is getting there in one piece and a tip can reinforce this.<BR><BR>Cheers<BR>Ned

Hi,<BR>Julies had the solution and this is what we did when ever we traveled. At 1 year, the child will still fit in a carrier and it serves both purposes. It is also good b/c the child will stay sleeping (always desirable!) if already sleeping!<BR><BR>I am sorry if you thought I came down too hard on you. We live in Europe and I have seen people do incredibly stupid things with their infants and cars. I guess it is a sore spot with me. I have also had the discussion that I had with Travelnick numerous times.<BR><BR>Anyway, enjoy your trip and be safe!<BR>Jan<BR><BR>BTW, many of those cabs put the seat belts UNDER the seats. They may be able to pull them out when you ask.