A very strange carseat question?

Question

OK, this will sound like a joke, but I'm completely serious, I promise! I live in a rural, mostly Amish/Mennonite area. Gas prices are up to over $4/gallon now (which is completely ridiculous). I don't drive often, but I live far away from everything, so when I do go out, it's expensive unless I only go to the local farmer's markets and Amish shops, but then there are no gas stations to fill up if I only go there. I'm thinking of selling my car and going for the horse and buggy, as I already know how to drive, and everyone else around here drives them. My question is: At what age would a child actually be able to ride in a buggy or wagon? Mine is only a year old, so I know I have to keep the car around until she's old enough to not need a carseat. Anyone have any idea?

Don't laugh at me...I'm already laughing at myself for asking this question... :-)

Answer 1

Hon, you need a pat on the back for that! I live in Australia, and I'd go for a horse and buggy anytime if I could! but i'm afraid the freeways over here would not allow it! I'd just put the carseat straight into the buggy, and get someone to fix some restraints into it, and present it to the vehicle department and get it passed for the road! Hey! just think of the fuel you save! not to mention the manure you can throw on the plants! Give your horse a big kiss from me too! lol.

Answer 2

Call the police department and ask them. Good Question.

Answer 3

Legally, a child can ride in a horse and buggy no matter the age. I think if you choose to do horse and buggy there should be a restraint system with quick release for emergencies.

A one year old could probably ride just fine in your lap with a wrap tying you together, this way if the horse freaks out you can just jump and the child is attached.

As the child gets older (maybe over 2-3) attach a quick release seat belt to the bench for him. I am think of the ones like in airplanes so you can flip it with one hand if necessary.

Answer 4

I'd say probably 2.  I think by that age they'd be able to sit still enough for it to be safe.

Answer 5

Well, Amish kids ride in buggies from birth without carseats, but that's not without its risks.  Cars do hit buggies from time to time, and the horse and buggy (and riders) are likely to suffer the most from the accident.

I know someone who had the same idea and actually started looking for used buggies, but ultimately decided against it.  Here are some of his considerations:

-- even used buggies aren't cheap, nor are horses, nor is the ongoing upkeep for a horse (purchase, training, food, stable, vet, etc.).  Budget it out before you make a decision -- you may find that carefully considered use of your existing car is actually cheaper.

-- trips will take a lot longer.  Factor in how much your time is worth, because it's going to take awhile to get anywhere, plus you will spend more time caring for the horse than you spend caring for your car.  This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it's certainly a consideration.

-- you (and your child) run the risk of being hit by a car because some drivers aren't careful around buggies (take turns fast and don't see them, speed over the crests of hills, etc.).

-- consider switching your car to biodiesel instead.  There are kits you can buy to make the conversion, and you can then run on used vegetable oil, etc.

If you decide you really want to pursue this, then you might want to ask one of your horse-and-buggy-using neighbors to come with you to look at buggies.  They're not all created equal, and a practiced eye is a big help. ;-)

One final note: you will probably want to keep a carseat on hand anyway (as some Amish do).  If you take a trip anywhere, use a rental car, etc., you will still need a carseat for your child, even if you don't need one in everyday life, and when the need pops up, you don't want to have to scramble to find one.  At least where I live (NY), carseats are the law for kids until age 6.  This site (http://www.elitecarseats.com/custserv/cu... can give you an idea about the law in your state, if you're not already familiar with it.

Answer 6

depends on the laws of ur state..

Answer 7

Since with buggies and cars the car wins and the momentum of the car would be translated to the buggy I would keep my kid in a "car" seat the same as if I were in a car.  Plus it keeps them in a safe position since a 1 year old falling to the road hits just as hard as when you're going slowly as when you're stopped, but when driving the buggy you're not going to have a chance to stop them.  Honestly, just strap that car seat in the buggy.

Or, what we do here on the West Coast variation of Mennonite central, get a bike and trailer and a toddler helmet - same difference and there's room for groceries.

Answer 8

Well in my state, children have to be in carseats or booster seats til 6 years of age.

Answer 9

Dump the car!! Get rid of it! - I'd join you if I didn't have to commute to work.

Do the Amish use car seats in their buggies? You could always ask the Amish what age they start hauling their kids around.  :)

I've thought about getting a horse, but I don't like to ride, and I don't think the other people in our apartment building would enjoy the smell.  *sigh*

Edit: My Husband says "Put a helmet on the kid and call it good!"

Answer 10

A horse and buggy actually costs more to operate than a compact car, so you won't save a dime (unless you raise a lot of the feed yourself).   You also do not have protection against crashes.  My great-uncle was killed when he was run over by a runnaway horse and buckboard,  so it is not necessarily without substantial risk.

I have nothing against horse and buggy, but I think you should just plan to go shopping once a week or every other week.  Giving up a vehicle would certainly be reasonable given hubby has 2 trucks.  However, to answer your specific question, there is no age restriction on who can ride in a buggy.  Also, unless your state has a different law, child restraint seats are only required in motor vehicles.

Answer 11

LOL that's the best question i've heard all day. Well if you want to do it legally then your child has to be 6 years or 60 pounds I do believe, so that'll be a while. But if your town is lenient on the rules because most people have horse and buggies then talk to your local law engorcement and ask them what is apprpriate!