Carseat too big for our cars?

[sashawolfe]

We purchased a Peg Perego Primo Viaggo SIP car seat and are currently using it in our 2007 Lexus IS and 2002 Mazda Protege 5. We have it installed behind the passenger seat in both cars. However, we've run into a problem. Both my husband are slightly tall (I'm 5'10" and he's 6'2") and we are so crunched in the front passenger seat it almost seems unsafe (knees touching the dashboard). We can't place the infant seat behind the driver or in the center since either position would restrict the driver from being positioned safely. It seems crazy that these non-compact cars are unable to accomodate the infant seat. Can you share if this seat takes up more space than most? Or do we need to invest in a bigger car to accomodate our son? I am really anti big cars so am just shocked these two reasonably sized cars are so crunched with the seat installed!

Thanks for any insight you can provide. We're totally baffled on this one.

	Infant Car Seats Infant-only rear-facing seats are for babies up to about 22 to 30 pounds, depending on the specific car seat. You will need a new seat when your child gets bigger. Infant-only seats have handles that allow you to move the seat from the car to the house or other locations. Some have a base that you can leave installed in the car, so you can just click the car seat into place each time you use it.

	Peg Perego - Click for more info Founded by Italian designer Guiseppe Pérego all the way back in 1949, Peg Pérego quickly branched out from traditional prams to strollers, high chairs, car seats, toys and accessories. Internationally renowned for innovative products and a supreme sense of style, Peg Pérego creates some of the most enjoyable and eye-catching transportation and safety options for children all over the world. With factories and offices in Italy, Germany, Canada, and the U.S., Peg Pérego is a truly international entity, blending technology and history to create lines that are reputable and safe. Peg Pérego professes a "dedication to original and innovative products designed for discriminating consumers who demand fashion, individuality, quality and safety in the products they purchase for their babies and young."

[crunchierthanthou]

While convenient, infant seats do take up a lot of room. They need to be installed at a 45 degree angle to provide adequate recline for a newborn. Additionally, the Primo Viaggio SIP has a bit of a bulky base, which may contribute to that. However, I don't think it's unusually large.

Are you using handle position A in the vehicle? That will help minimize the space it takes front to back (rather than having the handle down in positions C or D) and I believe it is actually required.

New vehicles aren't necessary. Your son will soon be in a convertible carseat. Even at a recline for a newborn, most take up less space than infant seats. Once he has good head control, he can be as upright as 30 degrees in a convertible seat. For now, it may be safest for you to sit next to him in the rear seat rather than cram yourself into the passenger seat.

	Convertible Car Seats Convertible seats are for infants and toddlers. The seat can be used as a rear-facing seats for younger children, and switched to a forward-facing seat on the child's first birthday if the child weighs at least 20 pounds. However, experts recommend keeping the child in a rear-facing position until he or she outgrows the weight or height allowed by the safety seat.

[SusanMae]

I thought the Peg seats had to have the handle DOWN in the car. I know that's true of the 04/05 era ones....but maybe they made the change.

Susan

	Peg Perego - Click for more info Founded by Italian designer Guiseppe Pérego all the way back in 1949, Peg Pérego quickly branched out from traditional prams to strollers, high chairs, car seats, toys and accessories. Internationally renowned for innovative products and a supreme sense of style, Peg Pérego creates some of the most enjoyable and eye-catching transportation and safety options for children all over the world. With factories and offices in Italy, Germany, Canada, and the U.S., Peg Pérego is a truly international entity, blending technology and history to create lines that are reputable and safe. Peg Pérego professes a "dedication to original and innovative products designed for discriminating consumers who demand fashion, individuality, quality and safety in the products they purchase for their babies and young."

[talalyn]

I thought the same regarding the handles. Let me know if you hear differently!