I am trying to figure out how to travel safely with my 70 lb. lab mix
and my baby boy (in his infant car seat). We recently got a crossover
SUV that's not too huge, but it has more room than a sedan.
Right
now, we usually ride with our dog in the backseat unrestrained with a
seat cover which covers the whole backseat. The cover keeps our dog
from getting the car too messy.
Options I can think of of putting dog + baby in car:
1)
One option would be to buy a very safe harness for our dog and allow
him to still ride in the backseat with the infant car seat on one side
and him on the other. In the case of a car crash, he at least wouldn't
be a projectile that could hurt the baby. Then again, is it safe to put a
car seat on top of a seat cover? I've seen some available online like (
https://www.kurgo.com/car-seat-covers/kurgo-bench-seat-cover/). We really like having a seat cover so that our car seats don't get destroyed, super wet, muddy, etc.
2)
Another suggestion is to always put the dog in the trunk, but I think
with all of the strollers and other baby gear, that we would greatly
need that space. I also wouldn't be able to put the dog in a harness.
3)
Put 70 lb dog in front seat with harness. It's not ideal for our dog
because he would get uncomfortable (he is too big to lay down) after a
little bit.
4) Am I missing another option?? Besides not traveling together.
That's not an option for our lifestyle as we often go to my parents'
house for an extended stay and need a way to make an hour-long trip
safely with the four of us (me, husband, dog, baby).
My specific questions:
1) Is it safe to put an infant car seat on top of a car seat cover?
2) What is the best way to ride with my dog and baby that's both safe and semi-convenient?
Thanks
so much!! I have been googling this all day and I really can't get a
good, clear answer. I'd love to hear what you all do and plan to do.
Re: Riding with Baby + Dog in car
To answer the questions in your post:
1) I would assume as long as you can still access all the buckles, and the car seat is secure and doesn't slide on top of the cover, etc. that it would be perfectly fine. That being said, when it comes to a child's life I would never go on an "assumption". If you already have your car seat picked out, I would call the manufacturer and ask to be sure.
2) Based on the options you gave above, I would say option 1 would be my recommendation (back seat harness). But again, it's hard to assume...and I'm not sure what "professional" you could ask this question to?? Lol.
Good luck and congrats on baby boy!!!
I would go with either your first suggestion OR- look into a way to harness him down in the trunk. For example, my husband's SUV has Rings in the back to allow for a cargo net to be attached to. We simply attach a D-Ring to our dogs leash and then to the ring in the car. It allows her enough wiggle room to sit up and lay down but that's about it- and honestly you don't want much more then that.
Some car manufacturers will even sell a collapsible crate specifically for the car which is best option for dog. If you went either of those routes, you could always knock down part of the seat the baby is in for extra space for strollers, bags, etc.
The safest option for your dog is a harness and in the back seat. air bags (if inflated) can cause serious injury to your dog if in the front seat and at his/her weight - they will activate the air bag sensors.
Although the cargo dividers do help prevent the pet from jumping over the seats and whatnot - in a rear ended accident- your dog is provided no protection against injury (minor or major).
I have seen my fair share of emergencies involving animals in accidents over the years in private and emergency animal practice. I try to promote car seat harnesses whenever possible. Top Pet through PetSmart has a very good one available for not a lot. My personal preference is the E-Z Rider as it has padded comfort as well. Avoid any that are H style harnesses for the car as they do tend to break down faster.
https://www.amazon.com/Midwest-Side-Double-Plastic-Inches/dp/B000ZLY0KU
You may be able to get a crate that has a door that opens from the longer side and fit baby gear in front of the crate and along each side. An unrestrained dog can become a 70 lb projectile in a matter of seconds. I would be fearful of the dog landing on baby.
1st pregnancy - total surprise
DH & I married almost 2 years
I never had this issue with my 90lb dog, she never once touched the car seat especially when the baby was in it.