Baby seat in a defender 90

[the_goat_in_boots]

Hi all, have just had the life changing news of the first little one. Was wondering if anyone has managed a legit infant car seat in a defender 90. I have a 2013 model and am refusing to sell it, so I am going to have to come up with something!

[alien]

First off, congratulations to you and your other half.

I got a CRAB fitted to my 110 in Sunshine, I'm not sure if this would suit a 90.
There have been posts of approved anchor points being fitted too the rear off the seats in Sydney, a better solution for a 90.

Some reading to start you off...
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/good-oil/5...-creb-bar.html

[the_goat_in_boots]

Thanks very much!

[Trout]

Congratulations. Sadly we had to sell our 90 when we had our third child. We perservered with the first two kids but just be aware that they are not very practical vehicles for little babies as there is not much space to put the mountain of stuff that always seems to travel with them. Not ideal having prams etc bouncing round on the floor with the kid. With only one it would be more manageable but its worth thinking about a half drawer or some sort of storage system to help secure everything safely. I would be concerned about that as much as the anchor points.

The other thing to be aware of is that climbing in the back door and loading a little baby into a capsule in the back seat is a real challenge. We did not have a rear step which made it harder. With two its even harder again as you have to squeeze between the rear seats carrying the baby. We did have one of the capsule type baby seats that you carry the kid in and then lock the capsule into place. This made life a lot easier. Hope this helps. If all else fails just get a 110

[DiscoMick]

We put drawers in the back of our 110 with strong fridge tie down points and I just hook the grandkids' seats to them. Works fine. I figure both the fridge and the drawers are heavier than the kids so it should work. Obviously the drawers are solidly bolted to the floor and can't move. We only have them in occasionally so I haven't bothered about getting it legalised.

[DoubleChevron]

In all of my old cars ..... I've just drilled a hole behind the seat ( parcel shelf/boot floor) ....... use a big washer or metal plate to spread the load out so it won't pull through. It's worked for the last 40years, there is no reason why it shouldn't today ...

Say ..... Your talking a modern defender.... DOES IT HAVE ISOFIX MOUNTS ????. By law it should have child seat anchor points as well. Every car since 1978 ( ish ) has had them by law.

If you have ISOFIX mounts, forget the crap seats sold locally and import a nice seat from Germany ... that is also made in germany (way cheaper including postage than buying the fancy looking crappy chinese made ones locally).

seeya,
Shane L.

[Trout]

There are no isofix mounts or other mounts in a 90 or 110. Not required as it's not classed as a passenger vehicle. Possibly not legal but the cargo hooks behind the rear seats can be unscrewed and replaced with the hooks that are supplied with seats.

[carjunkieanon]

Congratulations!!!

I feel your dilemma.

IF you're keeping the Defer, make sure you do get a properly installed anchor point. If you bodge it yourself and, God forbid, your kid was hurt in an accident how would you feel?

In my experience, kids are remarkably portable and don't need 90% of the stuff that marketing departments convince parents are necessary. With our 5 month old (of 5 boys) we travel with barely anything. Pram's can go on the roof rack or strapped to the back tire, get creative!

You will however find that driving an automatic makes it much easier to reach into the back and feed your bub a bottle of milk while you're driving?but don't hear me recommending doing that.

[frantic]

I have a 110 with a crab bar for my younger kids , and as much as it's easier to load the family into the VW multivan, they all(5) prefer the defender , especially the younger ones who have voiced that opinion as soon as they found their voices !
The option with a latch in the seat back rather than on the floor or a crab bar looks a lot better and is way more practical for access and loading stuff. I've seen a few puma 110's with them fitted and they look factory , just like a toymota or pootrol.

[DoubleChevron]

Congratulations!!!

I feel your dilemma.

IF you're keeping the Defer, make sure you do get a properly installed anchor point. If you bodge it yourself and, God forbid, your kid was hurt in an accident how would you feel?

In my experience, kids are remarkably portable and don't need 90% of the stuff that marketing departments convince parents are necessary. With our 5 month old (of 5 boys) we travel with barely anything. Pram's can go on the roof rack or strapped to the back tire, get creative!

You will however find that driving an automatic makes it much easier to reach into the back and feed your bub a bottle of milk while you're driving?but don't hear me recommending doing that.

It's only a top tether point. I could never imagine one pulling through if you plated it. Especially on a modern vehicle that isn't rust compromised in the floors. Have a look at the factory Range Rover classic baby seat mounts if you want to see frail and crap.... Still they are obviously strong enough.

seeya,
Shane L.