Convertible Mom Wants to Drop the Top

Personally I have NEVER liked being in the back seat of a convertible. Wayyyyy tooooo much wind! So, in my opinion it will be years before it's not too windy back there for her!

I am not sure what age as I would be uncomfortable with the sun beating down on her or the safety risk in a rollover situation. If she tolerates it I suppose it would be ok just use sunscreen.

Hi M.

Congrats on the new baby!...I myself do not have a convertible but I had to say that I am concerned also, like the other moms, about the baby's safety in the event of accidents. This is w/o a doubt the topmost priority. But also there's the exposure to the sun, wind, heat/cold, and pollution (esp. in this warm summer weather, the air quality is not the greatest) to consider. Babies' skin is very sensitive (and thinner than adult skin, hence the increased sensitivity to temp. changes) and children these days are more susceptible to developing asthma (like my son) due to a number of reasons, one such as air pollution. It might be an good option to have a mom's solo ride out and maybe until your baby is older, she can experience the fun w/ you.

You are exposing your child to potential sun damage. Save your selfish top-down loving for errands by yourself.

I also love convertibles!
I had an MG Midget when I was in high school. I lOVED IT!!!! However, I had some mechanical difficulties and actually drove it up ramps into the back of a regular Ford pickup to transport it for repairs. That's how tiny it was. Looking back, now that I have kids, I would never even attempt driving something that little, or with the top down.
I think convertibles are great and when I get my kids raised, I think I might want another one. Bigger than my MG of course. I would think that sun exposure for the babe would be a concern. Also, too much wind in her ears, and eye protection would be a MUST. I would be afraid of a car accident and having no roof or debris protection. If you live a couple of blocks from the grocery store or bank or something, it might not be so bad, but I would never set out on the highway with a baby and the top down. That's just my opinion. Maybe your husband can watch the baby while you get your time driving around "topless". lol

Hi M.. Wow about the pregnancy -- congratulations. You know I think that you can drop the top as long as it's not too hot and the baby is comfy. I'm sure she'll let you know if she's not! Put a hat on her and see what happens!! This makes me think about the movie Vegas Vacation when Christie Brinklie pulls up along side Chevy Chase with the baby in the back of her convertible!! Good luck!

Drop the top! I took my baby girl out in the convertible at 2 months! I had her carrier well covered and she just had a nice breeze through there. Now I coat her with sunscreen, put on her hat and away we go. I tend to avoid freeways with her in the back as it gets extra windy at high speeds. But she does great on roadways. Sometimes she'll even wear her sunglasses. I will admit, I have not had her in the convertible much since switching her to her full size car seat, rear facing. It was much easier with the infant carrier seat. But, if you already have your baby in her seat in your convertible and the question is just whether to drop the top, by all means! Enjoy our California weather!

6 mo. the same age you can start really using sunblock. however you should also get her some infant sunglasses and get her use to wearing them before you take her out.

I would stay off the highways simply b/c there is too much wind and pollution.

Have a great time.

I would wait until she's at least 6 months. Babies can't breath with a lot of air in their faces.

Go for it! Kids love new adventures. Just make sure the sunscreen is on! Most babies will have a great time.

I too have a convertible and a baby. We were wondering the same thing, so her dad rode in the back seat with the top down to see how it felt. In his opinion, when I drove over 30 mph, it got just too windy for a baby. I have no idea how he decided this was the magic number. I agree with using sun protection for your baby. And remember that if you're riding around with the air or heat on in the front, the backseat probably isn't getting the same air or heat, so it might not be as comfortable back there. As a note, I only put the top down with I'm not with the baby. I just don't think she'd like it all that much.

Hi M.,
I L. convertibles and have a 3 yr old daughter. Of course protecting your daughter from the sun is a major concern, but what about her safety if you get into a serious accident with the top down? She would have no protection if you were in a roll over and to think that it wouldn't happen to you is naive. Please think about your daughter's safety and well being.
Sincerely,
L.

Hi M.,
I got a convertable (with rollbar protection) when my son was two years-old, and he loved it (still does three years later). Since I didn't have a convertable when he was younger, I'm not sure what to say re: what age to start other than I would wait until your daughter is willing to wear sunglasses (for both sun and wind protection) and would also consider the amount of sun exposure she will get. Also, my son's hair is not that long and won't get tangled by the wind. When you do decide to try dropping the top, just stay on neighborhood streets to see if she is okay with it. You might want to wait until she is old enough to communicate, verbally or otherwise, whether she likes having the top down.
Happy driving,
K.