A CHILD SEAT CONCEPT CAR

Volvo just debuted the “Excellence Child Seat Concept” for their 2016 XC90 SUV.  The company has removed the front passenger seat and placed a raised platform that holds a swiveling infant and toddler car seat in its place. Parents can turn the car seat counterclockwise to place their child in the seat and then lock it in place in the rear-facing position. The concept allows children to make eye contact with passengers in the backseat of the car, as well as the driver.

“Being able to maintain eye contact with your child from the rear seat… would go a long way towards making life easier for parents taking their small child on a trip," says Tisha Johnson, Volvo’s Chief Designer of Interiors.

Volvo cites three main benefits for the new child seat:

1)The automaker says it allows parents to get their children in and out of the car more easily, while opening up more storage space for diapers, bottles, and other essentials. 

2)It also allows for eye contact between the child and either the driver or rear passenger. 

3)When placing the child in the seat, the parent can swivel it counter-clockwise for better access, as well as lock it in a rear-facing position.

(Note: The seat is designed so children can safely lean back and go to sleep.

Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/1507_volvo_debuts_child_seat_concept_on_2016_xc90.html#ixzz3fLZqZWir

I think this is all very innovative and trendy-looking but honestly, I am not at all comfortable with this idea, of an infant being placed that close to the front of the vehicle and what happens if you have twins or for that matter, what happens if you have more kids?  Where will they sit?

The whole concept is a big surprise to me, especially with what parents have always been taught about the safety of car seats and their placement.  I feel like this goes against all of it.

What I also find surprising is how this idea could possibly have been passed and accepted by the U.S. and International safety standards given the fact the children are banned from riding in the front seat of cars due to safety issues with air bags. But according to Volvo, “from a safety perspective there is no difference between the rear seat or front seat, given that the airbag is disconnected.”

I know Volvo is one of the safest cars on the market but would you buy a car with this concept and place your infant in the front?

In my opinion, ultimately, the public and the actual sales, of the 2016 XC90 SUV (if manufactured)   will be the determining factor of the success of this vehicle.

(PERSONAL NOTE:  Independent of the child seat concept I LOVE the 2016 Volvo XC90! Check it out:  http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/driven/1502-2016-volvo-xc90-review/)