Emag.co.uk Entertainment News Leader
Prince George will make his first royal appearance to cheering crowds when he arrives in Wellington tomorrow – but his mode of transport round the country has already got New Zealanders booing.
The eight-month-old tot has had a car seat specially fitted into an official car to take him from place to place on his 11-day visit to the country.
But the forward-facing booster seat that has been installed for him at William and Kate’s request has caused outrage because it goes against recommendations that babies under two-years-old have a rear-facing car seat.
The seat was publicly fitted by Plunket – New Zealand’s largest baby and toddler organisation who are bringing families who use their services to meet William, Kate and George in the grounds of Government House on Wednesday.
But, even though a forward facing car seat is still legal, their Facebook page was yesterday inundated with angry comments from families accusing them of undermining their own recommendations.
Claudine Johnstone wrote: “Poor form Plunket…here they are promoting themselves engaging in poor practice.”
“Makes me think twice in terms of well child provider for my next baby.”
And Jenny Sincock posted: “Should never have turned fitting his seat into a publicity stunt because it’s only going to undermine Plunket’s safety recommendations and tarnish their reputation.
“If Kate & Will wanted it forward facing then fine, but Plunket should have had nothing to do with supporting that decision publicly like this.”
Andrina Martin-Bulfin wrote: “Just because something is legal, doesn’t make it safe.
“You should have provided them with a good car seat, rather than pandering to the royals.
“By letting an 8mo be forward facing, and in lots of media pictures, you are unwittingly recommending this. Shame on you.”
The car seat and the direction it faces were requested by William and Kate – and aides said yesterday they had chosen it simple because that’s what they wanted and forward facing car seats are legal.
Plunket yesterday responded to the criticism by reminding families both options were legal and it was a parent’s choice.
A post on its Facebook page read: “Hi everyone thank you so much for all the feedback in regards to Plunket installing Prince George’s car seat. We really do appreciate it.
“We are here to provide advice and work in partnership with parents to make informed decisions that work best for them. Our priority is to ensure car seats are installed by qualified car seat technicians to ensure they perform correctly.
“While Plunket does recommend that children stay in rear facing seats until age two, it is not a legal requirement.”
After they arrive at Wellington Airport to a ceremonial welcome William and Kate will visit Government House while George will be whisked off to a private residence with his nanny Maria Borallo.
His parents will join him there and they will spend two days recovering from their jet lag before resuming official engagements on Wednesday.
