Canadian Car Seat In WDW

[Zife]

I posted this in Transportation as well, but realized after that this might be a better place for it.

So, we'll be headed to WDW with our daughter for the first time in November. She'll be turning 1, so will still be in some type of car seat. I'd prefer to bring my own rather than rent one, but I'm not sure of the legal issues. Since Canadian car seats are tested to Canadian standards, not USA standards (even though they're made in the USA), would I have an issue using my car seat there? I know we've driven across the border with it and had no issues, but that was just for a couple hours.

I found a couple pages talking about various things, and one said visitors have special exemptions, but couldn't find anything about the actual exemptions.

Thanks to anyone who might have info!

 

[shaunacb]

Not a problem at all. Canadian car seats are held to a higher standard than USA. We have travelled to the USA many times with our kids and have always brought our own Canadian carseats. You can ask the airline to put the carseat in a plastic bag (we usually double bag) when you check it in with your luggage, this helps protect the fabric. Your own car seat is likely much better quality than the ones you see at the rental car companies in USA! Enjoy your vacation.

 

[starvenger]

Agree with pp regarding standards.

WRT to checking the seat, you could also bag the seat yourself with some clear contractor bags, which are tougher than the ones the airlines have. If you're still concerned about damage, some of the specialty stores (not sure what's in your area) will have rolling duffel bags designed to carry the car seats. They do cost though, so I'd check Once Upon a Child first.

 

[ngm]

Yep, no problem to bring your own. We always do.

 

[BLAZEY]

Yes bring your own seat, it's fine for temporary use in the USA while travelling. We did when DD was 3. We also used it on the plane.

 

[DiaryofaDisneyKid]

We have always used our children's own car seat when driving to WDW but what are the requirements in the USA for booster seats? My DD is now in a booster seat and I was wondering what are the laws for those?

 

[starvenger]

It varies by state. Florida has rather lax regulations, requiring car seats or boosters until kids turn 6.

http://www.dmv.org/fl-florida/safety-laws.php

 

[Zife]

Thanks all!

 

[DizzyDis]

And not directly asked, but related If you gate check it rather than at the luggage counter, there are less steps for it to be banged around on, so I generally feel better about that. In doing that with my daughter we have also been offered an empty seat (if there were extras on the plane) if we wanted to install it on the plane and have that available for her to sit on in-flight. We were flying with her as a lap-child, so it was not required but was nice to be offered. Not likely and certainly wouldn't count on it, but an option if you gate-check... Downside is having to carry to the gate, but we just sat it on the stroller, which we were also gate-checking, as DD wanted to walk.

 

[marcyleecorgan]

If it's FAA approved, well.... it'll pass anyone's inspections/regulations!

 

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

quick related question....we are flying with a 2 year old to MCO (my nephew) Will his parents NEED to bring a car seat? Will he require one to ride on Magical Express? I know they are not renting a car, and I don't believe they intend on taking any taxi's while there...but if they do, do taxi's ever have car seats? I think they want to go to an ihop not far from Disney springs...hmm. Thoughts? Advise?

 

[Marie2016]

quick related question....we are flying with a 2 year old to MCO (my nephew) Will his parents NEED to bring a car seat? Will he require one to ride on Magical Express? I know they are not renting a car, and I don't believe they intend on taking any taxi's while there...but if they do, do taxi's ever have car seats? I think they want to go to an ihop not far from Disney springs...hmm. Thoughts? Advise?

The magical express doesn't have seat belts so there would be no way to install a car seat. Buses are designed differently in terms of keeping occupants safe so car seats aren't necessary. Typically taxis are exempt from child restraint laws so technically they wouldn't need one. However as a former car seat technician I'd strongly advocate using one in a taxi as they are not exempt from the laws of physics.

A little off topic but... In terms of some of the earlier comments in regards to Canadian seats being of a higher standard, I feel that's misleading at best. The testing standards in the USA are similar to Canada and not considered inferior. Almost all seats in Canada are also sold in the USA and I'd bet they aren't any different as the manufacturers aren't going to make a different seat for each market. We have noted minor differences in foam etc but in terms of structure seats are identical.

 

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

Thank you Marie. There is a very small chance they will go off site. So i will pass this on and they an make their own decision. Considering they are going just outside WDW they may decide to cab it. Thanks!

 

[marcyleecorgan]

quick related question....we are flying with a 2 year old to MCO (my nephew) Will his parents NEED to bring a car seat? Will he require one to ride on Magical Express? I know they are not renting a car, and I don't believe they intend on taking any taxi's while there...but if they do, do taxi's ever have car seats? I think they want to go to an ihop not far from Disney springs...hmm. Thoughts? Advise?

Magical Express are MOTORCOACHES, which is a different class of vehicle. They don't even have seatbelts in the seats, so no, your car seat cannot be installed in it, they operator will stow it beneath in the cargo area. Your nephew will probably love the really soft plush seats that he might even be able to sit up in by himself like an adult

But taxis? Yes, you will need a car seat if you take a taxi anywhere...

 

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

aaah ok conflicting info. Taxi WILL require a car seat then?

 

[Marie2016]

aaah ok conflicting info. Taxi WILL require a car seat then?

Apparently Florida did pass laws a few years ago that does take away the taxi exemption.... car seat laws
Sorry I should have looked it up first. As I said though I would never recommend they don't bother with a car seat as vehicle seat belts don't fit kids and the laws of physics aren't in their favor. For your nephew at 2, I would recommend they bring a seat or simply don't travel in a cab.

 

[marcyleecorgan]

I'm not talking legality here, I'm talking safety. Any unrestrained child is a projectile in a vehicle. They don't fit in the existing seat belts until about 65-80 pounds of childweight. that's why you buy a car seat that envelopes them.

The motorcoaches are a different class of vehicle and are designed so that passengers DON'T become projectiles should there be an accident.