Car Seats/Strollers

[jweiss]

I have read so many posts here about strollers, and I'm STILL confused!!! I'll be traveling with my six month old next month; one week on DCL and one week at BCV. Right now I'm still using a Snap "N Go"/Universal Infant Car Seat Carrier, with an Evenflo Infant car seat. The baby no longer likes to lay down and wants to sip UP and see whats happening. I was going to buy the Combi Ulta Savvy, as it is lightweight and good for travel. BUT, don't I need a car seat for bus rieds, etc. from airport to port, to hotel, etc. ( We did not purchase her a seat on the plane so do not need the car seat on the plane.....) Any specific ideas would be GREAT!!!

 

[stacy6552]

Yes you do need to bring your baby a car seat on the plane. if you absolutely cannot afford the ticket, you still should bring it because the baby is safer in it and if they have an open seat, most airlines will let you use it for the baby.

A few things about the savvy to think about before you buy. the seat does not recline all the way, and you will still want to be able to lie the baby down for better naps on the go. Also it is a short stroller and alot of taller folks, especially husbands dont like pushing it for long periods of time. Additionally, there is no storage space or cup holders. I really reccommend that you pick a stroller based on its comfort and convenience while walking around the parks all day, rather than is tote-ability.

 

[all4fun]

Hi,
Like the pp said you will need a car seat for your dd for automobile travel and the airlines will let you use it on the plane if there is a seat available for it. I also recommend purchasing a seat for her, but that is a personal decision.

As far as the stroller goes, I can see your dilemma. I have been on DCL and while the staterooms are spacious by cruise line standards, there's not a whole lot of extra room for things like strollers (even folded up). I guess you could fold it and store it in one of the bathrooms (I believe all of the rooms have the split bathroom setup) but then that would make that inconvenient to use. Then again, we didn't have our ds when we went on the cruise so maybe someone who had done the cruise w/child and stroller would be able to answer that question better than I. I just remember the staterooms were nice, but they're not nearly as roomy as the typical hotel room is.

I would suggest going to the nearest Babies R Us or other baby store that has strollers you can actually try out. This helped us make a decision when we were looking for a lightweight stroller.

A few of the strollers we have considered are the Combi Soho which folds very compact and has a good reclining seat (maybe not completely flat, but that never mattered to my ds so not all kids need it to go all the way down). It also had a higher weight limit and the seat back seemed taller so a taller/heavier child would fit comfortably. Also, my dh is 6'2" and the height of the handles didn't bother him.

We almost bought the Soho but then decided to spend 1/2 the amount and just get the Chicco Capri, which is similar to the Caddy. We decided this was adequate for our needs, although we have decided to take the "big" stroller on our next trip since it simply provides more coverage and is just a more comfy stroller for our ds considering the amount of time he spends in it when we're in the parks. I imagine we'll use the lightweight more and more as he gets older and doesn't need to nap as much. I have also read great reviews of the Inglesina Swift and Chicco London so you may want to google those and check them out. Truthfully I don't blame you for being confused about this. There are so many choices and things to consider.

Another idea I had was to purchase a nice compact/lightweight for your cruise and rent a nicer stroller for your time in the parks. The company that rents out baby gear (everything from cribs and playpens to strollers) that I have seen numorous recommendations on the Dis for is called A Baby's Best Friend . The strollers are nice and comfy, not like the hard plastic ones you rent in the parks. Just a thought.

There is also a great board to check out before purchasing a stroller. Go to the Baby Bargains Book website and click on "message boards" on the left. The stroller board is under the "Baby Bargains book" forum.

Sorry this is so long but I hope some of it helps. Good luck on your hunt for the perfect stroller!

 

[CapeCodFam]

You do not need a carseat for the plane. I bought my son an airplane harness vest. It was great! my son sat on my lap with the seatbelt running through the back of the vest. He fell right to sleep. As far as the stroller I bought a jeep umbrella stroller, yes you can get one that reclines, my son at 5mos was very happy with it and so was I.

 

[lurontravel]

As far as a carseat goes airlines do not currently require a car seat. You also have to consider how you are getting to the port and then back to WDW, and then back to the airport again. If you are taking a rental car, or if you are having a friend/relative drive you, then Florida law state that your 6 month old MUST be in a carseat. If you are taking a hired car, a cab, limo service, bus or shuttle then there is no law that requires you to place a baby in a carseat. Most times, busses, shuttles, etc. don't even have a place for you to buckle/latch your car seat into the vehicle.

I would consider bringing your regular stroller along, as you'll be doing a lot of walking, and baby a lot of sitting/sleeping in it, and the umbrella strollers (I have a Combi) are not as easy to push/steer, and I don't know if they are as comfortable as the big ones. The only reason I bought my combi was for a river cruise we took in Russia, we were concerned about space on the boat (for storing it between ports), and the amount of luggage we were taking (they didn't have any cribs or sleeping options for a baby, nor did they have any high chairs on board for our then 9 mo old son). I have generally been happy with the combi, but find that it doesn't push or steer nearly as nicely as our "big" stroller. As far as a cup holder goes, you can buy one that you can attach to an umbrella stroller, and you can buy a little net bag for the back of the stroller for additional storage.

 

[mrskay9]

but I must chime in here. The vest capecodfam is talking about, last I read about them, are NOT approved for take off and landing.

You should buy the other seat for the safety and also because then you guys have some extra space.

good luck.

 

[all4fun]

If you go to FAA.gov you can read their "tips for parents" using a Child restraint and it says

Use an approved CRS when traveling to and from the airport by automobile. Booster seats and harness vests do not provide adequate protection in an aircraft, but they do enhance safety in automobiles. Many airlines do not allow the use of booster seats on their flights. These devices may be checked as baggage. In the United States, supplemental lap restraints, belly belts, are banned from use in automobiles and aircraft.

HTH

 

[ash&abby'smom]

I just recently purchases a new lightweight stroller for our trip to WDW for my 15 month old. I went to Babies R Us and really like the Maclaren Quest. So, that is what I bought. I liked it because it is like an umbrella stroller in the way it folds, but much nicer. It has nice padding and reclines. The handles are also a great height. I think they may even adjust (don't remember and haven't used it yet). But it was really easy to push. I would go check out several different strollers and and they work and decide. Also, depends on how much you want to spend. The quest is $199, but you can find better deals on it if you look. Good luck choosing.

 

[jweiss]

Gee Whiz....who'd have ever thought that buying a stroller could be so complicated!!! I agree that it is best to purchase an extra seat for baby on the plane. Problem is, we purchased our tickets months agao, before we even knew about baby, and now to purchase a ticket for her is about as much as it cost for our three ticktes several months ago!!! Also, when we first learned about baby, the cruise we had booked last year was full, and I couldn't add her until recently. So, here we are!!! I am traveling alone with three children, and need to keep weight and convenience of items in mind!!! (I'm not a spring chicken mom, and I don't have a great back!!!) I did order the Combi Ultra Savvy online.....it DOES have storage underneath, and it does recline fully. I haven't received it yet. If I don't like it, I'll return it or save it for when she's older. Now, for the plane rides........all day both ways from CA to Florida......will try again tomorrow and see it I can get a better rate for that extra seat!!!

 

[andriade]

Just so you know, many airlines will give you a 1/2 price fare for your infant. We got one on over 4 different airlines. My son is 16 months old and we always buy him a seat. We usually fly 5 hours or longer though. I just wanted to let you know that you can call the airline and ask for an infant fare.

 

[jweiss]

thanks, but i tried that..... only if you purchase them at same time!!!!!!