car seats

[Mouse House Mama]

I am traveling to the great WDW next month with 2 children ages 2 and 8 months. I wasn't going to worry about carseats but I think it would be easier because they would sit better on the plane. Anyway- taking our reguat carseats is out of the question because they are very heavy and big ( Britax). I was wondering if anyone knows of a cheap carseat that I could get for them. ( around $40) I apppreciate any help you can offer. Oh and by the way I did buy seats for them on the plane.
Thanks!
Jennie

 

[Disney_1derland]

If so, it is my understanding that the carseats must go in a window seat position so I don't know how you would do it with just you and both kids . I may be wrong, it's what I have heard but I've not flown with two kids so I don't know for sure.

 

[ValerieK]

I always take our Britax carseat with us. It fits the airline seat very well and it is easy to install in the car.

 

[NotUrsula]

It is all right to use 2 carseats in a single row. If you do that, you should put the larger of the two in the window position, and the other next to it, then the adult will sit in the aisle seat. You are not allowed to sit between the two carseats.

You would definitely need to preboard in this situation if there is no other adult with you, and would probably need help getting your seats, children and carryon onto and off of the aircraft. (This situation makes you a "passenger needing boarding assistance".) Let the airline know about this ASAP, they will need to arrange for someone to help you, and you may have to arrive at the gate earlier than usual.

My recommendation for a "travel" toddler seat is the Cosco Touriva 5-pt. This is the convertible toddler seat most commonly provided by rental car companies. You can normally pick it up at places like WalMart or Target for ~$40. You can nest two of them in a backpack carseat satchel in order to leave your hands free for the stroller.

 

[all4fun]

We took our Cosco Alpha-Omega last May and while it worked, it was a little too wide for comfort, even without the base attached. (Plus ds was still rear-facing since he had outgrown his infant seat in length but not in weight). For this upcoming trip, we bought the Cosco Touriva as a travel car seat. It's simple styling, fairly narrow, and lightweight. The price was right too. We got ours at Walmart for just under $40. Make sure you get the one without the the overhead shield!

 

[stacy6552]

I wouldn't buy a new seat. If you're going to spend $40 buy one or two carseat duffle bags. I havent tried to carry two, but the thing is priceless and worth every penny you would spend.

As for two seats in a row, you'll be fine, but if its not at the widow, the airline seat needs to be completely upright, so the people behind you can get out in an emergency. So place the seats accordingly.

 

[DisneyDW]

It really depends on your kids on if they will do ok sitting with the seatbelt or not. I always had mine in a car seat up until I felt they would be reasonable and stay seated with their seatbelt on (different ages for both). At 1 1/2, my youngest was very unhappy in a carseat - she just wanted a little more independence and the next trip she was fine and stayed in the seat w/seatbelt. It was a bit of a hassle getting the carseats on and off the plane. My DH would always board first, get everything setup then I wold come along with the kids. If you are carrying carseats onto the plane, board first so you're not knocking everyone in the head going down the aisle!

Now then, if you check carseats, you may want to think about potential damage to the carseats while being thrown around and on the bottom of a heap of luggage. I have Britax in my car but travel with older carseats because I don't want to risk my $$$ Britax being damaged. And since we use those everyday, I especially don't want them damaged and me not know about it! I figure my older carseats are fine for occasional travel and much better than the ones I have been given w/rental cars and limo's.

Have a great time!

 

[Jenn Lynn]

I have a Britax Roundabout that we take with us for DD on all flights. We just buy one of those luggage pulls. I set the carseat on it and bungie it (bungies come with). I also can fit a couple of carry ons in the seat. You do have to take it apart to have it go through the scanner.

They are also easy to install in the airplane seat and they fit really well.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Thanks guys for all your replies. I will talk to DH and see what we decide to do. I hate the idea of lugging 2 carseats. I know my son who is 2 will sit but my daughter will only be 8 months and she is quite the explorer. I will check out all options though. Thanks again!
Jennie