Do I need a car seat?

[Nina3570]

Hi,

I'm sure someone has asked this before, but I have been trying to search the forum and it keeps giving me an error (505). So sorry for the repeat!

I'm going to Disneyland May 13-21 with my DH and my 2 1/2 y.o. DS. We're not renting a car, so we weren't planning to bring a car seat, but I read recently that the Supershuttle (which we were planning to take from and to the airport) requires car seat.

Is there any other way to get to my hotel without having to carry my car seat all the way? We're flying to the John Wayne airport and staying at the Embassy Suites South. Any ideas will be highly appreciated!

Thank you in advance!

 

[amw]

Here's the thread you wanted:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1090922&highlight=carseat

You'll have to read through it and make your own judgement.

 

[Dukland]

Are you bringing a stroller? This really helped us a lot, when we were lugging ds' car seat through the airports. We could either balance it on the back, with some of the carry on luggage, or ds would walk some of the time, and we would pile it all on the stroller.
Also, depending on how much luggage you have, you may just want to get a luggage cart. In that case, you can just throw the car seat on top of all the luggage. I know, not fun to have to lug it all around. And it sounds like it depends on who the driver is, as to whether or not you will need it in the Shuttle. At least they will throw it in the back for you, if you don't need it. We needed ds' for the plane, as he was only 19 months old. Dd was 4.5 years at the time, and we didn't even bring her one.

 

[hlbtimes2]

YOu can take the disney express bus with out a car seat. Get info at www.airportbus.com

 

[Nina3570]

Thanks so much for all the advice. I will definately look into the disney express bus. We are taking a stroller but my car seat is so big that I don't know I can even carry it around on the stroller! I think this is the major problem, we have the Alpha Omega Elite car seat and is just huge. Very comfy but not very convenient to carry around.

The problem I have with other postings about car seats is that most are related to either infants (less than 1 year old) or older kids (4+ years old). Not many people talk about 2 1/2 years old like my son.

I guess I will have to do more research appropiate to my son's age!

Thanks to everyone again!

Claudia

 

[Fuddrules]

Do I need a car seat?

Personally, I think you'll look funny in one, but then again, once you reach DL, you'll fit right in.

 

[Alex2kMommy]

The problem I have with other postings about car seats is that most are related to either infants (less than 1 year old) or older kids (4+ years old). Not many people talk about 2 1/2 years old like my son.

I guess I will have to do more research appropiate to my son's age!

I really struggled with this question as well. We're flying in, and I know DS(now 2)'s carseat will fit on a plane seat, but not sure about DS5's carseat, it might be too big. DH said he didn't want to bring either into the cabin on the plane, so we'd be bringing them only for transportation to/from the Orange County airport. Seems a lot of hassle for two short drives!

But then someone pointed out to me that, not only is it illegal, it's unsafe! Would you ever think of driving around at home without your child strapped into a carseat? Even if you were just driving to the local grocery store? I wouldn't, and I realized it was silly of me to be so concerned with the possible fine and the inconvenience to me of carrying around the two seats.

Carseats didn't exist when I was a kid, and I don't know anyone who was hurt or died because of it. Obviously it did happen, because carseats were invented and now are required by law.

I hope this is coming across that I'm not telling anyone what to do, I have really struggled with this question. It comes down to the fact that each parent needs to make the call you'll be comfortable with it.

As it turns out for us, I did not realize that a car rental would be so inexpensive, so when we re-book our trip, I'm pretty sure we'll skip the shuttle, get a car and of course bring the carseats. That way we'll be able to get groceries, visit the Disney Warehouse, and maybe even eat offsite.

 

[Nina3570]

Hi Alex2kMommy,

Thanks so much for your insight. It's definetly more usefull than Fuddrules for sure!

I still haven't made my decision but I'm thinking of taking the Disney Express bus, that way I don't have to take my car seat and at the same time we wouldn't be allowed to use it in the bus, so I don't feel I'm putting my DS safety at risk. The only thing is the limited schedule of the bus so I still have to take a look at my flight schedule and see if it fits.

Maybe I should look into car rental though, since many people have said before is very cheap. It's a great idea, thanks so much!

If anyone has more info or ideas please keep them coming :0)