Have you rented a car seat?

[camdensmom]

We are staying at WDW for the 1st half of the week and spending the 2nd half at the coast. I'm torn between renting a car seat through the car rental company or bringing our own. My son is a very tall (almost) 3 year old. He did so well on the last flight without the seat, but I'm concerned about renting a car seat.

Are they guaranteed to be there? What kind are they? Are they dirty?

I would love to hear experiences that you have had renting car seats. Thanks so much!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Dirty, you don't know the history of them (accidents etc.) they don't fit right, etc. I could go on and on. Bring your own or buy a cheapie when you get there.

 

[JeremyGNJ]

I have it a little easier because in florida it's not illegal to have a 4 year old without a car seat. So we're going from airport straight to Walmart where I will have a car seat pre-ordered and waiting in the store. (the cheapest I can get)

If you can take Magical Express from the airport, then you could have one person get the car and pickup a carseat.

or

You can all take magical express and then pickup your rental car at the WDW rental counters and then have one person go get a car seat.


Rental car companies charge $10 PER DAY for a car seat. For a 3 year old you can get something like this for $20 and then either take it home or give it to someone at the rental counter when you leave
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5030625

 

[JeremyGNJ]

oops, that one isnt rated for a 3 yr old, but i'm sure you can find something relatively cheap.

 

[tanyaandallie]

Bring your own seat. No 3 year old should be in a belt positioning booster. It is simply not safe. Rental car seats are never a good idea. They are the great unknown. You don't know the history of the seat. Has it been in an accident, have the straps been submerged in water, washed with harsh chemicals. Is the seat actually going to fit your child? If you have a tall child, you are taking a huge risk. Not to mention the cost. It would be cheaper to buy a new seat than to rent.

I'd take your own seat. A seat you know and trust. If you need a more lightweight/travel type seat post your childs torso height and weight and you can get some recommendations.

 

[all4fun]

We are staying at WDW for the 1st half of the week and spending the 2nd half at the coast. I'm torn between renting a car seat through the car rental company or bringing our own. My son is a very tall (almost) 3 year old. He did so well on the last flight without the seat, but I'm concerned about renting a car seat.

Are they guaranteed to be there? What kind are they? Are they dirty?

I would love to hear experiences that you have had renting car seats. Thanks so much!

Check out this mothers blog where she shows her experience with rental car seats (it's a real eye opener, it even made it on two local news stations in two cities):
http://www.deliciousbaby.com/journal/2007/dec/22/advantage-rent-cars-frightening-car-seats/

Bring your own seat. No 3 year old should be in a belt positioning booster. It is simply not safe. Rental car seats are never a good idea. They are the great unknown. You don't know the history of the seat. Has it been in an accident, have the straps been submerged in water, washed with harsh chemicals. Is the seat actually going to fit your child? If you have a tall child, you are taking a huge risk. Not to mention the cost. It would be cheaper to buy a new seat than to rent.

I'd take your own seat. A seat you know and trust. If you need a more lightweight/travel type seat post your childs torso height and weight and you can get some recommendations.

Ditto!

 

[mikymouse]

We were thrilled to have a BRAND NEW car seat with our Budget Rental Car.