Rental cars with Rented toddler seats.

[JodyLynC]

Anyone ever reserve a rental car with toddler seats and not been able to get the toddler seats? I've heard someone say that just because you reserve the car seats doesn't mean that you will get them? What has been your experience? Also, how has the condition been of the car seats?

One of my girls is over 30lbs. Some booster seats that I have seen are for 30lbs and up. Others are 40lbs and up. Would I have a better chance reserving a booster seat or should I stick with the toddler seat until she is over 40 lbs.

thanks!! Looking forward to hearing everyone's experiences.

 

[momofbgtwins]

Hi - I am also the mother of twins - b/g - 2.75 yrs old.

We have taken many trips with the children, rented cars, and have always gotten the car seats we asked for. They have always been in good condition. (We've rented exclusively from AVIS due to a corporate perk that I have).

For the past 3 trips we've rented minivans and they've had the built in booster seats, which are basically a 5-point harness that is behind a fold down back cushion. My children haven't minded, although it does look uncomfortable when and if they fall asleep because there is no recline. A nice thing about it is that they don't charge us the car seat charge, which runs about $40 per seat for the week.

If you are worried about availability, I would ask for the car seats in advance, and make sure they are included in the reservation. If you make the reservation anline and print the confirmation, they should be shown there.

 

[safetymom]

Most parents don't use car seats correctly. The start of your vacation is not the time to be figuring out new car seats. I would suggest checking your own car seats. That way you don't have to worry if they have them, the condition, how to use them.

 

[momofbgtwins]

As a mother of twins, I have personal experience with 4 different car seats, 2 in my car and 2 in DHs car, along with the seats we've rented in the past. I haven't found the installation to be that dissimilar. Regarding Safetymoms comment that most parents don't install car seats correctly, if I didn't know how to install a car seat correctly in my own car, how would I know to install my car seat correctly in a rental car????

When you travel with twins you have 2X the necessary stuff to take...lugging around 2 bulky car seats just adds so much extra weight and worry that the airlines could lose them.

I still think your best bet would be to rent them.

 

[tlbwriter]

Travellers to Orlando may have better luck because it's such a family-oriented destination. I've heard many horror stories about rented carseats. First, as you've heard, you absolutely are NOT guaranteed to get a carseat. Second, some parents have reported the seats they ended up with were filthy, broken, inappropriate for the child's size, or needed recall repairs that had not been made. So if you decide to go that route, come up with a Plan B, just in case.

 

[safetymom]

80% of people use car seats incorrectly. There is no guarantee that you even use your car seat correctly when at home. So it isn't a good idea to try and install a different car seat at the start of your vacation. People are in a rush to get going so chances are they aren't going to read the instruction manual.

If you don't believe my information just do a search. I used to instruct people on the correct use of car seats and believe me I have seen it all.

 

[JodyLynC]

Thanks momofbgtwins. I am in total agreement with you about the hassle of dealing with twins and luggage and strollers and carseats. Our return flight will be at 6:30am. DH and I did not want to have the additional hassle of trying to reinstall our car seats when we got back to our home airport in addition to dealing with 2 sleepy toddlers, luggage, stroller, etc. We would rather rent.

Also, I agree with you in regards to the comment to the poster about not installing the seats correctly. If I don't install my car seat correctly whether in my car or another, I'm not sure what difference that makes. A car seat installed incorrectly is a danger no matter what car I am driving or what car seat I am using.

I will definitely check with Avis on the price of the mini-van.

 

[safetymom]

You have a much better chance of using the car seat you use on a daily basis correctly. How many people would take the time and effort to read the manual before using a rental car seat?

 

[tlbwriter]

Also, I agree with you in regards to the comment to the poster about not installing the seats correctly. If I don't install my car seat correctly whether in my car or another, I'm not sure what difference that makes. A car seat installed incorrectly is a danger no matter what car I am driving or what car seat I am using.

I think the point is that if 80% of people aren't even using their own seats correctly, when both the seat and vehicle are familiar to them, probably fewer than that are correctly using unfamiliar rented seats in unfamiliar rented vehicles. I wonder if the rental companies routinely provide manuals? Some vehicles and seats have idosyncracies (or just design flaws) that make installation more difficult than average. If the rental company will tell you ahead of time what type of seats they provide, you could visit the company's website and download the installation manual, just in case.

 

[safetymom]

The point I am trying to make is there isn't any excuse not to be using any car seat correctly.

But when you are on a trip if you are using rental car seats how many people would take the time to read the manual, ask about the rental history of the seat, has it been in any accidents, how old is the seat.

At least by bringing your own seat you have eliminated a lot of the unknowns. Why risk injury to your child because you don't want to bring your own car seat?

 

[momofbgtwins]

JodyLynC - I think we are on the same wavelength. I have only been talking as a mother of twin toddlers, and the hassle of bringing 2 of everything, especially things that can be easily rented at your destination.

I am as worried about safety as the next mom, but not to the point that I'm going to be shamed into lugging two 15 lb car seats all around Florida. And I don't think that makes me a uncaring mother, just practical.

 

[matsterrocks]

Rent a car/van with child seats built right in? dodge Grand Caravan

 

[momofbgtwins]

I've rented from Avis and have had good luck with built in car seats, and not only in Dodge Caravans. I've also read that they are available in Dollar rental cars. Just make sure the rental agent knows what you're talking about. I recently rented a mini van locally from National, and the rental agent insisted they had no cars with built in car seats. We were taking 3 toddlers to Vermont, and I didn't relish the thought of bringing 3 car seats. When I picked up the vehicle, lo and behold, there was 1 built in car seat! I made sure the agent followed me outside so that I could show him what they looked like.

 

[tlbwriter]

I am as worried about safety as the next mom, but not to the point that I'm going to be shamed into lugging two 15 lb car seats all around Florida. And I don't think that makes me a uncaring mother, just practical.

Of course not. An uncaring mother wouldn't bother with carseats at all. But no one is trying to "shame" you into bringing your own seats. No need to get defensive. You asked for input on your plan, and people brought up potential problems. Now you have an idea what to expect, and can address those potential problems. Isn't that what you wanted?

 

[JodyLynC]

Actually what I was looking for was for people to share their experiences on renting carseats. I wasn't looking for a debate on whether to bring my car seats or not. Just what people who have rented car seats have personally experienced.

 

[hkite]

My mother-in-law rented a carseat from Avis for my daughter to use in her rental car while on vacation in Texas last December. When I saw it, there was no way I would allow my daughter to ride in it. It was a style that had been recalled years ago and was very beat up looking. When she called Avis, they wouldn't give her another seat or refund her money.

I wouldn't rent a carseat unless they could guarantee you that it had never been in an accident (a car seat that's been in an accident is supposed to be disposed of), wasn't over 8 years old (plastic deteriorates), and wasn't recalled. I really doubt that they could do that.

It sounds like your best bet would be to get a van with the built-in seats. That would make your life much easier!

 

[momofbgtwins]

JodyLynC - Yeah, that's what I thought you wanted to know!

BTW - my son is 32 lbs and my daughter is 30lbs, but they are both in the 95th percentile for height. We haven't progressed to the booster seats yet. We usually rent the child "safety seats". And, as I've previously mentioned, they were using the built in carseats (see my description above), with no problem a year ago, when they were lighter and shorter.

Good luck and have a wonderful trip!

 

[momofbgtwins]

JodyLynC - just for clarification, my carseat experiences (other than the local National rental mentioned above) have been with Avis at MCO. Maybe they know what they are doing because of the sheer volume of cars being rented there? Who knows.

 

[JodyLynC]

momofbgtwins - I left you a private message.