small booster seats

[Denine]

We will be going on a long trip in August, but only need a car seat for a short jaunt from the hotel to the port.
I was looking at some small booster seats for only around $20. It is not something I would use on a daily basis, as I don't think it will offer enough protection for daily use at this time. DD is in the weight range of the booster, no height range was given, but at the low end and will be 3 at the end of September.
This would only be used in a shuttle bus.

What have you used and what are your opinions?

 

[lissawynn]

My DS's son is tall enough, old enough, and heavy enough to sit in a booster, but she refuses to buy one. She read something about children in boosters and car accidents. Apparently children in boosters are more likely to have damage to their kidneys as a result of the accident.
It doesn't sound like you're going to be using the booster for very long, so I wouldn't worry.

 

[mudnuri]

she read about the old shield type of boosters...i'd urge you to urge her to read the latest information from the highway safety institute...

Me personally- if it wasnt "safe enough" for home I wudn't use it on a "short trip"..but I guess I just have a strong feeling on safety seats..which FYI, my 7 year old 62lb daughter is still sitting in.....state law in VT is 8 or 80lbs.

Brandy

 

[RadioNate]

The graco turbo booster is good however if there isn't a lap and shoulder belt available you'll need a harnessed seat. There are no SAFE boosters that use a lap belt only.

 

[jel0511]

I also noted that you'll be on a shuttle bus. FL states that there is to be no child restraints to be used on a bus since there usually isn't any type of restraints to properly use the devices. Check with who will be shuttling from your resort to the port. If you're using DCL transfers, there are no seat belts on the bus and any type of child restraints aren't allowed. There are no seat belts on any of the DCL buses.

 

[summerrluvv]

We will be going on a long trip in August, but only need a car seat for a short jaunt from the hotel to the port.
I was looking at some small booster seats for only around $20. It is not something I would use on a daily basis, as I don't think it will offer enough protection for daily use at this time. DD is in the weight range of the booster, no height range was given, but at the low end and will be 3 at the end of September.
This would only be used in a shuttle bus.

What have you used and what are your opinions?

Do you mean the kind of booster that is JUST the base without a full back? I wouldn't use that on a three year old unless she is very tall for her age. Chances are the seatbelt wouldn't rest on her shoulder properly and if you were to get in an accident, her neck could be broken. DS is 44" and the seatbelt JUST touches his shoulders when he sits in his booster seat without the back on it. The kind with a back are around $40 (for a Turbo Booster).

 

[Kimberle]

I don't think you'll be able to use a booster on a bus. Would you perhaps be taking a van? They usually have lap/shoulder belts. I'd suggest calling the bus company and finding out what other parents use.

 

[laurie31]

If your dd is only 2, she needs to be in a 5-point restraint car seat. This is until 4 years and 40 pounds, then they can switch to a belt-positioning booster.

However, if you're going to be on a shuttle bus, this may not be an option, but then neither would a booster. A booster seat repositions an adult seat belt so it fits the child properly - it doesn't provide protection in and of itself like a car seat does.

If your trip from the hotel to the port will be in a vehicle that has seat belts, then you need a "real" car seat, not a booster. Most rental places (and limo companies) have them available. You don't have to bring your own. We used a town car service to get from the airport to the hotel and they provided boosters (at an extra charge) for our DD's then aged 5 and 7.

Laurie

 

[Denine]

Thanks guys. We need the seat in CA. I really just didn't want to lug her car seat. It will sit on the cruise ship for 2 weeks and may only be used for the trip from the airport to the hotel. We will be on a regular bus from the hotel to the port in CA and from the port to the airport in FLA.

I just don't know how comfortable I am having her in such a small seat when she is always in her 5 point harness. The weight requirement is 30-100 lbs. She is over 30 lbs and not quite 35" tall.

I guess we will take her car seat. She can use it on the plane.