Super Shuttle and carseats, again

[nancy drew]

Any recent experience with Super Shuttle and car seats? I have a 3.5yo and 5yo and would rather not bring their car seats along since we aren't renting a car. The only vehicle we will be in is the Super Shuttle. Last year there were 2 kids who were approximately 1yo in our shuttle who did not have car seats, so I figured we would be fine without them. But when I went to book our shuttle, I saw a warning about car seats and the need for them.

Now, normally I am a total car seat safety nut. But I am torn on this. I am traveling alone with the kids, and last year those car seats really made things difficult. I could probably deal with bringing backless boosters (which I would never use for them here at home on a regular basis, both kids are still in harness seats) but the thought of bringing a car seat along fills me with dread. But I don't want to compromise their safety either. I keep thinking if we were taking the Disneyland Express this wouldn't be an issue, but taking the bus isn't an option because it sounds like you have to switch buses and you might not get dropped off at your own hotel.

Both kids are tall, and will sit still in the van if wearing seat belts. So what would you do? Bring the backless boosters? Leave all car seats at home? I'm torn.

 

[charmama4]

My five year old is in a backless carseat. I would use one for your 5yo (which you could store in the overhead on the plane-I've done that before) I always brought the *big guy* (harness carseat) when my kids were still in it just because I am a car seat freak and it's the law and it's safer, yadayadayada.

If you are traveling alone, people will see that and would want to help if asked. I never had trouble finding a helpful person to help me with the wee ones. Enlist your oldest to wear a backpack of some stuff and if you bring the backless carseat he/she can carry that as well. Your youngest may feel left out so maybe a backpack of stuff to easy your load as well.

 

[kandbp]

If your 3.5yo's usual seat is heavy, you could get a Cosco Scenera for the trip--it's a good 5-pt harness, no-frills seat, inexpensive and very light to carry. Do the shuttles have shoulder belts, of just lap belts? I'm assuming they must have shoulder belts, but have never ridden in one. Obviously you wouldn't be able to use a booster if they don't have shoulder belts in them, and would need a different solution in that case.

Kirsten

 

[BrerMama]

I'd be concerned that the van driver would refuse to drive me if my kids weren't in car seats. And I'd be concerned about driving in California with my kids not in car seat. I just wouldn't take the chance with my children.

In your situation, I'd just take the Disneyland Express bus. It's safer for a child without a car seat. Solves the whole situation -- no need to bring one, no concern about what to use on the way to/from the airport. You may be on the bus a bit longer, but I would consider it a small price to pay in the name of safety.

 

[bumbershoot]

The SS vans have shoulder belts. It was easy to put DS's seat in, but it got stuck getting it out AND he had fallen to sleep...the kind SS driver got the seat out for me.

It's got seatbelts, they drive like maniacs on so cal highways...I'm using the carseat.

And I'd just take the DE. On the way in it does stop at DLH and you might have to switch buses, but especially if you're not dealing with carseats, that's not so awful. And if you don't have to switch, that's great! Looks like, from your sig, you're staying at HoJo? Why not call them to find out exactly where they drop you? Since HoJo isn't right next door to another hotel, I'm 99% sure they'll have a stop right outside. Whereas if you were staying at the Carousel, they might have one stop at Tropicana or something, that a few right-next-door hotels share.

All that is hypothetical!

It's funny for a carseat fanatic to take a bus just so they don't have to deal with carseats, but buses have those nice high seatbacks and "they" say they are designed so that you don't have to use seatbelts, and I choose to be OK with that (also I practically grew up on a Greyhound bus so I'm infinitely comfy on buses!).

We are either renting a car or using DE on this trip in May, and it's leaning towards DE simply b/c we really REALLY do not want to deal with a carseat, now that DS doesn't use one on the plane anymore.

 

[LittlePixieDustTwins]

I was told that Super Shuttle drivers are supposed to abide by the state's carseat laws. (i.e. if you are visiting DL, the drivers abide by California state law) I'm sure there are some drivers that do not enforce this rule, but like PP...I wouldn't chance it. If renting a car is a possibility, a lot of car rental places have carseats that you can rent. HTH!

 

[Phalene]

I sure hope that the Disneyland Express route hasn't changed! Last October we were staying at the Disneyland Hotel, but the bus stopped at other hotels first-including Hojo.

This year we are planning on staying at Hojo so I really hope that the bus will drop us off at the hotel.

 

[nancy drew]

What is the California law on car seats and boosters?

 

[disheadz]

With one of those carts you can rent at the airport you can fit 3-4 bags plus a couple of carseats, I have done it. Or if you have an extra hundred bucks you could get a limo service, and have them meet you at the baggage carousel.

 

[kandbp]

What is the California law on car seats and boosters?

It's under 6yrs or under 60 pounds must be in a restraint in the back seat. Here's a link to a FAQ for the California law: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/injviosaf/traffic/Documents/Frequently%20Asked%20Questions%20-%20%20FAQs%20CA%20CPS%20LAW.pdf. (As a car safety fanatic I'd be remiss if I didn't add that the law is a bare minimum, and few children are safe to ride without a restraint at 6yrs or 60lbs. For best practices, make sure your child passes the 5-step test before moving to an adult seatbelt with no booster http://rbranch-cpst.com/boost.aspx).

 

[nancy drew]

Thanks for all the info. I'm still not sure what to do. If I bring anything, it will be 2 backless boosters. But thinking about the fact that there were 2 kids who couldn't have been more than 18 months old without any car seat at all on our ride to the airport, and when I asked the driver on the way to the hotel whether I needed to install the car seats he just shrugged, I'm guessing they aren't really required. Both drivers were safe drivers, I never felt like they were driving recklessly or anything. Disneyland Express is expensive, and I can't push an airport cart and a stroller at the same time, so that's not going to work. Last time I remember thinking it was a total waste to have the car seats, hmmmm.

 

[jenpace]

I look at it this way: Even if it were DH or myself doing the driving would I chance having my small kids in the car w/out proper carseats? For me personally, the answer is definitely no. I would opt to bring along two lightweight backless boosters especially since you're entrusting everyone's safety to someone you've never met before.

last December we took a cab from the Hilton to DL with my 6 y/o and opted to skip the carseat. I'll never do that again, it was the scariest thing as the cab driver while on I-5 was driving erratically...even my 25 y/o son who was with us was horrified.

Do what you feel is best. If it were me though, I'd get the booster seats.