What is your favorite car seat to travel with?

[Mousemommy1]

We need to upgrade our DS from his infant carrier to a convertible car seat shortly.

I am trying to chose being mindful of the fact that we do a lot of air travel and want something not too bulky and heavy.

That being said, we have narrowed our search down to the Diono Rainier, the Graco 4Ever, and the Chicco NextFit.

I also realize that a Cares Harness is an option but I will probably want to bring a car seat for the next few years (he is currently 8 months old).

What is your favorite to travel with? Thanks!

 

[tmh43]

We have a Diono Radian and absolutely love it. It is so heavy to carry through the airport but so worth it. On our flights to and from Mexico every kid had at least one freak out- ours passed out and slept the entire time both ways. It's really comfortable and I personally think having something familiar is so helpful. Also, part of the reason that it's so heavy is that it's reinforced with steel instead of just that car seat plastic.

You probably know this but if you want to bring a car seat on the plane it has to have a sticker that says it's approved for airplane travel. They do check. (Although some flight attendants don't really know what they're looking for and you have to tell them.)

 

[CourtneyL]

If you travel frequently, I would recommend getting a dedicated travel seat.
The seats you listed are all great seats and will last your son a while rear facing and forward facing, but they are bulky for travel. You can get a Cosco Scenera NEXT at Walmart for $45. It's very lightweight, compact front to back, and will rear face until 40"/40lbs. The regular Cosco Scenera is a good option too. It's $39 at Walmart, also lightweight, and rear faces to 36"/35lbs. The regular Scenera will last longer forward facing compared to the NEXT since its top slots are about 2" taller.

 

[Mousemommy1]

If you travel frequently, I would recommend getting a dedicated travel seat.
The seats you listed are all great seats and will last your son a while rear facing and forward facing, but they are bulky for travel. You can get a Cosco Scenera NEXT at Walmart for $45. It's very lightweight, compact front to back, and will rear face until 40"/40lbs. The regular Cosco Scenera is a good option too. It's $39 at Walmart, also lightweight, and rear faces to 36"/35lbs. The regular Scenera will last longer forward facing compared to the NEXT since its top slots are about 2" taller.

We actually already bought one of these as an "extra" seat for DH car.

 

[englishteacha]

We use the Cosco Scenera as our regular carseat in both vehicles and have a spare! My daughter is now 3 and has been in it since she outgrew the luggable seat. She has no complaints! We haven't flown with it, but I see no problems with doing so. It's so light I could hook it onto my carryon.

 

[kmb584]

My daughter's had a Diono RadianRXT since she was 2 (still in it, though converted to the booster seat) and I love it. It isn't light, but the seat folds up and you can carry it on your back like you would a backpack, which I found easier than carrying other, lighter weight carseats.

 

[Mousemommy1]

My daughter's had a Diono RadianRXT since she was 2 (still in it, though converted to the booster seat) and I love it. It isn't light, but the seat folds up and you can carry it on your back like you would a backpack, which I found easier than carrying other, lighter weight carseats.

That's what we liked, the fold flat feature. Especially since we are doing a Disney cruise next trip and want to be able to store the seat under the bed....

 

[Jenna319]

We bought the cosco scenera from many positive reviews on the boards but I have not been happy with it... The buckle strap (between the legs) is very high on the chair and makes it extremely snug- my husband is convinced it is as "far back" as the strap can go but it just seems way too tight. Did anyone else find this or are we just not seeing a way to push the buckle strap farther back?? It does not seem like it would be comfortable for her on an airplane for 2 hours....

 

[AFwifelife]

Love using the Dionos for traveling. They aren't light but with buying 2 travel straps, it becomes a backpack quick. Really easy to get down the airplane aisle and fits in an airplane seat without any issues.

I will say that with owning a Radian RXT and a Pacifica, I would recommend a Diono without the headwings.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Thanks everyone! This solidifies my decision on the Diono.