Which carseat to buy for plane?

[fakereadhed]

We are looking to buy a new carseat for DS2 so we can have one in DH's car plus I don't want to haul our Britax Marathon on the plane.

So...which seat would you recommend that's under $60 and would fit my growing 2yo who is 38in and 40#?

Has anybody used any of the boosters that have a front harness on the plane?

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

We really liked our Next Step (by Century), which can be used harnessed to 40lbs. However, once your child is 41 lbs you won't be able to use it on the plane because he'll have outgrown the harness.

There really aren't many harnessed options that go past 40lbs.

 

[all4fun]

Unfortunately, you're not going to be able to find a harnessed seat that goes past 40lbs for under $100. The only seat I can think of that is fairly lightweight and harnesses past 40lbs is the Cosco/Safety 1st Apex which harnesses to 65lbs and then converts to a bpb. They retail for $130 at BRU and can sometimes be found at Walmart for $100. It's pretty big though and the headrest isn't reinforced so the seat is outgrown by height once the childs ears reach the top of the vehicle seatback (only matters in cars, won't matter on the airplane).

You might also consider the AmSafe Cares harness (see here: http://www.kidsflysafe.com/) but that is $75 and only harness to 44lbs - & can only be used on airplanes - so you probably won't get your $$'s worth out of it unless you have younger children...although you might be able to resell it if you're motivated enough.

In your situation, I would just take the Marathon. For $15 you can buy a simple luggage cart at Walmart to put it on (use the top tether and the bungie cord the carrier comes with to secure it and it can double as a stroller through the airport). Or you can spend about $80 (I think) for a similar device specifically made for that called the GoGo Kidz Cart (gogbabyz.com ).

hth.

 

[fakereadhed]

However, once your child is 41 lbs you won't be able to use it on the plane because he'll have outgrown the harness.

There really aren't many harnessed options that go past 40lbs.

I realize that you can't use the LATCH system with the larger seats(even my Britax)past 40#, but I thought you could use the seatbelt threaded thru the seat(not over the child like a booster).

 

[D L and K's Mom]

We also have a BRITEX and it is so heavy to carry through the airport. I was going to buy a lighter one for the trip. DD will be 3 and will not be big enough for a booster but I need a car seat that is not as heavy as the BRITEX and that is FAA approved. Anyone??? Last trip the BRITEX was just to big and heavy to carry with us through the airport. We also had some trouble getting it locked int he seat the seatbelt buckle was in an odd place. Anyone have any great ideas

 

[tigger2on]

We have a Britax Marathon and took this past September to WDW via Buffalo.
We bought the baby go-go attachment which is wheels you put on it with a handle to pull like a suitcase. We bought it from the Baby Superstore... $100.
So many people thought it was great since we were able to keep our 18 month old in the seat to pull through the airport and were able to check our stroller.
I spent sooo much on the best and safest carseat for my child that I think it would be a waste to buy a whole new one.
Good luck though with whatever you chose to do....

Also if you have issues locking it... ask for belt extender. SWA had the best seat belt... had no problems getting it in.

 

[Skyw]

I had the same problem with the Britax Marathon. It is huge to carry around and I have had the seat belt stuck on almost all of my flights. I had to get help the last time!!! I am too looking for a safe alternative. I saw one on Sprout Channel today but I forgot the name. It can fold up but still is a five point harness system.

 

[D L and K's Mom]

The seat belt got stuck on the carseat and we ended up on the plane for 20 minutes after everyone had left. It happened on the way home too!! We flew DELTA What is it? I guess I will have to ask for an extender. I was getting so nervous. We dont have a lot of time between flights this trip. I love our BRITEX ( we have 2 one for my car and one for DH, it was to much trouble moving it from car to car). I like the idea of the wheels but DD is 3 and I think it would be heavy. I am going to see what I can find that might be lightweight and not $. Thanks for all the info.

 

[Skyw]

Post what you find out. We are going to Disney this NOv and on the Cruise this May. I know that I am not taking the Britax on the plane with me.(unless someone knows a trick) I too was in a panic and thought I would miss the next place and my son was crying !!!UGHHHHAnd I was flying by myself.

 

[D L and K's Mom]

on the last leg of the trip. I checked it and was angry at myself for taking it and not using it and for worrying the whole ride. I was convinced something would happen after we checked it like the flight would be canceled and we would have to rent a car to get to a hotel and we would have no seat or the carseat would not make it to the airport and we would have to take DD home in the car from the airport to our house without a car seat. I love my BRITEX for home but to travel with it is just too heavy and big....nope, sorry MR. Britex you are not going to Florida this winter.

 

[fakereadhed]

Ok, this is what I found that has a harness for up to 65#.

http://www.epinions.com/content_218900172420

I just hope it's not as heavy/bulky as the Marathon. I will go look at one in person and let you know what I find out.

Anybody have one of these?

 

[mexican-mouseketeers]

for our now 4 yo dd, and it works like a charm. She weights about 38 lbs, and we had no trouble whatsoever pulling her through the airport while sitting in the carseat.

We usually gate check the stroller too, but now USA is not allowing people at airports to bring the strollers up from the plane´s belly, so you are left without a stroller to sit a child until you reach the luggage bands after inmigration (which last time took like 40 min).

Julie

 

[reggiemcp]

Hi

Just my two cents. My son is also 2 and he is 36 inches and 34 pounds. He has outgrown his car seat and I needed a new one. I got this because I can still use the harness and it convert to booster when I need it. It is very comfortable and light. Easy to move from car to car and travel with. Don't remember where I purchased it. But got a good price online. I think I paid about $90 with shipping.

Graco Ultra CarGo Booster Car Seat Simpson Racing Seat
Model: 8487SMP BU ID: 89560


Features
• Soft head pillow
• Front adjusting harness straps
• One cup holder for snacking on the go
• Mesh pocket for storing kid gear
• 5-Point harness
• Deep, wide sides and high back for added comfort
• 3 belt positioners give you the flexibility to adjust your automobile's lap/shoulder belt to the right height for your growing child
• LATCH equipped
• Weight 8.5 lbs


See below for more product information!

Description of the Graco Ultra CarGo Booster Car Seat Simpson Racing Seat
Is your little one about to outgrow his or her Graco convertible car seat? It's time to buy a Graco youth booster car seat and the Graco Ultra CarGo youth booster car seat is a great choice. Children older than a year and 27" to 43" and between 20 and 40 lbs will rest comfortably in the seat in a 5-point harness. Then, when you're child is not so little - - between 35" and 54' and between 30 and 100 lbs - the harness may be removed and the Ultra CarGo becomes a belt positioning booster booster which you can use in combination with your car's belt/lap shoulder best system to restrain your child. During the harness days, you'll appreciated the front adjust harness system which simplifies getting your child in and out of the seat. And while you'll love all the conveniences of this seat, your child is sure to enjoy his or her own cup holder and mesh pocket for storing all kinds of kid gear.

Measures 22.5" x 16.5" x 26"

 

[all4fun]

Ok, this is what I found that has a harness for up to 65#.

http://www.epinions.com/content_218900172420

I just hope it's not as heavy/bulky as the Marathon. I will go look at one in person and let you know what I find out.

Anybody have one of these?

That is the one the I mentioned in post #3.

 

[all4fun]

Hi

Just my two cents. My son is also 2 and he is 36 inches and 34 pounds. He has outgrown his car seat and I needed a new one. I got this because I can still use the harness and it convert to booster when I need it. It is very comfortable and light. Easy to move from car to car and travel with. Don't remember where I purchased it. But got a good price online. I think I paid about $90 with shipping.

Graco Ultra CarGo Booster Car Seat Simpson Racing Seat
Model: 8487SMP BU ID: 89560

Unfortunately this option will not work for the OP as her child is already 40lbs and this car seat harness is outgrown at 40lbs.

 

[all4fun]

Installation Tips

1) Use the seat the same way you'd use it in the car (if you use it rear-facing, rear-face on the plane, etc.).

2) Take advantage of pre-boarding. Take that extra time to get the seat installed tightly.

3) Recline the airplane seat back when installing the seat, then bring it upright to get the seat even tighter.

4) For some forward-facing seats, twist the latchplate around once (so that it's "backwards") to make it easier to unbuckle at the end of the trip. Not twisting it may make it nearly impossible to unbuckle the belt. This will also help keep the belt from slipping loose.

5) Put up at least one armrest. This will give the seat more room for installation, and keep it more stable (since resting against an armrest may cause it to tip to one side).

from cpsafety.com

 

[kathi29]

I realize that you can't use the LATCH system with the larger seats(even my Britax)past 40#, but I thought you could use the seatbelt threaded thru the seat(not over the child like a booster).

Once the harness is outgrown, the seat either needs to be used as a booster (if it is that type of seat) or not at all. The method of installation has no effect on the harness weight limit.

In this instance, a 41# child cannot use the harness so the seat cannot be used on the airplane. Booster seats are not approved for aircraft use.

 

[fakereadhed]

Thanks for all of the great advice. I am not used to this giant toddler thing. I never even thought about weight limits with my girls because they were so tiny.

I guess I will either:borrow a carseat from a friend for the plane ride(we are not traveling by car at all-this is purely to keep him contained as he is an immature 2) or bite the bullet and buy the second seat for $100+ and use it in DHs car or haul the Britax along...