Car seat questions
Moms View Message Board: Parenting Discussion: Archive January-June 2005:
Car seat questions
I have a couple of questions. First is about my 4 yr olds carseat. The part of the carseat that comes up between his legs and attaches to the bottom of the harness has been difficult to latch properly. I think he got either cookies or sand in it because it feels gritty. I have tried to clean it, but it didn't help. So anyway, I ordered a new part today, I know he is almost 5 and everyone is telling me that he can just go to a booster, but he is small for his age and only weights 30 lbs. So I feel better knowing he is still in a 5 pt harness. But (if I would quit rambling) it is going to take about 7-10 days to get here. Should I just keep using this carseat and make sure it is latched good, or should I move him to his booster that we have until the part gets here?
Next question: I will be flying with my 4 yr old and 1 yr old by myself (Lord help me) on buddy passes. I will have my 1 yr old in his own seat with his carseat. Should I make my 4 yr old sit in his carseat on the plane too? (He doesn't mind his carseat). I am just concerned how I will get 2 kids, 2 carseats, a stroller and luggage to this plane by myself. But I am also concerned how I will make my very active 4 yr old sit on a plane for 2 hrs without being restrained in his carseat.
Bump for Trina.
Hmm, not sure about the tough to buckle part. Do you hear it "click" and lock into place? Can you wiggle and pull hard on it and it stays latched? It would worry me a little, but I don't know how difficult it is to buckle. Can you pick up a low cost regular 5-pt. harness car seat?
The plane has to be what you are comfortable with. When my DD was 3 and 4 we flew and I put her in the regular airplane seat belt. I just brought along her car seat and the checked baggage.
Good luck! I hope you get some answers!
I don't hear it "click" anymore, like I use to, but I do tug quite hard on it and it seems like it is buckled good. As for as the plane, I have only flown once, and I hate to fly, so I am not too sure anything I do will help me to feel comfortable, but I know it would be easier for Jack (4 yr old) to stay in his carseat. He is so active that a regular belt won't do. Do you think that the staff would possible help out? Or let us board ealier than the others? I have no idea how this flying stuff works. To top it off we have to deal with the Atlanta airport, what a nightmare!!
Thanks for bumping, Eve.
Jtsmom, sorry I didn't get to this sooner. Life has been BUSY. GOOD for you for keeping your 30 lbs. 4 yr. old in a harnessed car seat!  Ditto Eve concerning the buckle:
Do you hear it "click" and lock into place? Can you wiggle and pull hard on it and it stays latched? I would vacuum it out then wash/rinse it out with hot, soapy water to see if that helps. I would be hesitant to put him in a booster at this point because he may buck going back into the car seat later. However, if his current car seat isn't functioning properly... Too bad we don't live nearby. I'd lend you a spare in the mean time! LOL! Eve's suggestion of picking up a budget seat is a good idea. It will come in handy in instances like this and it's always nice to have a spare if you're baby-sitting, carpooling, etc..
Flying... I would have your active DS fly in his car seat if at all possible. You will be glad you did. He will also need it when you reach your destination. Is there someone who could go to the airport with you to help see you off? Bring a backpack with essentials in it to free your arms. Do you have a luggage cart, something like a Micromover? At the very least, if you decide to have your DS fly without his car seat, GATE CHECK his car seat with your stroller. I've heard horrible stories about car seats being damaged and rendered useless after being checked with regular luggage.
LOL, I was composing my message while you posted.
Personally, I wouldn't attempt the four year old in the carseat on the plane. There isn't much leg room as it is and with him being four, my guess is his legs will be right up against the seat in front of him. Not pleasant for the person in that seat! Also, the tray won't come down over his lap in the carseat which will really make for a difficult ride.
That said, I have traveled by myself with two kids, two carseats, a stroller and all the luggage. My boys were 6 months and 2 years at the time. Every grandparent on that flight was jumping up to help me. I had arranged to have someone from the airline help me switch flights in Chicago. But when I got there I learned they had no one available for me. I was about to panic, but other passengers heard me asking about this and immediately came to my rescue. I've never had so much help in my life! LOL.
One thing that I found very helpful was a carseat carrier from One Step Ahead. It is intended to be used when you check your seat with luggage. (It doesn't offer protection, it is just a thin bag). I had both carseats in these because I could sling them over my shoulder when carrying them to the plane.
Good luck!
Thank you guys for your advice. I understand what you mean about the carseat taking up too much room on the plane, I am just worried about how I will keep him in his seat. He is so active (to put it kindly). I am sure things will work out.
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