Ahhhhhh Help!

Updated on June 30, 2012
P.S. asks from Chicago, IL
11 answers

Hi everyone thanks for your time. I am taking my soon to be 4 year old to Florida on July 5th. It's a family vacation including my son and myself my father sister brother in law and their 2 awesome kids. I'm so excited but I do have a concern and wondering if any of you mama's would be willing to give me some input. We are flying to Florida and when we get there we aren't totally sure if we are getting a rental car or taking a cab to our resort. My concern is ....its about a 15 minute drive from the airport and if we get a rental my father will get one with a carseat included but if we don't get a rental I'm not sure how that works with a cab.The carseat I have for him I feel is too bulky to go on the plane and I also called they said he doesn't need it. The decision about the rental or cab isn't mine simply because I'm not the one paying for it and we will be within walking distance of everything we need while there so thats the only time we would needs any kind of transportation. If anyone has any idea's tip or tricks on how to deal with this please let me know ASAP we are leaving in a few days.... Thank you mama's for your time!!!!

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R.J.

answers from Seattle on

$20 backless booster from toyrus & the cabs seatbelts

7 moms found this helpful
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M.P.

answers from Portland on

I suggest that if the law requires the use of car seats in a cab that the cab will have one. I also suggest that for the short distance between the airport and your resort it would be ok to not use a car seat unless they're required by law. There is such a thing as over thinking/overdoing the safety issue.

If you want to know ahead of time, call a cab company there.

After reading the post about the pillow, please do not do that. If the seat belt doesn't fit over his shoulder correctly the pillow will not protect him. Just a sudden stop could injure his neck/head. A pillow will also not work as a booster. It is not firm enough to hold him to the seat. Do not use the seat belt. have him sit on the seat without a seat belt or seat him on the floor. He's less apt to be thrown if there is an accident. It's highly unlikely that there would be, however.

6 moms found this helpful
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A.B.

answers from Dallas on

I've heard that carseats are not required in cars for hire (cabs, limos, etc). You can call a cab company in FL and ask about that to verify.
Another option is to check the car seats through...airlines typically do not count them as luggage or charge for them.

6 moms found this helpful

L.A.

answers from Austin on

Will the resort you are staying at, provide a pick up and drop off service?

4 moms found this helpful
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M.R.

answers from Austin on

Airlines do check the car seats in at no charge. You gotta decide if you want to take the bulky item, in my case, I did not, too much trouble! You don't need one for a cab. Possibly purchase one once you get there if you find you really need it...purchase from a resale shop or the local Wal-Mart. It seems it might be less trouble than taking your own.
Have a fun vacation!

3 moms found this helpful
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J.M.

answers from Missoula on

Maybe call some cab companies around your destination point, and find out if any of them have car seats for people in your situation?

If anything, you could always check your carseat, so you don't have to haul it around the airport... When I flew with my DD, they allowed us to check it for free... (I cheated a bit when I flew... I stuffed the car seat bag full of the things that wouldn't fit in my carry-on, in addition to the car seat itself so I wouldn't have to pay for extra checked baggage...)

3 moms found this helpful
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S.B.

answers from Dallas on

Most airlines don't charge for you to check his car seat, it doesn't count as baggage. You can check it with luggage instead of gate checking it. At four, you can use a backless booster too. If you are comfortable going that route, for the distances you are traveling, it will save you some bulk. I have heard many horror stories from friends who rented car seats and arrived to find the wrong seat was reserved. Better to be safe than sorry.

3 moms found this helpful
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T.H.

answers from Kansas City on

I believe Anita is correct about the car seat laws. Is he big enough for a booster? I might consider purchasing a booster seat here and then taking just the base part (if you get one with a back that is) on your vacation. That way it'll be lightweight and easy to pack. The airline will check it for free regardless but I believe boosters are not allowed on the airline as they are not FAA approved for impact.

3 moms found this helpful
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A.C.

answers from Boston on

A lot of the resorts in FL offer car service as part of a room package. Check with the resort you're staying at to see if they do. If so they should provide a car seat as long as they know they need to.

3 moms found this helpful

T.S.

answers from San Francisco on

I don't think car rental companies rent car seats (liability issues) we've always had to bring our own and check it at the gate.
I'd make a few calls ahead of time re the laws and requirements, you don't want any surprises when you get there!

2 moms found this helpful
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M.T.

answers from Nashville on

He is almost 4, he can wear the cab's seat belt. Bring a travel pillow to place in between the car seat and his shoulder/neck if he is too short and sit in the back of the cab/car with him.

You can also use the travel pillow as a cushion for him to sit on as an alternative booster seat and use the car's seatbelt.

Its best to have him secured than to have him sit loosely in the car if a sudden stop occurs and throws him forward. Just my 2cents - safety vs luggage..you decide what works best.

1 mom found this helpful
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