[PrincessJ9]

Has anyone used the car seats from the rental car company? experiences bad or good?

[ddoll]

We did, but it was several years ago when DS still needed one. We had no problems. I think all we needed to do was ask for one.

[PiratesFan]

We contemplated on using a rental a few years back when we first went to WDW with our 2 DDs. The fee for daily rental for the duration of the trip was more than the cost of an inexpensive car seat. We ended up just bringing ours with us on the plane. I think most airlines do not count them towards your maximum luggage restriction. The only problem with bringing them with you is lugging them around the airport with your baggage when you land, and even worse when you return when you consider the extra baggage in souvenirs.

For the price, it may cost just as much to buy an inexpensive car seat at Target or Wal Mart when you get to Orlando and then basically throw it out when you get to the airport. At least your child(ren) will have a clean seat that is germ free.

PiratesFan

[Disneywife]

I do not think it is safe to rent a car seat. You don't know if it's ever been in an accident, you don't know if it's the right carseat for your child's size and age, you don't know if it's ever been recalled, you don't know if the straps are threaded correctly and in the right place for your child (and if not, how to change them), and least importantly, you don't know how clean it is/how many diapers have leaked in it.

Airlines do not count a carseat against your luggage count if you check it, and will even provide a bag for it to go through the cargo area. You can also use it on the plane. Buying carseat when you get there is a thought, but that would mean that your child would travel in the car without one from the airport to the store, which isn't a good idea.

Stores like Right Start also sell travel bags with which you can check a carseat. I have one and have used it for travel all over the world, and it's nice because you gain some extra space in the seat of the carseat inside the bag to stuff bulky items that take up too much room in your suitcase - jackets, blankets, stuff like that. When we went to Europe I even stuffed a huge bag of pool toys in there. Carseat bags are very, very roomy! On our recent trip to Florida, I put Emily's carseat in there, and then Zachary's backless booster in the seat of that, and both fit into the bag easily (I have the Right Start one).

Hope that helps!

[DisneyGimper]

In October we rented one for our DD and it really was not worth the extra money. Especially since all the L.A.T.C.H. straps were removed from it, making it a pain in the --- to install in the vehicle. There was no reason to remove the straps, since the car was equipped with the necessary tethers. In the future, I will bring our car seat along, so I do not have to fight for 1/2 hour with a locking clip.

[DisneyTeacher]

Originally Posted by Disneywife

I do not think it is safe to rent a car seat. You don't know if it's ever been in an accident, you don't know if it's the right carseat for your child's size and age, you don't know if it's ever been recalled, you don't know if the straps are threaded correctly and in the right place for your child (and if not, how to change them), and least importantly, you don't know how clean it is/how many diapers have leaked in it.

You took the words right out of my mouth. If you can use your car seat you are better off, you know your seat works for your child.

[Andrea]

The best thing in the world is to bring your carseat with you on the plane. It's safest for kids to be in their own airline seat, and if she's in her carseat you'll all be happier because it's a place where she's used to sitting without being able to get up.

Yes, it's a bit of a pain to lug the carseat through the airport. I just turn mine upside down over a rolling bag and use a bungee cord to hold it on. If I'm alone, I gate check the bag (aisles aren't wide enough to roll bag & carseat down), and it's at the end of the jetway as I leave the airplane.

Andrea the Car Seat Safety Queen

[DisneyGimper]

On our next trip, we plan to ship an inexpensive car seat to our resort so it is there when we arrive. (We will not be renting a car until a day after we check in.) Once we are done with it (since it will be a booster type seat versus an infant seat), DH will put it in his car, in place of the infant seat.

[Kwalidy]

We heard of and ordered a Sit-N-Stroll stroller. It converts from car seat to stroller to booster chair and back. It is FAA aproved and you can wheel it between the seats of the airplane. We got it this week and it s easy to use and VERY plush and comfortable. This way, we can use it at home in one of our cars and not have to lug around a stroller and car seat or rent one. Hope this helps.