Are you new to this whole traveling with kids thing? Are you thinking about what the best travel car seat is for a toddler, baby, or both? Well… I’m going to shock you and tell you to leave your everyday expensive car seat at home and invest in a travel car seat. Why? Have you ever seen how airlines handle your bags? Do you want your everyday one thrown around like a basketball!? That’s a big hard no. Also, if you are thinking of bringing your car seat and installing it on the plane, check the airline rules and make sure the car seat is FAA approved.
Best Travel Car Seat for the baby under 2 years.
When Margaret was little, we got her the Cosco Apt 50 travel car seat. We have used it in the plane multiple times and now use it for her baby sister. For those of you that are taking advantage of the lap seat child-free ticket, do yourself a favor and GATE CHECK the car seat. This will minimize the time it’s in other people’s hands and will minimize damage. Get yourself a travel car seat bag to protect it and keep it clean. Always practice installing new car seats at home before you travel and adjust the straps to your baby beforehand. For more tips on flying with an infant, check out this article.
Here are some details about the Cosco Apt 50 travel car seat:
- Extended use lets kids ride longer: Rear-facing 5-40 pounds and Forward-facing 22-50 pounds
- Side Impact Protection
- Seat pad is machine washable and dryer safe
- 5-point harness with up-front adjustment
- 6 harness heights and 3 buckle locations allow for the best fit for growing children
- 2 integrated cup holders
- Certified for use on aircraft
- LATCH equipped
- Meets or exceeds Federal and ASTM Safety Standards
We have this travel bag. It has done the job of protecting our car seat when we gate check it. However, if you are flying solo with your baby, I do not recommend this as it doesn’t roll (and my husband hates lugging it around the airport.) If you are flying solo, I would recommend getting a car seat stroller to make it much easier.
Best Travel Car seat for the forward facing toddler – SPLURGE
Yes, you can use the above car seat for forward-facing. But if you want to splurge on a lighter weight, easy to carry option, this is the car seat for you. We invested in the WayB, the car seat that was invented for travel! In fact, the WayB even fits in most airplane overhead bins! In order for us to justify the cost, we now use this car seat in my husband’s car. It is the perfect car seat for travel and short trips.
Here are some details about the WayB
- Forward-facing car seat fits kids 22-50 lbs and 30-45 inches. Recommended for ages 2+
- Storage Position: 11.6” L x 14.5” W x 18.9” H
- Lowest Use Position: 15.2” L x 14.5” W x 22.8” H
- Highest Use Position: 15.2” L x 14.5” W x 27.8” H
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Safety: The Pico car seat passes all safety testing according to U.S. standards regulated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
- Frame Components: Pico’s AeroWing™ space-grade aluminum alloy is ultralight, super strong, and absorbs energy forces in a crash. Designed with the planet in mind, the Pico car seat uses minimal plastic components and no PU foam.
- Fabric Pads: Made from a blend of polyester and responsibly sourced wool, Pico’s AstroKnit™ mesh fabric is breathable and ergonomic, keeping little travelers cool and comfortable. Pico’s frame sections are covered with a rugged polyester material.
- Care: Spot clean using warm water and wool-safe detergent, or remove fabric pads and hand wash using warm water and wool-safe detergent.
- Installs via the latch system.
We purchased the travel bag to make carrying it through the airport a breeze. And we wanted to take care of our investment.
Additional things to consider when purchasing a travel car seat.
Where are you going? We have used our car seats internationally in Mexico and throughout the Caribbean. However, you need to investigate the restrictions of the destination before investing. I have started planning a trip to Europe and was convinced we needed to buy another WayB for when our youngest turns 2. Not so fast. European car seats are completely different. For one, they have a locking clip which is something that most American car seats do not have. If you are looking to travel abroad, I would suggest looking into the local regulations and car seats.
Do not let the regulations teeter you from traveling with a kid. Just plan on what you need and nowadays some companies will rent you a car seat. Or… if you are traveling to a place like New York, there are companies like Kid Moto that will transfer you with a car seat! We did this and had a rear-facing car seat based on Margaret’s size/weight when she was only 5 month’s old!
Traveling with my kids is incredibly special. I hope that you have decided to get a travel car seat and book that flight! There is a big world out there and seeing it through your kid’s eyes is magical.
Leave a Reply
Your email is safe with us.