Would you use a booster seat in the car on vacation

We are going away and I was going to bring the extra Britax I have with us, and check it on the plane.

My cousin says he has a booster seat for Jack and it's much easier to pack. I always thought kids had to be much bigger but he said they have to be minimum of 30lbs - Jack is about 35 now. We are going to test out the seat tomorrow to see where the straps fall on him (my cousin is a fireman so he knows about this stuff - I have no clue)

So, is this something you would do, or should I just suck it up and bring the Britax?

ETA: Thanks to all who responded - I am going to bring my Britax!

Message edited 6/24/2009 8:49:48 AM.

Re: Would you use a booster seat in the car on vacation

I think it's really mostly about your child's height and maturity level. The height has to be right so the seat belt hits at the right spot, but I think the seat belt is a lot easier to mess around with or get out of than a car seat if your child isn't mature enough to leave it alone. I still won't put my 3.5 year old DS in a booster because I know he'd mess around with it, but I know other kids who are just fine at a younger age.

Re: Would you use a booster seat in the car on vacation

If it doesn't have a 5 point harness, then I wouldn't.

Re: Would you use a booster seat in the car on vacation

Message edited 6/23/2009 11:03:18 PM.

Re: Would you use a booster seat in the car on vacation

I cannot believe Jack is 35 pounds DD is not quite 28 pounds (although we'll confirm at 2-year appt. next week)

Good, she needs a nice strong boy by her side as she gets older

ETA: I'd bring the Britax if you guys can handle lugging it around.

Message edited 6/23/2009 11:04:26 PM.

Re: Would you use a booster seat in the car on vacation

I'm not sure if he's 35lbs since he doesn't go till the end of the month - but he was about 33 I believe at 18 months - so I would imagine he's close to the 35 range. It's lots of fun carrying him around on my big old belly - let me tell you!

Re: Would you use a booster seat in the car on vacation

Posted by Diana1215

I'm not sure if he's 35lbs since he doesn't go till the end of the month - but he was about 33 I believe at 18 months - so I would imagine he's close to the 35 range. It's lots of fun carrying him around on my big old belly - let me tell you!

Re: Would you use a booster seat in the car on vacation

The booster is more about height I believe and honestly my DS is a monster in ht and wt. but I have a convertible booster with a 5 point harness since the car seat belt I feel still comes up too high on him and would strangle him if I got in an accident god forbid- so I don't know if I would take the chance. The height requirement is pretty tall!

Re: Would you use a booster seat in the car on vacation

Posted by nbc188

Posted by Diana1215

I'm not sure if he's 35lbs since he doesn't go till the end of the month - but he was about 33 I believe at 18 months - so I would imagine he's close to the 35 range. It's lots of fun carrying him around on my big old belly - let me tell you!

Woman, I'm exhausted just thinking about it You NEED a vacation!

Re: Would you use a booster seat in the car on vacation

Posted by Diana1215

Posted by nbc188

Posted by Diana1215

I'm not sure if he's 35lbs since he doesn't go till the end of the month - but he was about 33 I believe at 18 months - so I would imagine he's close to the 35 range. It's lots of fun carrying him around on my big old belly - let me tell you!

Woman, I'm exhausted just thinking about it You NEED a vacation!

OMG - I soooo need a vacation! Next week can't come soon enough!

Re: Would you use a booster seat in the car on vacation

Diana..if it isn't the 5 point harness booster, don't chance it. Anthony is in a 5 point harness booster and when we were looking the guy at BRU told us NOT to put him in a regular booster until at least 4-5 years old, even if he does meet the requirements.

Re: Would you use a booster seat in the car on vacation

If he was 4 or close to it and 35 pounds then I would. Kiera is only 33 pounds and we put her in one at 4. The weight depends on the car seat maker. Each seat is different. But I don't think a 2 year old is mature enough to be in a booster seat without a 5 point harness. Way too much freedom!

Re: Would you use a booster seat in the car on vacation

I would prob stick with the britax, since you said you will prob use it for car rides anyway and I also cant believe he is almost 35lbs I can't wait to see where DS is at, as he hasn't been weighed at the doctors since January

Re: Would you use a booster seat in the car on vacation

We didn't put DS in a booster seat until he turned 6, and I plan on doing the same for DD. Until they are over 4yo, their bodies aren't physically capable of handling the stresses of just a single seatbelt in the case of an accident.

Re: Would you use a booster seat in the car on vacation

I thought it was 40Lbs requirement and/or 4 years old. So a 4 year old child who is 30 Lbs could go on a booster otherwise a younger than 4 year old would have to be 40 Lbs. Depends on maturity also.

Re: Would you use a booster seat in the car on vacation

I'd say stick with what you have.

Re: Would you use a booster seat in the car on vacation

Thanks everyone - I am bringing the Britax. Now off to buy a carseat carrier - Does it ever end????

Re: Would you use a booster seat in the car on vacation

Posted by Diana1215

Thanks everyone - I am bringing the Britax. Now off to buy a carseat carrier - Does it ever end????

Re: Would you use a booster seat in the car on vacation

Posted by KateDevine

Posted by Diana1215

Thanks everyone - I am bringing the Britax. Now off to buy a carseat carrier - Does it ever end????

I'm ghetto, I use a laundry bag

And when do you leave? Do you want to borrow my Comfortsport? Its a little smaller than the Britax, but still comfy

Re: Would you use a booster seat in the car on vacation

Just so you know, most airlines provide a plastic bag for free and you will not have to pay for the carseat as an extra bag

Re: Would you use a booster seat in the car on vacation

Posted by FelAndJon

Just so you know, most airlines provide a plastic bag for free and you will not have to pay for the carseat as an extra bag

Re: Would you use a booster seat in the car on vacation

Don't you want the carseat for the plane though? When we went to FL I had WISHED I brought the carseat because she had such a hard time falling asleep in the regular seat.

Re: Would you use a booster seat in the car on vacation

I just read your post for the first time but I see you are bringing his seat. I am glad that you decided that way. I think your DH is way too young for a booster. My DS is 3 and I wouldn't put him in a booster yet bc, as someone said, the maturity level.

Have a great trip!