Hi, I'm new here but so happy to have found a group where I won't be seen as the neurotic crazy carseat lady. (Well, I guess that's yet to be seen.)
I have two kiddos, both stayed RF until age 3.5. DD(6, 1st grade) is 41 lbs. and in a Britax Marathon (still with LATCH). DS (4) is 32 lbs. and also in a Marathon with LATCH.
Two questions:
(1) What do you all do with your car seats when you travel and need them at your destination? Until now I have had both kids in them on the plane, but now that DD is over 40 lbs. she is (theoretically) OK to be in the plane's lap belt. It sure would be nice to not have to lug her car seat through the airport, but I am afraid to check it - I have seen what they do to checked bags! Has anyone found a carseat bag that actually protects the seat? All the reviews seem to focus on keeping the seat clean rather than keeping the seat intact and undamaged.
(2) What do you do about school field trips, play dates, etc.? I can't have anyone else pick up my kids because everyone I know has even their 3-4 year olds in regular boosters. Last year (when DD was in Kindergarten) I drove her on every single field trip, and couldn't bring another child b/c I have DS's seat installed (and can't get it tight enough for my liking - need DH for that) and don't have a 3rd row. She really wants to go with other kids. This week she has a field trip where they are going on the school bus (ack!). How do you balance the social issues with the safety issues?
Thanks for any insight, advice, or suggestions!!
I have two kiddos, both stayed RF until age 3.5. DD(6, 1st grade) is 41 lbs. and in a Britax Marathon (still with LATCH). DS (4) is 32 lbs. and also in a Marathon with LATCH.
Two questions:
(1) What do you all do with your car seats when you travel and need them at your destination? Until now I have had both kids in them on the plane, but now that DD is over 40 lbs. she is (theoretically) OK to be in the plane's lap belt. It sure would be nice to not have to lug her car seat through the airport, but I am afraid to check it - I have seen what they do to checked bags! Has anyone found a carseat bag that actually protects the seat? All the reviews seem to focus on keeping the seat clean rather than keeping the seat intact and undamaged.
(2) What do you do about school field trips, play dates, etc.? I can't have anyone else pick up my kids because everyone I know has even their 3-4 year olds in regular boosters. Last year (when DD was in Kindergarten) I drove her on every single field trip, and couldn't bring another child b/c I have DS's seat installed (and can't get it tight enough for my liking - need DH for that) and don't have a 3rd row. She really wants to go with other kids. This week she has a field trip where they are going on the school bus (ack!). How do you balance the social issues with the safety issues?
Thanks for any insight, advice, or suggestions!!