Booster or RSTV for travel?

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cristalyte

New member

• Feb 12, 2011

• #1

I'll be traveling at least three times this year with my three children (currently 5 yrs, 2.5 yrs, and 7 months). They currently sit (respectively) in a Graco Nautilus, Radian, and Britax Companion. I also have a Cosco Scenera that I use for travel. I would like to be able to fit 3 across in the back of a 1997 Nissan Maxima and/or 2000 Toyota Avalon (since these are the cars at our destination). I believe both cars DON'T have tether and I'm pretty sure the middle seat only has a lap belt. With that in mind, what would be safer in an outboard spot? A booster like the Parkway? or the RSTV? Would I be able to do 3 across with the Parkway, Radian, and Scenera? I like the convenience of transporting an RSTV but the Parkway would be something that my 5yo can grow into in a year for full-time use. Would I be able to pack the back of the Parkway and carry-on the bottom as I've seen suggested of the Turbobooster? Would a Compass B510 be a better option for travel? Could it fit in the overhead bin and fit 3 across with the Radian and Scenera? Tell me what you think! Thanks!

 

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mylittlet

Senior Community Member

• Feb 12, 2011

• #2

I would go with the vest. It never expires so later on the 3y can use it. You can pack it in a carry-on.

I would use the radian ff for the 3y on the plane and the infant seat or scerena rf for the baby on the plane.

Stefanie, cpst in iowa - mom to 4 great kids

 

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cristalyte

New member

• Feb 12, 2011

• #3

so you think the vest in an outer seat (with no SIP) will be okay?

 

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LittlePeanut

New member

• Feb 12, 2011

• #4

I thought the RSTV required the use of a top tether?

 

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cristalyte

New member

• Feb 12, 2011

• #5

The directions for the RSTV say it needs a lap AND shoulder belt. The tether needs to be used if you're only using a lap belt. Thus, in the cars I need to use the vest in it would need to sit in one of the side seats as the rear middle only has lap (and the car has no tethers).

 

wendytthomas

Admin - CPST Instructor

Staff member

• Feb 12, 2011

• #6

The RSTV is a wearable five point harness, so while there is no shell offering any SIP, there is the SIP in the vest. It's fine with a lap and shoulder belt outboard.

What seats are going on the plane?

Wendy

 

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cristalyte

New member

• Feb 12, 2011

• #7

wendytthomas said:

What seats are going on the plane?

Wendy

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I think I'm taking the Radian for my 2.5 year old and the Scenera for my lap infant in the hope that I'll score an extra seat on the plane for him.

 

wendytthomas

Admin - CPST Instructor

Staff member

• Feb 12, 2011

• #8

That will work. Can you buy tickets so you don't have to worry about endangering others with a lap baby?

Wendy

 

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mylittlet

Senior Community Member

• Feb 12, 2011

• #9

cristalyte said:

I think I'm taking the Radian for my 2.5 year old and the Scenera for my lap infant in the hope that I'll score an extra seat on the plane for him.

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If baby doesn't get a seat I would put the raidan in the overhead compartment and use the scerena for the 2.5y. What's the 2.5y weigh? Could she even rf?

Stefanie, cpst in iowa - mom to 4 great kids

 

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cristalyte

New member

• Feb 12, 2011

• #10

wendytthomas said:

That will work. Can you buy tickets so you don't have to worry about endangering others with a lap baby?

Wendy

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I will if I can afford it but for our upcoming trip the prices are around $400 a piece and my family is helping buy the tickets for the girls.

 

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cristalyte

New member

• Feb 12, 2011

• #11

pippi2077 said:

If baby doesn't get a seat I would put the raidan in the overhead compartment and use the scerena for the 2.5y. What's the 2.5y weigh? Could she even rf?

Stefanie, cpst in iowa - mom to 4 great kids

Click to expand...

I think my 2.5 year old is around 30 lbs. She's been forward facing in the Radian but I think I'm going to rear-face it again. I wasn't planning on rear-facing her on the plane though. Is that what you're suggesting?

 

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babyherder

Well-known member

• Feb 12, 2011

• #12

I'd rf her in the car so you don't have to worry about the lack of top tethers. I'd rf her in your car, too, cause its safer. I'd do whatever is more comfortable on the plane.