3 year old in car seat on airplane

Sorry if this has been discussed before, but I have searched and didn't find anything close enough to my situation.

We are flying for the first time with my daughter in Sept (she will be 3 at the time, turns 3 in June). I would really like to keep her in a carseat on the plane. I know she will be more comfortable and since she knows she has to stay strapped in her carseat I am hoping it will cut down on wiggling, wanting to get up, etc, and also I know it's much safer when you encounter turbulence, etc. And I'm thinking she will sleep in it also (only a 3 hour flight, but early morning going there and late coming home).

My problem is finding a seat that is narrow enough for a plane that she will fit into. Most of the information I can find is on younger babies. I would prefer not to buy a seat to only use once (but will if I have to). She is around 32 pounds and 37 inches tall. She is also about to outgrow her carseat in my mom's car (height wise) so I would love to find one I can use for the plane and then she can use to replace the one in my mom's car.

Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks so much for the help, I am completely overwhelmed with what to do!

Hi there!

You're absolutely right in all regards. The FAA also recommends a harness until 40 pounds, which is generally when the lap belt starts to fit.

What seat is she in in your car? Likely it's FAA approved.

Otherwise for a plane/grandma seat I'd look at the Evenflo Maestro first. It harnesses to 50 pounds and 18" top slot height and costs as low as $55. http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.co...-Seats/Maestro-Car-Seat-Culver-380591733.aspx It's lightweight and narrow and easy to install. I'd also plan on wheels for it. Either a Traveling Toddler if you don't check luggage [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Toddler-Seat-Travel-Accessory/dp/B000JHN3AS, or a folding luggage cart if you do. http://www.amazon.com/ETA-Stow-Go-Luggage-Cart/dp/B002NDIOE6/ref=sr_1_3?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1369731577&sr=1-3&keywords=folding+luggage+cart"]404 Looking for Something?[/ame]

Wendy

I have also been looking for a carseat to just use for air travel (we currently have 2 Boulevards) and found the Maestro.
Wendy - the Burlington Baby Depot link that you posted - is there any difference between that one and ones for sale on other sites (like BRU)? I looked at the Evenflo website and that particular one, the Culver, isn't listed on their website. I was unable to find any differences though, so wondering if you knew if there were any!

Is this the only one that you would recommend?
My son will be 3 next month, 32lbs and 38". We travel several times a year, so looking for something that will last awhile.

Thanks!

We have used our Maestro on the plane and it's a great travel seat for kids that age. Relatively lightweight and easy to install. It's actually still my 5.5 year old's primary seat (for the time being, at least -- he is within a couple pounds of the harness weight limit).

milano14 said:

Wendy - the Burlington Baby Depot link that you posted - is there any difference between that one and ones for sale on other sites (like BRU)? I looked at the Evenflo website and that particular one, the Culver, isn't listed on their website. I was unable to find any differences though, so wondering if you knew if there were any!

Click to expand...

Very likely it's an older cover, which is why it's not on Evenflo's site (they have current seats only) and why it's on sale so much. Normally a Maestro is in the $80 range.

Is this the only one that you would recommend?
My son will be 3 next month, 32lbs and 38". We travel several times a year, so looking for something that will last awhile.

Thanks!

Click to expand...

There are several options. They all have about the same top slot height, so they'll last about the same time. Given that your child isn't heavy at all the lighter weight limits may work for you.

The Evenflo Chase is 40 pounds harnessed, the Maestro is 50 pounds, and the Harmony Defender is 65 pounds. They all turn into boosters, but the Chase and Maestro will be short lived boosters. The Defender is a high back, then backless. They range from $50-$100.

Wendy