What to use on plane?

stephie1012

New member

• Feb 20, 2014

• #1

In May, we are flying to disney. We are using all disney transportation. The baby will be riding in her snug ride on the plane, the 6 and 8yr olds will be using the plane seatbelt. My question is for the 3.5yr old. Should I use a car seat, cares harness or nothing? She's 41.5" and 43lbs right now. She's very mature for her age and listens to directions well. What would you take?

 

T4K

Well-known member

• Feb 20, 2014

• #2

My answer would depend on flight length and layover situation.

 

stephie1012

New member

• Feb 20, 2014

• #3

T4K said:

My answer would depend on flight length and layover situation.

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Around 2.5 hours, direct flight from Nj to Orlando.

 

T4K

Well-known member

• Feb 20, 2014

• #4

stephie1012 said:

Around 2.5 hours, direct flight from Nj to Orlando.

Click to expand...

I think I'd probably skip the seat then as long as my child can sit in an adult chair comfortably.

My kid just turned 3 and won't sit in an adult sized chair without being a wiggly mess. She's otherwise an amazing laid back kid. I think she's just uncomfortable.

 

An Aurora

Senior Community Member

• Feb 20, 2014

• #5

I'd take her car seat. My kids have never been comfortable on the plane seat until 6 ish.

 

BananaBoat

Well-known member

• Feb 20, 2014

• #6

I'd use a CARES. IMO, that's the perfect situation for it!

 

1mommy

New member

• Feb 20, 2014

• #7

For a very mature 3.5 year old I would just go for the plane seat, unless you plan on doing more flying in the future and or plan on having a little sibling to pass it down to...

 

MomToEliEm

Moderator

• Feb 20, 2014

• #8

If it were me for a child that size, I probably would just skip the carseat on the plane if I didn't need a seat at the destination.

 

bubbaray

New member

• Feb 20, 2014

• #9

I would (& have) used just the plane lap belt for a child even younger than that. I am entirely comfortable gate checking my seats.

 

G

gigi

New member

• Feb 20, 2014

• #10

Nothing. If you don't need a seat at destination, don't bring one.

 

disbugsmomma

New member

• Feb 22, 2014

• #11

Are you taking the Magical Express to the hotel? If so, I probably wouldn't bring anything as long as you think she'll be comfortable and behave.

 

J

jjordan

Moderator

• Feb 22, 2014

• #12

I would also skip the seat and just put her in the plane seatbelt.

 

Brigala

CPST Instructor

• Feb 27, 2014

• #13

You know your child best. If it were MY 3.5 year old, I would take her car seat. I already know that the moment she figures out how to unhook the plane's seat belt, all bets are off trying to keep her in her seat with the belt on.

But I have a particularly wild and strong-willed child.

We will likely be flying next month with her, and although our situation is a little different because we will need the car seat at the destination anyway, I wouldn't even *consider* trying to keep her in her seat for an hour and a half (length of the flight) without a car seat.

Your kid, however, may not be like mine.