We will be flying to visit family up north in a few weeks. I have two kids, one 5yo FF (42"/16" shoulder/38 lbs), the other 2.5 yo RF (?"/34 lbs). We have two seats for the 5yo in two different cars: a Radian (forget what model) and a Peg Perego Primo Viaggio. We have a Britax Boulevard for the 2.5 yo.
Upon arrival, we will install seats either in my folks' 2009 (or 2010?) Toyota Corolla, or in a rental (hence the mystery install). All I know about rentals is that there are no minivans available for rent there. Of the three seats, which are likeliest to be easy to install? Not to mention, schlep through two airports?
I'm particularly worried about the RF install, although I figure that if the Britax fits in our Hyundai Accent (barely) we should be OK. I think the Radian would be easiest to travel with, and the best fit FF next to the Boulevard if it won't fit behind a passenger, but it's such a bear to install in the Accent that I'm worried about installing it anywhere that isn't install friendly (ie the Toyota Sienna).
My stubborn 5yo has not gained an ounce in months, so there's no hope of getting him in a booster for the trip. I weighed him today to see if he might be past 40 lbs, only to find he'd lost 1.5 lbs with his last flu bug. I'd much rather have him in a harness, but it would be nice not to have to install two seats on the plane. Not that I want to check a car seat.
The ideal would be to leave the seats at home, use CARES for the youngest, and borrow seats while away, but we don't know anybody with spare seats up there. Buying them while there would be a last resort; would much rather have the hassle of bringing my own.
Speaking of hassle, we have a one backpack carrying bag for a car seat, and have yet to figure out how we'll transport the other. Heck, we haven't even figured out whether to bring a stroller (or two... or the Phil and Teds which we probably can't gate-check... decisions decisions)
Update: looks like we will be installing the seats in the Corolla, while my folks rent a smaller car.
Upon arrival, we will install seats either in my folks' 2009 (or 2010?) Toyota Corolla, or in a rental (hence the mystery install). All I know about rentals is that there are no minivans available for rent there. Of the three seats, which are likeliest to be easy to install? Not to mention, schlep through two airports?
I'm particularly worried about the RF install, although I figure that if the Britax fits in our Hyundai Accent (barely) we should be OK. I think the Radian would be easiest to travel with, and the best fit FF next to the Boulevard if it won't fit behind a passenger, but it's such a bear to install in the Accent that I'm worried about installing it anywhere that isn't install friendly (ie the Toyota Sienna).
My stubborn 5yo has not gained an ounce in months, so there's no hope of getting him in a booster for the trip. I weighed him today to see if he might be past 40 lbs, only to find he'd lost 1.5 lbs with his last flu bug. I'd much rather have him in a harness, but it would be nice not to have to install two seats on the plane. Not that I want to check a car seat.
The ideal would be to leave the seats at home, use CARES for the youngest, and borrow seats while away, but we don't know anybody with spare seats up there. Buying them while there would be a last resort; would much rather have the hassle of bringing my own.
Speaking of hassle, we have a one backpack carrying bag for a car seat, and have yet to figure out how we'll transport the other. Heck, we haven't even figured out whether to bring a stroller (or two... or the Phil and Teds which we probably can't gate-check... decisions decisions)
Update: looks like we will be installing the seats in the Corolla, while my folks rent a smaller car.
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