when you've met age but not height/weight, home vs. travel

Littledoe

New member
My 8-1/2-year-old weighs 59-60 lbs and I've forgotten his exact height but I think he's just 3 or 4 inches past 48". He sits without complaint in a Britax Frontier 85 in harness mode in my own vehicle, but when we go out of town and rent a car (which will be soon), I want to bring a backless booster with me. I'm hoping that the airline won't give me any trouble about checking the seat w/o charge even though he's past the age in most (if not all?) states to absolutely require him to be in any kind of child restraint device. Any advice on approaching the airline about this? We are flying Delta. Also, so many people I know seem to get their kids out of restraints just the second they are allowed to legally, so am I being overly cautious with this? At his height/weight, should he still be in a booster, at least? or leave it at home for the trip? I feel as though I look like a "helicopter parent." I used to be a lot more lax with my older two (now grown) kids years ago, so maybe I'm going in the opposite extreme? Advice would be appreciated. Thanks. (btw, I know that I can rent a car seat from the car rental company but would prefer not to unless really necessary)
 
ADS

MelodyoftheForest

Active member
I would get a backless booster. Work with him in it before your trip so he is comfortable and familiar with it. I would also carry it on the plane and stow it in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of him. The Incognito starts at 60 pounds (with clothes and shoes), is lightweight, and can fit in a large backpack. Others may have other ideas for specific seats, too.

As for when to abandon all child restraints, here are a couple links for you that answer your questions:
https://carseatblog.com/3966/the-5-step-test/
https://carseatblog.com/28526/mythbusting-once-a-5-stepper-always-a-5-stepper/
 

aeormsby

New member
I agree with a NBB for travel at that age and size. We have always either carried on the booster and put it under the seat or over head (when we take the Harmony Youth Boosters) or pack it in a carry-on bag (if we take the Bubblebum or Incognito). We just got back yesterday and my 9yo who sounds about the same size as your DS had the Incognito on the trip. It fit in my larger carry-on suitcase. It is large (in width) and doesn't fit great in carry-on bags but you could always just carry it separately or strap it to the outside of a backpack. I've never been told we can't bring them on (although we never have our limit of carry on items), we do get reminded that they can't be used on the plane if they aren't packed inside a bag.

And I would definitely bring the booster with! Most kids aren't ready to ride without one until they are 10-12 years old. My DD is 11, 4'-10" and about 90lbs and still uses a booster in some vehicles. This was the first trip I didn't bring one with for her in the rental vehicle because she fits without the booster in most vehicles we ride in at home now.
 

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