Question Backless booster for travel

Unregistered · Aug 15, 2014

Hi! I am traveling to Oregon from California in a few days with a 2 1/2 yr old and an almost 6 yr old (51 lbs, 49"). I am planning on taking my younger son's Britax for use in the rental car and possibly the plane. Would it be safe to buy a backless booster for my older son for the rental car? He has a Frontier high back booster that we still use the harness with in our minivan. I don't want him to be unsafe in the rental car, but I was trying to lighten the load for traveling through the airport. It is myself and their 80 yr old Grandma with the 2 boys. Thanks!

wendytthomas · Aug 15, 2014

It wouldn't be unsafe unless he won't sit properly, and at not quite six that may be an issue. Especially if there are long drives and sleeping may happen.

Your 2.5 year old definitely needs the Britax on the plane. The lap belt won't fit without, most 2.5 year olds are too squirmy in just the plane's belt (to the point where some toddlers have been removed before take off because they can't stay buckled), and I don't trust the baggage handlers with my dirty undies, nevermind my child's lifesaving device. So take it with you.

A backless for the six year old is an option if you don't have to worry about him falling out of position, asleep or awake. Otherwise if you have time a Ride Safer Travel Vest is an option, or a lighter weight harnessed seat instead of the Frontier. Or even a high back booster would be an option.

Wendy

aeormsby · Aug 15, 2014

The Harmony Folding Booster is another option (it's finally back in stock) http://www.walmart.com/ip/Harmony-Folding-Travel-Booster-Car-Seat/22301298

You won't be able to use it on the plane but it should fold small enough to fit in the overhead bin. And using a HBB will probably work better for a new booster rider than a backless.

Otherwise for a backless we love these for traveling: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Harmony-Youth-Booster-Car-Seat/28848233 (they're $13). You could pick one up and see how he does before your trip. My 6yo's biggest issue is if he falls asleep there's no way he can stay upright in a backless booster, and he falls asleep often in the car still.