Traveling and carseats?

[Freekel]

We are hopefully going to be going to Hawaii in march/April and will be taking our 3 kids. All three are in carseats and I would prefer not to take their everyday seats with us. My girls are both in a FR85 and no way I want to lug 2 of those plus one more through the airport! Also, we would be renting a car and will likely have to do a three across, which is usually impossible with 2 FR85!
I was thinking about getting 2 RSTV?
My DD1 is 5 1/2 yo, 48" and 47lbs. DD2 is 3 1/2 yo, 37" and 34lbs. My DS is 17 months, 27 lbs and 32". I would probably bring his car seat which is a blvd 70 cs.
Any thoughts or suggestions would be great! I am more concerned with safety and convenience than price.

 

[wendytthomas]

I'd look at maybe a BubbleBum for the five year old, an RSTV for the three year old, and a Cosco Scenera for the baby. Or if you you want a "harnessed" option for the five year old, another RSTV.

Wendy

 

[Freekel]

She's harnessed now, but would do fine in a booster, she's a mature kid. Is it ok to have her in a backless booster?

 

[Freekel]

Not for everyday, just for the trip!

 

[rxmommy]

Depends on the 5.5 year old. My 5.5 year old was in a backless booster for the weekend a few weeks ago and she was perfect. She didn't move out of position. She even slept sitting up (although once I did have to tell her sister to scoot her over, she was leaning on her. lol. but actually not out of the belt). We had an Altima for a rental car and the slope of the seats seemed perfect for her to sleep.

We took a Roundabout, a Bubblebum and a Literider with us on vacation. Next year I'm going to fly with 4 kids (alone!) and planning on taking the same boosters because they are totally easy to fly with.

 

[An Aurora]

I wouldn't bet on a 5 year old being pj in a backless boosted especially on vacation. My oldest just did her first ride in a backless booster on vacation and she didn't do very well, despite being 6.5 and having been in a booster full time for over a year.

I'd take a bubble bum and two harnessed seats, probably two Sceneras if the 3 year old fits in one.

 

[wendytthomas]

So who would you use the BubbleBum for if not the five year old then, Anna? Or did you mean RSTV? I'd be perfectly comfortable with a 3.5 year old in an RSTV as well, and that would make life easier on the plane and in the airports.

Wendy

 

[An Aurora]

Sorry, I meant if she tries it out and the kiddo sits ok in it before the trip. I just wouldn't bet on it.

I wouldn't put a 3 year old in the lap belt, but a CARES harness and a RTSV would work, or a Scenera.

 

[tarynsmum]

I just traveled with my 5.5 year old (whose stats are different but I don't think it's relevant to my point). I used a highback booster for her because she's a serious car sleeper, and I knew she'd fall asleep on the ride from the airport to our destination (which she did, within about 10 minutes). The excitement of the trip was just too much for her. There's no way she would stay in position in a backless while asleep.

I used a Rrcaro Vivo, and used a bungee cord to attach it to my rolling carryon. It was so simple to travel with.