The thought of going on vacation with your family must be very exciting. While you cannot wait to get there, you have to first persevere through the planning phase. This is usually hectic especially if you have children. If you have a baby or a toddler, you are likely to be faced with the common car seat dilemma.
When it comes to the issue of vacation car seats for your little children when travelling, you will have several options. They usually fall under two categories which are to either carry your own vacation car seat or rent one. Your choice will usually depend on the nature of your trip.
Renting a Vacation Car Seat
Some parents will prefer the option of renting a vacation car seat, mostly at the destination. This is usually so as to avoid the hassle of having to carry a heavy and bulky car seat from home and throughout the airport. Vacation car eats for hire are usually available at car rental agencies or ride-hailing services. While this might sound like a convenient option, it has several drawbacks.
Cost
Renting out a vacation car seat might end up being expensive. Therefore, it is best to weigh the cost and the amount of time you will be pending at your destination. For long travel durations, it may not be cost-effective to rent. It may make more sense to just buy one.
The Specifications of the Vacation Car Seat
Another risk of renting a vacation car seat is the fact that you will be dealing with a car seat that is new to you with unfamiliar specifications. This means that you may have a difficult time during installation. Another problem that may arise is that of suitability with your baby. Depending on your baby’s age, weight and height, it may end up not being a good fit for them.
It is therefore preferable that you ask about the car seat model ahead of time. This way you can learn installation instructions in advance and gauge the seat’s suitability for your child.
The Condition of the Car Seat
The other issue is that you are not guaranteed to get a car seat that is in good condition. You may therefore want to do a quick inspection to make sure it meets your standards. This involves cleanliness and also the functionality. All parts should be in place and working properly. If not, you can ask for a new one from the rental company.
Carrying Your Own Car Seat
The other option when you are travelling with a baby or toddler is to carry your own car seat. Under this option, you have the choice of carrying the car seat that you use every other day. You may also decide to buy a travelling car seat. This is basically a spare one which would only be used for travelling and every day. This is a good idea if you want to protect the everyday seat from damage during travel.
When looking for a good vacation car seat, you should consider the following:
Weight: A light car seat is preferable due to all the carrying that is bound to happen during the trip.
Width: You should not buy a car seat that will exceed the standard measurements of an economy airline seat.
Safety: All safety features of the car seat, especially the five-point harness should be in check, as required by some airlines.
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