car seats

[beer snob]

Hi (finally registered - been reading the forum for a year, since I started planning my Orlando vacation - Oct 23 through Nov 5)

I will be traveling with my two four year olds (they will actually turn four while we are down there). They are both over 45 lbs. At home they use a booster seat. Will I have to get booster seats for them while we are down there? I think they are big enough for regular belts, though I know booster seats are better for them.

If I do need them, I will probably make them part of our luggage, any one have suggestions on that?

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by beer snob
Hi (finally registered - been reading the forum for a year, since I started planning my Orlando vacation - Oct 23 through Nov 5)

I will be traveling with my two four year olds (they will actually turn four while we are down there). They are both over 45 lbs. At home they use a booster seat. Will I have to get booster seats for them while we are down there? I think they are big enough for regular belts, though I know booster seats are better for them.

If I do need them, I will probably make them part of our luggage, any one have suggestions on that?
[/quote]

Personally I would use a booster seat, my 7 y/o still uses one and hes 56 lbs.

[floridadreamvilla.co.uk]

We always take booster seats for our 4 and 6 year olds.

[Claire M]

4. What is Florida's Child Restraint Law?

All children 5 years of age or younger must be properly restrained no matter where they are sitting in the vehicle. Children through age 3 must be secured in a separate carrier or a vehicle manufacturer's integrated child safety seat. For children aged 4 through 5 years, a separate carrier, an integrated child safety seat, or a safety belt may be used. (FL Statute 316.613).

5. What is the fine for a child restraint violation?

Penalty for violation is $60 and 3 points.

6. If the safety belt does not fit my child correctly should the shoulder belt be placed under the child's arm for a better fit?

Never put the shoulder belt under a child's arm or behind the back, as this increases the risk of severe injury in a crash. Use a booster seat to correctly position the lap and shoulder belts for children once they outgrow forward facing child safety seats at about 40 pounds and around 4 years old. Children from approximately 40-80 pounds and 4'9" should ride in a belt positioning booster seat

Claire

[beer snob]

wow!

[mollymoo]

I will be taking my then 3.5 year old to Florida next year, is it best to hire a car seat or take a booster. If I do that it will then mean I'm having to take the pushchair and booster. Too much luggage!!!!! Please you season travellers give me an idea what to do.[msnscared][msneek]

Kerry-Ann

[blott]

If you do a search (link at the top of each forum page) you'll find lots of info about car seats, etc like this one http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums...?TOPIC_ID=7644

and this one http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums...OPIC_ID=11577s

[andrewmckay5]

Our daughterv is now 2 and has made 3 trips to florida. We have used a Dollar and an Alamo child car seat and both were rubbish. Took our own last time. The hire car child seats are expensive aswell.
Kerry -Ann i would buy a pushchair when you are over there even if you just use it for the trip; would still be cheaper than hiring a child seat for 2 weeks and at least you have confidence in the booster you take.

andrew

[Claire M]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by mollymoo
I will be taking my then 3.5 year old to Florida next year, is it best to hire a car seat or take a booster. If I do that it will then mean I'm having to take the pushchair and booster. Too much luggage!!!!! Please you season travellers give me an idea what to do.[msnscared][msneek]

Kerry-Ann
[/quote]

I would just take the booster with you, pop it in a black bag and send it with your luggage. I hired a car seat once, never again, it was filthy and had no cover on it!!!

Claire

[steph_goodrum]

It's not just the dirt , if you use a car seat provided by the company you dont know if the seat has been involved in an accident at any stage.
Also you have to fit them yourself so if you are unfamiliar with the fittings it could be unsafe if not fitted correctly.