Are you planning a trip with your little one? Travelling with young children poses so many extra things to think about for globetrotting parents. Whether you’re driving to your destination or taking a plane, you’ll need to be prepared for the journey and have all the necessary equipment.
We’ve reviewed ten travel car seats that are suitable for infants and toddlers, some of which are also FAA approved car seats. Read on to find out which car seat will be suitable for your little one on your next adventure.
[toc]Travelling by Plane
For those who like foreign travel or spending vacations at places afar, taking the plane is a great choice for reaching their destination.
If you’re travelling with a young child, there are several things you need to be aware of which aren’t always common knowledge. These facts will make you aware of potential risks that can help you to make an informed decision.
Regulations
Federal law requires that children over the age of two-years-old must have their own seat when travelling by aeroplane.
The child must also be in an appropriate restraint device, such as a car seat, if they are too small to sit in the seat like adults do. It’s common sense, and we all know the rules when they apply to cars. However, many people aren’t aware that the same rules apply when taking a plane.
For children under the age of two, there’s no such rule. This leads parents to believe that letting their young child sit on their lap for the duration of the flight is safe.
However, safety experts have been asking the government for clearer regulations on this matter for decades, because they don’t believe it’s a safe way for young ones to travel. Consumers Union has said that all young children, including babies, should spend the duration of the flight in an appropriate restraint, such as a car seat.
Of course, if a young child were required to use a car seat, they would have to have their own seat for the flight.
At present, many parents choose to book just one seat and have the baby on their lap during travel. This makes their journey much cheaper, especially if the airline doesn’t offer a discount for seats being used by infants. The extra cost can make the difference between a family affording a holiday or not.
The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) has resisted bringing in such regulations. They say that if parents are forced to pay for two seats, it will become too expensive and they’ll choose to drive rather than fly.
As flying is statistically far less dangerous than driving, trying to make the flight safer for children might push their parents into choosing a less safe method of transportation.
Of course, the decision will also result in a loss for the airlines, which is another motivation for keeping things as they are.
To find out more about the risks involved in allowing a child to fly while seated in your lap, read this article by Consumer Reports which highlights cases of injury due to turbulence. The article also highlights the lack of knowledge on this issue, even among airline staff, that can lead to altercations.
Using a Car Seat Onboard a Plane
The FAA rightly states on their website that safest place for a child on an airplane is in a government-approved child safety restraint system (CRS).
While the FAA doesn’t have a rule that children must be restrained in this way, they do say that it’s the “smart and right thing to do”.
Although there is no regulation enforcing the use of a CRS on an airplane, parents are obliged to use one if they want to ensure the safety of their little one.
Not all CRS seats will be appropriate for use in an airplane. It’s important that you check your car seat so that you know it will be ok to use. If it’s not appropriate, it will have to be checked as luggage.
- First of all, it should be government approved and have a sticker with the words “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” printed on it. These are the only CRS devices that parents are permitted to use on airplanes.
- Second, you definetely don’t want to take a bulky and heavy car seat onboard even it has FAA approval, do you?
There is also a safety device, called CARES, which is used for older children travelling on an airplane. The harness is a restraint suitable for children who weigh between 22 and 44 pounds. Again, these systems should have the correct certification to ensure safe usage in the flight.
For more information on FAA recommendations, and handy videos to help you learn how to fit CRS devices in a plane seat, visit this page on the FAA website.
You can also find information relating to children or adults who have special needs and who need to use CRS devices, or are exempt from wearing a seatbelt.
Also Remember
Each airline is different and may have its own rules and regulations. For peace of mind, call the airline well in advance of your flight, and possibly even before booking your ticket.
You may want to check that CRS devices, such as the one you regularly use in your car, are permitted on the flight.
Some airlines might be able to provide you with a CRS device or recommend a rental service. Regulations also change over time, so it’s a good idea to check, even if you’ve flown with that airline previously.
We listed contacts of some airliners here, as well as their working hours. Check out to find details.
Lightweight Travel Car Seats for Use on Airlines
The following FAA approved car seats would make a great choice if you’re looking to purchase a CRS. These models are desirable because of their lightweight structure, making them much easier to carry.
If you require assistance when going through an airport (because you have a CRS, small child and luggage to look after) do ask staff to give you a hand.
Disney Baby APT Travel Car Seat
Product weight: 11 pounds
Weight limit: 5 – 50 pounds, depending on installation position
Installation position: Backward or Forward facing
The Disney model is popular with little ones as there’s a choice of either red (Mickey) or pink (Minnie) in attractive designs.
The weight restriction differs depending whether you’ll be using it in a forward or backward facing position. Have peace of mind knowing that the car seat has Side Impact Protection.
There are also six adjustable harness heights and three buckle locations for the best to suit your child as they grow.
Other similar Disney models are available for up to $100. This is one of the most expensive models on our lightweight list, but also with the highest rating.
Safety 1st Guide 65
Product weight: 15 pounds
Weight limit: 5 – 65 pounds, depending on installation position
Installation position: Backward or Forward facing
The compact design of the Guide 65 means that three of these car seats could easily fit alongside each other in the back of most cars, and of course it’s suitable for airplane use, too.
The five-point harness and built-in Side Impact Protection make this car seat extra safe for your precious little bundle.
There’s a removable pillow and a drink holder included, too. The headrest is adjustable to suit the size of your little one. The fabric cover is machine washable for easy cleaning.
Cosco Scenera Next
Product weight: 5 pounds
Weight limit: 5 – 40 pounds, depending on installation position
Installation position: Backward or Forward facing
The benefits to this CRS are similar to other models – Side Impact Protection, five-point harness, airplane suitable, compact side, etc.
However, the rating is a little lower for a number for reasons. Firstly, this car seat can’t accommodate children to the same age as other seats as, even in forward facing installation, it can only be used for children weighing up to 40 pounds.
As such, you won’t get so much use out of it, but as it’s cheaper (and probably, therefore, made from cheaper materials) it’s not likely to last as long as a more expensive model.
But if you are strapped for cash and still want a CRS that is going to be safe and useable, it’s a good budget option. Also, it’s super light, making it easy for transportation through the airport.
Evenflow Tribute LX
Product weight: 10 pounds
Weight limit: 5 – 40 pounds
Installation position: Backward or Forward facing
Another 2-in-1, this CRS can be used in either forward or backward facing installation. Like the Cosco model, this one can only accommodate children up to 40 pounds and so won’t have such a long life in your home.
However, it has a good rating and, for the price, is a good quality and affordable option. Different color options are available and there are four shoulder harness settings to ensure a good fit.
If you’re looking for a cheaper model that ticks all the boxes, this one is a great choice.
FAA Approved Infant Car Seats for Air Travel
The following car seats are FAA approved for use on airlines and are top of the range models. While they cost a lot more than the lightweight versions listed above, these are great investments if you want something that will outlast your child and could be used by siblings in the future.
Chicco KeyFit 30
Product weight: 17 pounds, or 9 pounds separated from the base
Weight limit: 4 – 30 pounds
Price: about $200 (seat and base, not including stroller frame)
Installation position: rear-facing only
Claiming to be the #1 infant car seat in America, the high rating indicates that this is indeed the case. That said, this seat is only for infants up to 30 pounds, and so won’t be suitable for toddlers and older children.
The base stays in the car, making it easier for you to unclip the carry seat when you’ve reached your destination.
The carry seat also clicks into matching strollers for a multiple use seat. The LATCH system makes it easy to secure the base and the new born positioner makes it much safer for tiny babies to fit snugly into the seat.
On the downside, if you have a large or tall child, they’re likely to outgrown this device quickly as it only accommodates infants.
Chicco Bravo Travel System
Product weight: seat is 17 pounds or 9 pounds without the base, 23 pounds for the stroller
Weight limit: 4 – 30 and up to 50 pounds
Installation position: Backward or Forward facing for the different seats
This comprehensive travel system is made up of the Chicco KeyFit 30 (listed above) as well as the Bravo Stroller, which has a front wheel diameter of 7″ and a rear wheel diameter of 9″.
As mentioned above, the seat is only appropriate for infants up to 30 pounds, but this combination includes the stroller with is appropriate for toddlers, too.
The inward rotating wheels make it easy to fold down the stroller into a compact space. Added extras make this a really usable product, such as the handle tray for you to stash your phone or coffee cup, although some users do say that the drink holder is quite small.
Also, there is no attachable tray for the child at the front.
Travelling by Car
Choosing a car seat to be used on an airplane presents different priorities to those that you might choose when picking for a car.
When travelling by plane, you want a CRS that’s lightweight and easy to carry as you’ll have to move it about.
However, the CRS you pick for your car is likely to stay in one place and so a different model might be more suitable, such as those with more padding thus feel cozier for your sweet heart.
Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1
Product weight: 18 pounds
Weight limit: 22 – 100 pounds
Installation position: Forward facing only
While this car seat isn’t suitable for infants, once your child reaches the toddler size of 22 pounds, this seat will last them right up until they weigh 100 pounds. As such, this is a quality investment worth making if you want a seat to last.
The convertible seat can be used as a harness booster, high back booster and backless booster to suit the size of your child.
A great feature of this model is that, compared to similar 3-in-1 models for older children, this one can take children from just 22 pounds, whereas others have a minimum weight limit of 30 pounds.
Diono Rainier 2AX
Product weight: 28 pounds
Weight limit: 5 – 65 pounds, depending on installation
Installation position: Backward or Forward facing
Being wider at the top, this isn’t a car seat where you could fit multiple seats across the back of a car. However, if it’s just one child car seat you need, you’ll find the Diono a sturdy choice.
With a fully steel core, this seat is built to withstand impact and protect your child. The memory foam seat and side impact reinforcement means that journeys will be comfortable and offer good protection.
It’s a heavy model and is best kept stationary for use in the same car rather than moving between vehicles very often.
Graco Extend2Fit
Product weight: 24 pounds
Weight limit: 4 – 65 pounds, depending on installation
Installation position: Backward or Forward facing
For reclining, there are 6 settings to choose the best position for your child. Extra legroom is also provided by the extending function, meaning it can be used in the backward facing installation for longer.
However, if you have a small car you might struggle to use the extending function in its most extreme setting.
The headrest and harness adjust together, and there are ten positions to put it into. Another heavy car seat, this wants to be installed for regular use in the same car.
The seat pad can be removed for laundering but some users find it difficult to take out.
Britax HighPoint
Product weight: 12 pounds
Weight limit: 40 – 120 pounds
Installation position: Forward facing only
This is a great model for bigger kids who have outgrown their backward facing car seat. The head rest has 10 adjustable positions to adapt as your child grows. Not designed to be used as a backless booster, this car seat offers surround protection for your child but will be outgrown quicker if your child is big/tall for their age.
Graco Contender 65
Product weight: 15 pounds
Weight limit: 5 – 65 pounds, depending on installation
Installation position: Backward or Forward facing
Designed for use as either forward or backward facing, this convertible seat will suit young children as they grow.
There are two buckle positions for adjustment as your child gets bigger, and this model is lightweight compared to other seats of a similar size.
Travelling by Train
Many parents who prefer to travel by train wonder if there are any travel car seats that can be safely used on a train.
Unfortunately, because train seats don’t have seatbelts, there is no way to secure a baby’s car seat onto the seat on a train. But this doesn’t mean you can’t travel by train if you have young children.
Many parents who choose train travel with their young ones let their children sit on their lap. As there are no seatbelts for anyone on a train, this isn’t restrictive and offers more room than if you were travelling by plane.
If you’re bringing a CRS for use at the other end of your journey, you need to put it in the luggage compartment.
Some parents sit their child in the car seat and place it on the floor – it can’t be secured, but it’s a safer option than resting it on a chair with no seatbelt. You can also carry your baby using a baby wrap.
Related: Moby Wrap vs. Boba Baby Wrap Carrier
Other Things to Consider
Some parents are put off taking a CRS for their little one on the flight because of the extra seat cost, but remember that you can grab a bargain by booking early.
If your chosen airline doesn’t offer a reduced price for infant seats, get a good deal by booking in advance. Being prepared can save you a lot of money when it comes to booking plane tickets.
When travelling by plane with a little one, remember all the extra bits and bobs that you’ll need in your hand luggage. If you’re lucky, your little one might sleep through the flight, but most will need feeding or entertaining at some point!
- Think about the length of the journey and how many diapers your child will need. It’s always better to take too many than too few!
- Pacifiers will help to keep your little one calm during the flight if they’re used to having them. Make sure you have a spare one in case their pacifier gets lost or dirty.
- Toddlers and older children will need something to keep them busy, especially if there’s no in-flight entertainment. Remember that some airlines require phones and devices to be switched off for take-off and landing, so don’t bank of keeping the kids quiet with those! Coloring books, small puzzles, cuddly toys and books are a great alternative.
- Even on a short flight, it’s a good idea to have some snacks for your child. Remember that there is a 100ml restriction on liquids, but that doesn’t apply to baby food or baby milk. However, it’s best to check with your airline before you travel.
Also Read: Toys for 2 Year Olds and Toys for 3 Year Olds
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