Travel without a car seat?

[Sweetpea972]

I'm planning to travel alone with DD (who will be 8 months old) and was wondering if I should take a car seat on the flight for her. The flight will be 9 hours long and I'm planning to buy her a seat. Last time I traveled with her (she was 4 1/2 months old), I bought her a seat but I made a bed on it for her to sleep. I want to bring her car seat but am not sure if she will sit or fall asleep in it. I'm afraid to bring it and have her not use it. She is not the type to just fall alsleep in her car seat like most babies I know. Anyone face this issue?
Thanks!

[californiagirl]

Most airlines require you to use a car seat if you buy a seat for the baby. By FAA rules, on a US airline any time the baby needs to be secured, she must be in your arms or in a car seat -- she can't be in a seat by herself.

[DebbieJ]

Bring the car seat. In case of turbulence, she will be secured. Oh yea, and the FAA rules that the PP pointed out.

You will also then have a seat you can use in the rental car at your destination.

~ deb
DS 12/03
And a niece or nephew arriving in early August!

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/10029.gif

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif

[kijip]

The seat is really necessary for her given the FAA regulations and as a pp pointed out, then you have a seat at your destination. As for bringing the seat and not using it (just holding her) you can easily gatecheck it.

[murphydog77]

Please bring the seat and plan on using it! Turbulence does happen and can cause injuries. Just a few weeks ago, a plane from Las Vegas to San Jose encountered turbulence so severe that several people and flight attendants were injured and needed medical attention. Just attach it to a stroller or a good luggage cart and bring lots of fun toys for her to play with.

Good luck on your trip!

Heather, CPS Tech
http://www.CarSeatSite.com

[Sweetpea972]

Thank you all for your advice!! I will definetely bring her car seat. I have a Britax roundabout...is that easy to install on the plane or should I purchase another car seat? In the airport, I am planning to carry DD and stick the car seat on her stroller just to make going through the security checkpoint less of a nightmare.

[bensmom]

The Roundabout is easy to install on the plane. Karen (Stillplayswithbarbies) posted last night about installing her Marathon, and it's essentially the same. I've used it RF for my 16 month DS a lot. I also use a Cosco Regal Ride sometimes, just because I find it easier to carry when I'm traveling on my own.

Have a good trip.