Using Tote N'Go Portable Car Seat for Toddler on Airplane

[Personal Chef]

I bought the Tote N'Go Portable Car Seat by Cosco as I expect to be doing a lot of traveling over the next few years since we're moving away. My son is 23 months and I'm guessing he weighs maybe 28 lbs.--he was 25 lbs at 18 months.

The Tote N'Go is NOT FAA approved. I would really like to use this on the plane since it has a 5 point harness and it would be really easy to use this type of seat in taxis.

Has anyone used this car seat on a plane? Did you have any problems from the flight attendants questioning you about whether it's FAA approved?

I have a Britax car seat now and I think it's too wide for the seat. It seems to measure 19" across and coach an only accommodate a 16" wide car seat.

So any tips, hints, comments on what to do about this dilemma would be appreciated. As you my have guessed, I've never flown with my child before and don't know what to expect.

[slknight]

You might want to ask this over on the carseat board on the Baby Bargains Board. There are a number of very knowledgable people over there (not that we're not knowledgable over here, but you know what I mean), as well as some certified Carseat Techs who could probably answer your question:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=13

[slknight]

Here's a thread about them:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=13&topic_id=2883&mode=full

I really don't think they'll let you use it on the plane if it is not FAA approved. When we flew with our Britax Marathon, the flight attendants checked it for the sticker to make sure it was approved (it was).

[mbrogier]

I saw a couple flying with a baby in a little harness hanging from his dad. The attendant told him that wasn't FAA approved and made him take the baby out. Which kinda made me roll my eyes, because they just held the baby in their arms. I just don't see much of a safety difference. I personally think that babies are much better off in their own seats in a carrier than on mom's lap. In the event of a crash, all lap babies must be put on the floor...that's FAA rules. I'm thinking the parents would be wishing they had spent the extra money on the additional seat...which should be deeply discounted.

Just wait till I run an airline. :D

[HRJ]

We've traveled with a toddler using the Sit-n-Stroll convertible carseat/stroller, which IS FAA approved -- although, to be honest, we never had anyone check for the sticker any of the times we've flown. I'm surprised to hear that others have had their seats checked. Maybe most flight crews are familiar with the Sit-n-Stroll by now?

If it turns out you can't use the seat you have on a plane and decide to exchange it, I'd HIGHLY recommend the Sit-n-Stroll -- that thing has been a lifesaver. It rolls right down the aisle in the plane; fits in an airline seat (as I mentioned FAA approved); and converts from stroller to carseat in about 5 seconds. When our DS was smaller, we could even do it without having to remove him from the seat. We've used it in taxis, cars, vans, etc without any problem. I think the model on the market now even comes with an optional sun canopy -- ours doesn't have that. And, of course, because it fills two needs, it's one less thing you have to carry when you're traveling.

I don't work for the Sit-n-Stroll company. I just love their product. :)

Helene

[mbrogier]

Is the sit-in-stroll like a car seat with collapsable legs? I saw something like that in the AirMall catalog they had on the plane. I thought it was a fabulous idea. I hate the idea of a huge stroller and car seat and having to lug it all around. The one I saw was $200.

[PAMMELA]

Here is a link to one. Here it costs $199.95.

http://store.babycenter.com/product/gear/strollers/standard/4432

[jellyben]

In my 7 years of lugging carseats on planes, they have only checked once. However, I would not risk it. I am not sure if they have to be in a carseat, but it certainly makes it easier! You would hate to have them deny you use of his seat as you are boarding the plane.

Good luck, happy flying!

[AnnaSue]

I borrowed one of those Sit-n-Stroll things from a friend when we went to Arizona recently and it was great! Like Helene, I wasn't questioned by anyone about it, but I agree that maybe they just recognize that particular seat.

[Personal Chef]

Thanks for all the advice. The www.windsorspeak.com board was very helpful!