Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommend that all babies and young children travel in an FAA-approved car seat or airplane harness device. Both should be installed using the airplane’s seatbelt, and car seats should be used without the base.
Do I have to use the base for my car seat?
Typically, you don’t need the base to properly use your car seat — it’s just a convenience. To install without the base, just thread the seat belt through the grooves on the side of the seat and tighten in the same manner as above. It should look something like this (for American car seats).
Can you check a car seat and base?
No. Every U.S. airline allows you to check a car seat free of charge when traveling with a child. You can check your car seat at the airport baggage counter or wait and check it at your gate. If you plan to gate check a car seat, remember to check with the gate agent when you arrive at the gate.
Should car seat go behind driver or passenger?
Install in the Backseat If not, it is fine behind either the driver or passenger side. The important thing is that it is in the back, away from the airbags.
How do you travel with a baby car seat?
Car seats and strollers can be checked just like any other item (at no charge at most airlines). If you do check items either at the ticket counter or gate, get your luggage tag for them straight away. Even if you’re not boarding any time soon, attach your luggage tag to your items as soon as possible.
Is it better to gate check a car seat?
The biggest advantage of gate checking car seats is that it minimizes the opportunities for damage or loss. While the airline will still be handle your travel carseat, it’s for a limited period of time. Also, though it still goes in the luggage hold, it’s right near the front.
Why is the seat behind the driver the safest?
Away from the most common side of impact, the rear passenger seat offers the advantage of giving you easy access to your child, with the restraint often being pavement side of the vehicle, away from the flow of traffic. It’s still a safe location for the car seat to be as it is in the rear of the vehicle.
Where should the car seat go in the backseat?
If you’re placing only one car seat in the back seat, install it in the center of the seat — if a good fit is possible. Placing the car seat in the center minimizes the risk of injury during a crash.
What side of the car does the car seat go on?
The rear center position will be the furthest from any impact in any type of crash. The researchers also found the most common location in the vehicle for a car seat was the rear passenger side.41% of parents put the child’s car seat here.
When should I install car seat during pregnancy?
Plan to have the car seat at least 3 weeks before your due date so you will have time to install it correctly and learn how to buckle the baby in safely.
Are you supposed to lock your seat belt?
Beginning in 1996, all passenger vehicle seatbelts are required to lock pre-crash. This means that seat belts have a locking mechanism in the retractor or in the latchplate.
Can you install a car seat with just a lap belt?
Lap only belts are, however, fine for installing harnessed car seats. They can even be rather easy to use because most of them will lock in place when they are tightened. A lap only seat belt can be a great place to install a rear facing car seat.
Can you use the Chicco KeyFit 30 without the base?
The KeyFit can also be installed without the base.
Can you gate check a car seat and stroller?
When travelling with infants and small children, a collapsible stroller and a car seat are accepted at no charge in addition to your checked bag allowance. You can choose to check these items at the check-in counter. Or bring them with you to the gate where they can be accepted as GatePorter items.