Child Car Seats

[-Florida2016-]

Hi Guys ,

Looking for a bit of advice around US laws on child seats. I have 2 kids aged 5 and 9. At home my 5yo sits in a booster but my 9yo doesn't use anything. Will they both need a seat in the US?

Also, the plan was to pick up a cheap booster from Walmart rather than paying a daily rate to hire. We've booked a car through Alamo and my OH is now panicking that Alamo will not let us take the car without the relevant boosters/cars seats for the kids.

Anyone come across this or am I safe to pick up the seats(s) from Walmart on our way from the airport to the villa?

Thanks in advance

[FunlovinEeyore]

From what I remember from last year Florida law is up to 4yrs old need to be in car seats but I was not comfortable with that- way too young. Basically I would go with if they need it here then they should have it over there. I did use cheap booster seats from Argos ( bought by an auntie when they stayed over with her) for my 4 & 8yr old that we could pack in cases. I figured if we were struggling for space/ weight then we could dump in Florida but actually didn't need to. I considered taking their normal high back chairs as was it free on the plane but I was really worried about them getting damaged in the luggage handling process.

[Gryff]

Children through 3 mus use a car seat ie up to o age 4 and after that under 4ft 9 and between 40/80 lbs must use a booster seat if the seat belt does not fit correctly so I'd say your 5 year old will need a booster seat from the airport

[tz0c0s2]

We have been using one we bought on-line from Trunki, doubles up as a back-pack which my son puts his bits'n'pieces in for the journey. First time we packed a normal booster seat in the case but the Trunki one has been much easier and has lasted well, pretty sure other companies make them too.

[Guest]

The law in Florida is less strict than in the UK.

Your children will be safer in seats that they use in the UK rather than in what is allowed in Florida.

Particularly the 5 year old will be safest in a high back booster which offers side impact protection.

A booster seat alone is better than nothing, as it raises the child in the seat so that the seatbelt doesn't cut across the neck.

Personally for a 5 year old I'd be wanting a high back booster, for the 9 year old as long as they are taller than 135cm then ok without.

[Guest]

As @Bucksmum says is exactly right.

Originally Posted by -Florida2016-

Anyone come across this or am I safe to pick up the seats(s) from Walmart on our way from the airport to the villa?

See more...

Sure you can... But have you heard of "Murphy's law"? Is the best time to take a "gamble" after a long flight in an unfamiliar car in a different country driving on the other side of the road with completely different driving rules?

Again as @Bucksmum says a high back booster is safest especially for 5yo; our 8yo is 140cm and still uses one! If you're going to choose a standard booster or "risk it" to Walmart you can buy a Bubblebum which is safe, small and easy to take with you.

Whilst the law in Florida is more relaxed than the UK, the laws of physics and injury from incorrectly fitted seat belts don't change.

[-Florida2016-]

Thanks for the replies guys,

I'd managed to talk myself into taking one with us yesterday morning but didnt want to have the bulk of a normal seat. After searching online we opted for a Bubblebum for our youngest...I ordered one online yesterday from Argos (home delivery only) so just hoping it arrives in time for the weekend now!

[kennyjmac]

other option is use a booster back pack for plane and pick up of hire car then head to wal mart to get high back booster seat wife's seen 1 for $21 dollars much cheaper than the hire car companies

[DIBBadmin]

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