Lini.
i'm traveling with my 5 month old son to the states. i know that its required by law for babies to be seated in a car seat while in a vehicle. i'll be in boston and LA and will like to know if it is also required for taxi/cabs?
i'm thinking of bringing the car seat but my mom is worried i'll have too much hassle with it. she doesn't want me to take it, is she wrong? isn't it mandatory to have one for my baby?
i was thinking of renting one. are they easy to find? will i need to ask people who will be picking me up there to get it in advance?
what are your thoughts, suggestions and tips? thanks!
Answer
It appears in California you are required by law to use a car seat in taxis, and that it is illegal for the taxi driver to transport you without one unless the child is 6 years or 60lbs.
The law is here: http://www.inventiveparent.com/lawsreg9.... And then the law defining motor vehicle are here:
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/waisga...
Good for California! Not many states have such stringent laws, unfortunately. It appears that in Massachussettes, its not required in Taxi cabs. :( This is sad.
http://www.inventiveparent.com/lawsreg1....
The laws obviously don't always show what is safe. It is NEVER safe to travel in anything moving without properly restraining your child. And at a mere 5 months, that means a rear facing car seat in all vehicles, including airplanes. So, I would take his seat (if it is FAA approved) and use it on the plane, and then use it in each and every vehicle he is in. Is it a pain? Yep. But think of this is way: how much more of a 'pain' is it going to be to have a funeral for your child when you could have protected him?
Good for you for finding the answers on how to keep your child safe. The laws of physics are the same in a taxi, bus, airplane as they are in personal vehicle. He will be injured in an accident if he is not properly restrained.
All that said, renting one is a very bad idea. They are frequently nasty, expired, or not the right stage seat for your child. A car seat tech tried to rent a seat once for her 9 week old baby. They showed her a dirty, old, forward facing seat!!
Your mom is right, it is kind of a hassle, but worth it to have your own seat. What I would recommend, is having your mom or someone pick up a $45 Cosco Scenera from Walmart/Kmart/Target (or you could buy one online and have it shipped to them) and having it already installed in their car when you get there. And if you have a baby bucket, you could use it on the plane easily. The cost is comparable to what rental companies charge: some charge $30 DAILY to rent a car seat!! When you could get a seat to keep as a spare for only $15 more and know that its safe to use. Check out the links for info on why rear facing is important, as well as the dangers of renting car seats, and why to use seats on the airplane. Lap babies are dangerous. if you are planning on having your baby as a lap baby, you should know the truth of what can really happen, check the links below. Flight attendants refer to lap babies as MISSILES!!!! That's right, b/c missiles is what they become when there is heavy turbulence or other problems or rough flights. They give the count as "127 pax (passengers) and 3 missiles". Is a missile what you want your baby to be?
And if your mom doesn't know how to install a car seat, she can get help with that, too, before you arrive. Check the links below to find a car seat tech in her area that will teach her how to and make sure its in correclty. She can also call her police station and ask about car seats, they will direct her.
For ease of travel when you use it in a taxicab, there are some options. Walmart.com sells a backpack that you can put the car seat on and carry it that way. They also have bags with wheels to put car seats on. And you can search for a GoGoKidz, which makes a car seat like a stroller (but you have to install/uninstall the wheels each time you use the car seat) or a TravelMate which is similar. If you're looking to get one cheaper (the GoGoKidz goes for $70 here) try eBay. You can also put your arms through the straps and carry the seat that way, or just strap it to your own luggage cart that you can buy at Walmart or another store. It can be done without too much hassle.
The major tip I'd have: avoid using taxies. That really is a pain with kids, and for all the money you'd spend driving around in taxies, you could pay to rent your own car, and install your own seat in it once and only once and get rid of all the hassle while still keeping your child safe! Many agencies even have the option of booking cars online now.
It appears in California you are required by law to use a car seat in taxis, and that it is illegal for the taxi driver to transport you without one unless the child is 6 years or 60lbs.
The law is here: http://www.inventiveparent.com/lawsreg9.... And then the law defining motor vehicle are here:
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/waisga...
Good for California! Not many states have such stringent laws, unfortunately. It appears that in Massachussettes, its not required in Taxi cabs. :( This is sad.
http://www.inventiveparent.com/lawsreg1....
The laws obviously don't always show what is safe. It is NEVER safe to travel in anything moving without properly restraining your child. And at a mere 5 months, that means a rear facing car seat in all vehicles, including airplanes. So, I would take his seat (if it is FAA approved) and use it on the plane, and then use it in each and every vehicle he is in. Is it a pain? Yep. But think of this is way: how much more of a 'pain' is it going to be to have a funeral for your child when you could have protected him?
Good for you for finding the answers on how to keep your child safe. The laws of physics are the same in a taxi, bus, airplane as they are in personal vehicle. He will be injured in an accident if he is not properly restrained.
All that said, renting one is a very bad idea. They are frequently nasty, expired, or not the right stage seat for your child. A car seat tech tried to rent a seat once for her 9 week old baby. They showed her a dirty, old, forward facing seat!!
Your mom is right, it is kind of a hassle, but worth it to have your own seat. What I would recommend, is having your mom or someone pick up a $45 Cosco Scenera from Walmart/Kmart/Target (or you could buy one online and have it shipped to them) and having it already installed in their car when you get there. And if you have a baby bucket, you could use it on the plane easily. The cost is comparable to what rental companies charge: some charge $30 DAILY to rent a car seat!! When you could get a seat to keep as a spare for only $15 more and know that its safe to use. Check out the links for info on why rear facing is important, as well as the dangers of renting car seats, and why to use seats on the airplane. Lap babies are dangerous. if you are planning on having your baby as a lap baby, you should know the truth of what can really happen, check the links below. Flight attendants refer to lap babies as MISSILES!!!! That's right, b/c missiles is what they become when there is heavy turbulence or other problems or rough flights. They give the count as "127 pax (passengers) and 3 missiles". Is a missile what you want your baby to be?
And if your mom doesn't know how to install a car seat, she can get help with that, too, before you arrive. Check the links below to find a car seat tech in her area that will teach her how to and make sure its in correclty. She can also call her police station and ask about car seats, they will direct her.
For ease of travel when you use it in a taxicab, there are some options. Walmart.com sells a backpack that you can put the car seat on and carry it that way. They also have bags with wheels to put car seats on. And you can search for a GoGoKidz, which makes a car seat like a stroller (but you have to install/uninstall the wheels each time you use the car seat) or a TravelMate which is similar. If you're looking to get one cheaper (the GoGoKidz goes for $70 here) try eBay. You can also put your arms through the straps and carry the seat that way, or just strap it to your own luggage cart that you can buy at Walmart or another store. It can be done without too much hassle.
The major tip I'd have: avoid using taxies. That really is a pain with kids, and for all the money you'd spend driving around in taxies, you could pay to rent your own car, and install your own seat in it once and only once and get rid of all the hassle while still keeping your child safe! Many agencies even have the option of booking cars online now.
Tips on flying long haul with 14mth baby. Any advice?
Happy Fami
I will be flying from Melbourne, Australia to London UK with my baby daughter who will be 14 months. I have flown between the two cities before but never with baby. Will be flying Singapore Airlines (love them and apparently they are good for babies) and plan on going for three weeks (that's all the time off we can afford).
Things to consider:
1) Dont really want to give her sedatives
2) She is usually breastfed to sleep (which can be handy but also...tricky!)
3) I will be bringing portable DVD player, lots of nappies, plastic bags, small toys and get them out one at a time, will be using a baby carrier, books, wipes - that's all the advice I have so far...
Please share your experience and offer some helpful tips.
Answer
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot of long-haul flights with my three children.
I have never used sedatives. I'm allergic to a lot of them myself so I can't risk it with my kids, especially at 30,000ft. without an emergency room nearby. These are not harmless drugs and while I don't diss parents who use them on long journeys, it's not something that systematically should be done. There can be side effects. I've survived without. You can too.
Besides, on such a long flight, she'll sleep at some points anyway (10 minutes before landing lol!)
Sounds like you have had some good advice. All three of mine were breastfed and this actually will make your trip easier (the oldest did have some bottles but they're harder to travel with). It's a great way to calm them down when they get overtired, which often happens in airports.
Remember that you do NOT have to breastfeed her or make her drink on take-off and landing. This is an common myth. If you are using a car seat, be sure she's strapped in during those times. Mine flew in car seats and didn't take pacifiers and they never had any problems with their ears. Please don't wake your child unnecessarily and/or force her to drink when she doesn't want to.
The best way to avoid ear problems is to schedule a "well baby" visit right before leaving. Her ears will be checked to be sure that she doesn't have an ear infection or other blockage. Flying with something like that is painful. No amount of sucking will help and it can actually be damaging to the ears. These are problems that are easy to avoid and fix.
Speaking of car seats, I really recommend using one at this age. It really wasn't a big deal to bring it on board on a wire foldable luggage cart. I saw both my passengers and my own children were calmer and more settled in their familiar seat. If she doesn't have a seat, ask nicely at check-in if it's possible to get an extra place. Take it to the gate regardless and if you are not success, have your seat "gate-checked" with the strollers and wheelchairs. This is no guarantee but better than checking it at the desk. NEVER check a car seat as luggage. Airlines lose and break checked car seats all the time.
Here's the children's page from Singapore Airlines;
http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_UK/content/before/plan/specialneeds.jsp
If you don't need a car seat in London, you might want to look into the CARES harness, which is easy to bring and accepted on Singapore.
http://www.kidsflysafe.com/
Practice changing her standing up before leaving. You'll love this tip in London too where baby changers aren't that common. The changing tables on airplanes are really small and if you can change her in this position, you can use the roomier handicapped lav instead.
Don't forget to pack a couple of changes of clothes and be sure you have enough diapers. She'll go through more on this trip than she would in the same time frame at home. Often, you'll find yourself changing her when you can, rather than when it's necessary, such as right before boarding and landing. Wrap all this stuff in plastic and bind with rubber bands to make more room in your bag.
This is the bib I liked when travelling. It rinses out easily and dries quickly. I found taking this beat a bunch of disposable bibs, especially because it really kept mine clean. It really covers them up because kids get messy on planes. This company makes really bad baby carriers but this bib is great!
http://www.babycity.co.uk/baby-gifts/mealtimes-cutlery-highchairs-baby-bibs/baby-bjorn/baby-bjorn-eat-play-smock-pd-1155.html
Skip a purse and diaper bag and use a big backpack and a small purse around your neck with the essentials. Keep your hands free. I get a bigger backpack that goes up to my knee when placed on the floor. Both of you carry one, one with the extra supplies, and one with what you need. I also take a small cloth bag so that when I took them to change them, I didn't have to drag the whole bag along.
Are you sure she'll watch DVD's? Mine were way too active at that age to watch a screen and no way would they have worn the headsets. She absolutely has to wear them. Playing it over the speakers would be annoying to other passengers. Be really sure that she'll wear them before leaving. Otherwise, the new toys are a good idea. One right before the plane pushes back because that's a really bad time for toddlers to stay seated. Hopefully, it'll distract her and you can't use any electrical items during that time.
For more information, ten years ago I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with children. It's totally non-commercial and other parents from around the world have contributed;
http://flyingwithchildren1.blogspot.com
It's a tricky age and a long flight but if you're organized, it'll be much easier.
Have a good visit to London!
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot of long-haul flights with my three children.
I have never used sedatives. I'm allergic to a lot of them myself so I can't risk it with my kids, especially at 30,000ft. without an emergency room nearby. These are not harmless drugs and while I don't diss parents who use them on long journeys, it's not something that systematically should be done. There can be side effects. I've survived without. You can too.
Besides, on such a long flight, she'll sleep at some points anyway (10 minutes before landing lol!)
Sounds like you have had some good advice. All three of mine were breastfed and this actually will make your trip easier (the oldest did have some bottles but they're harder to travel with). It's a great way to calm them down when they get overtired, which often happens in airports.
Remember that you do NOT have to breastfeed her or make her drink on take-off and landing. This is an common myth. If you are using a car seat, be sure she's strapped in during those times. Mine flew in car seats and didn't take pacifiers and they never had any problems with their ears. Please don't wake your child unnecessarily and/or force her to drink when she doesn't want to.
The best way to avoid ear problems is to schedule a "well baby" visit right before leaving. Her ears will be checked to be sure that she doesn't have an ear infection or other blockage. Flying with something like that is painful. No amount of sucking will help and it can actually be damaging to the ears. These are problems that are easy to avoid and fix.
Speaking of car seats, I really recommend using one at this age. It really wasn't a big deal to bring it on board on a wire foldable luggage cart. I saw both my passengers and my own children were calmer and more settled in their familiar seat. If she doesn't have a seat, ask nicely at check-in if it's possible to get an extra place. Take it to the gate regardless and if you are not success, have your seat "gate-checked" with the strollers and wheelchairs. This is no guarantee but better than checking it at the desk. NEVER check a car seat as luggage. Airlines lose and break checked car seats all the time.
Here's the children's page from Singapore Airlines;
http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_UK/content/before/plan/specialneeds.jsp
If you don't need a car seat in London, you might want to look into the CARES harness, which is easy to bring and accepted on Singapore.
http://www.kidsflysafe.com/
Practice changing her standing up before leaving. You'll love this tip in London too where baby changers aren't that common. The changing tables on airplanes are really small and if you can change her in this position, you can use the roomier handicapped lav instead.
Don't forget to pack a couple of changes of clothes and be sure you have enough diapers. She'll go through more on this trip than she would in the same time frame at home. Often, you'll find yourself changing her when you can, rather than when it's necessary, such as right before boarding and landing. Wrap all this stuff in plastic and bind with rubber bands to make more room in your bag.
This is the bib I liked when travelling. It rinses out easily and dries quickly. I found taking this beat a bunch of disposable bibs, especially because it really kept mine clean. It really covers them up because kids get messy on planes. This company makes really bad baby carriers but this bib is great!
http://www.babycity.co.uk/baby-gifts/mealtimes-cutlery-highchairs-baby-bibs/baby-bjorn/baby-bjorn-eat-play-smock-pd-1155.html
Skip a purse and diaper bag and use a big backpack and a small purse around your neck with the essentials. Keep your hands free. I get a bigger backpack that goes up to my knee when placed on the floor. Both of you carry one, one with the extra supplies, and one with what you need. I also take a small cloth bag so that when I took them to change them, I didn't have to drag the whole bag along.
Are you sure she'll watch DVD's? Mine were way too active at that age to watch a screen and no way would they have worn the headsets. She absolutely has to wear them. Playing it over the speakers would be annoying to other passengers. Be really sure that she'll wear them before leaving. Otherwise, the new toys are a good idea. One right before the plane pushes back because that's a really bad time for toddlers to stay seated. Hopefully, it'll distract her and you can't use any electrical items during that time.
For more information, ten years ago I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with children. It's totally non-commercial and other parents from around the world have contributed;
http://flyingwithchildren1.blogspot.com
It's a tricky age and a long flight but if you're organized, it'll be much easier.
Have a good visit to London!
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Title Post: do i need to bring my baby's car seat while traveling?
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