Some things you realize only once you become a parent, including the fact that traveling with babies, toddlers, and kids becomes as much about the stuff as the memories you’ll make. One key item caregivers come to know quite intimately: the car seat—and there are many. There are infant car seats (suitable for babies), convertible car seats (those that work both forward- and backward-facing), booster seats (fit for bigger kids), car seats for everyday use that may not exactly transport well (read: they’re clunky, heavy, or otherwise difficult to move and reinstall, making them no good for travel), and there are travel car seats.
The travel car seat is not one particular type of seat but rather a selection of products that just work just right for parents on the go. The best car seats for travel are lightweight, easy to install, versatile (a stroller and a car seat, a car seat and a booster, a seat that faces both ways), comfortable, and—of course—safe.
As for how to pick one out of a market saturated with products? First you have to understand a bit about flying with babies and young children in general—including what’s allowed, what isn’t, and how airlines approach car seats. Only then can you dive into choosing a car seat that works best for you and your family’s needs in the air, on a train, and everything in between.
FAQ:
Should you fly with a car seat?
Probably. While many major airlines allow children under two years old to fly for free as “lap infants,” there have been calls to ban this practice. Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discourage it due to safety risks. Both groups also recommend that children under 40 pounds use one while flying. The FAA says: “The safest place for your child under the age of two on a US. airplane is in an approved child restraint system (CRS) or device, not in your lap.”
How do you fly with a car seat?
If you purchase a seat for your child, most airlines allow you to bring an FAA-approved car seat on board for use in-flight. You can also check one car seat per child curbside, at the ticket counter, or at the gate for free. Parents will be happy to know that a car seat is not used against your carry-on allowance.
What should you look for in a travel car seat?
First, that it’s FAA-approved for air travel (most, but not all, are). To confirm yours is, find a white label on the seat that says, “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft travel.” This information will also be in the car seat’s manual.
Beyond that, weight is a big driver for caregivers considering travel car seats, given no matter which product you choose, you will be hauling the seat. Lightweight options, stroller-meets-car seat picks, convertible car seats, and those that easily adapt to many strollers are popular choices for parents. You might also consider how a car seat will fit in a rental car, choosing an option that fits, say, three across if you’ve got a few littles or is just easy to install. If you need help picking, these five choices are favorites among caregivers who travel with small children.
Parent-approved picks:
Best infant car seat
Best stroller/car seat combo
Best convertible car seat
Best for toddlers
Best booster seat
