Car Seat Safety: Traveling With a Baby or Toddler

Deciding when to travel with your baby may depend on many factors—from their age to their health to their sleeping and eating patterns.

Generally, experts advise waiting until your baby is 2 to 3 months old, so their immune system has had time to develop. This is because air travel and crowds increase a newborn’s risk of getting sick. However, if necessary, you can fly with your baby once they are at least 7 days old.

Read on to learn how to travel with a car seat.

Rideshare services like Uber are beginning to equip vehicles with car seats, but there are several things to consider before requesting a ride.

• Car seats are not available in all locations. Before you plan your trip, research whether rideshare companies offer car seats in your destination city. Even if they do, not every car will have one. You’ll need to scroll through the vehicle options each time you open the app to see if a car seat is available. As a result, you may not be able to rely on ridesharing as a mode of transportation.
• Options are limited. Each rideshare vehicle will have a maximum of one car seat, and each company only offers one make and model. This means the height and weight requirements will be the same across all cars. Check the company’s website before you travel to determine whether your child can safely ride in the car seat offered. If not (or if you’re traveling with more than one child), you’ll need to make other arrangements to ensure your little ones travel safely.
• Each ride requires a new installation. It’s your responsibility—not the driver’s—to ensure the car seat is properly and securely installed, and that the fit is correct for your child. Chances are every car that picks you up will be a different make and model. You’ll need to review the user manual for both the car and the seat to ensure you’re using the best installation method for both. Before your trip, brush up on your knowledge of car seat safety and installation methods, and keep in mind, the rideshare car seat will most likely be different from the one you practice with at home.
• Car seats cost extra. Rideshare companies add a fee each time you use a car seat (usually 10 dollars). If you’re on the go, all those extra charges could add up to a considerable cost.

Rideshares with car seats may be a convenient way to travel, but what if they aren’t available, or simply aren’t the right choice for your family?

The safest way to hit the road with your baby is to bring your own car seat along for the ride. This ensures a proper fit for your child’s height and weight, and that you’ll be comfortable installing it. Plus, you’ll never find yourself stuck without a car seat, no matter what mode of transport you’re using. You’ll need to ensure a secure installation in each vehicle, but you’ll rest easy knowing your little one is traveling in the safest possible way.

Airline tickets aren’t required for children under the age of 2. Without a ticket, children can’t be assigned their own seats, so parents must hold infants and toddlers on their lap. But your arms aren’t capable of holding your child during turbulence or an in-flight emergency. That’s why the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) urges travelers to use a child safety restraint. These include an FAA-certified car seat or an airplane harness device.

The only way to guarantee you can use one of these restraint options is to purchase a separate ticket for your child. Here are some tips to consider if you’re worried about the added cost:

• Look for savings. Most airlines offer discounts on children’s tickets, sometimes as much as 25 to 30%.
• Carry your luggage with you. Car seats don’t count as carry-ons. This frees you up to carry luggage on board, instead of paying to check it.
• Weigh the cost. Many airlines charge a fee to hold your child in your lap. If you’re adding a cost either way, better to choose the safest option.
• Prioritize safety. Securing your child in their own seat is the only way to ensure their safety while flying. If cost is a concern, consider a different mode of transportation, like traveling by car.

The best car seat to travel with on planes is one you own, that fits your baby’s height and weight. Just like in your vehicle, your child’s size will determine if your car seat should be rear-facing or forward-facing on the plane. Here are three ways to ensure safe air travel with a car seat:

• Check your labels. Not all car seats are certified for air travel. Make sure your car seat has a label that reads “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.” If your car seat is FAA-certified, it’s also airline-approved. Airlines are required to verify that car seats used in flight meet FAA requirements. That means if your car seat doesn’t fit the seat you were assigned, airline staff are trained—and required—to move you to one that provides a proper fit. Be prepared to show the appropriate labeling to staff if requested.
• Read your manual. Every car seat is different. Be sure to review your car seat’s instruction manual so you can properly install it on the plane. Also check the manual for your child’s height and weight to know if they are ready to be forward-facing or need to remain rear-facing. Rear-facing only (RFO) car seat bases are typically not FAA-approved. In this case, you should use your RFO infant carrier by itself. They are safe and compliant to use in this way.
• Leave the booster at home. When using a booster seat, your child is secured by a lap and shoulder strap. Since planes don’t have shoulder straps, they cannot be used safely on a plane. In fact, the FAA prohibits booster seats from being used in most cases.

How to travel with a baby without a car seat

If your child meets the requirements, you can safely secure them in an FAA-certified airplane harness device. To travel safely:

• Check your child’s height and weight. Airplane harness devices are approved for children who are up to 40 inches tall and weigh between 22 and 40 pounds.
• Determine if your child can sit alone. Airplane harness devices are only certified for children who can sit upright, on their own and in a forward-facing position.
• Beware of counterfeits. Safety organizations warn against using non-approved car seats and safety harnesses because they are proven to cause injury or even death in a collision. The FAA completes rigorous safety testing and only certifies devices proven to be safe. Only purchase an airplane harness device if it explicitly states on the label that is approved for use on an airplane.
• Know how to install a harness. Boarding a plane is rarely fun. Make the experience as stress-free as possible by knowing how to install your airplane harness before you get on the plane. Practicing will also help you provide the safest fit for your child. When in doubt, ask a flight attendant for help.

Traveling without a car seat may seem easier or more practical at times. However, it can put your baby at risk for serious injury. Whenever possible, use your child’s own car seat when traveling. More tips for flying safely with children are available on the FAA’s website.

Having baby in tow while you’re out and about can be a tricky balancing act. Make sure they’re safe by properly securing their car seat while shopping or eating out.

How to put a car seat in a shopping cart

More than 20,000 children a year are treated in U.S. emergency departments for shopping cart-related injuries, including infants and babies in car seats. Fortunately, many of these injuries are preventable.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), you should never prop a car seat on top of a shopping cart’s toddler seat. The car seat can make the cart top-heavy, causing it to tip over. This can cause serious injury, even if your child is strapped into their car seat. Whenever possible, use an alternative baby carrier, like a sling or stroller, when shopping.

When using a shopping cart, place your car seat in the cart’s large basket and always:

• Follow car seat safety guidelines. Practice standard car seat safety to ensure your child is properly secured.
• Keep potentially harmful items away from baby. Store raw meat and items with loose parts or sharp edges where they can’t be reached by little ones.
• Stay with your child at all times. Never leave your child unattended in a shopping cart.

Bringing your little one to a restaurant

When eating out with your baby, the best option is to leave your car seat in the car. This is because there’s no safe way to secure it once inside. Avoid placing a car seat on the table or chair, since this can lead to dangerous falls. The same goes for using car seats on top of a highchair, regardless of whether it’s right-side-up or upside-down. In fact, many babies wind up in the emergency room each year due to the misuse of highchairs and car seats. If there’s enough room to accommodate a highchair, simply ask if you can use your stroller instead. The next best option is to hold your little one while you enjoy your meal.

Returning home with a car seat

After coming home from a day of errands, it’s tempting to unpack the car as fast as possible. Afterall, the groceries are thawing and your little one is asleep in their car seat! But how long can baby sleep in a car seat?

It’s safe for children to sleep in their car seat if it’s properly installed in your vehicle or stroller. The base holds the car seat at the right angle to ensure your child is sleeping in a safe position. This safety feature is lost the moment you remove the car seat from the base. Sleeping in a car seat without the base increases your baby’s risk for sudden unexpected infant death (SUID).

If your baby falls asleep in their car seat, move them to a flat, firm surface, like a crib or pack ‘n play, as soon as possible. To prevent hot car deaths, never leave your child in the car, even on a cold day.

What should I bring when traveling with baby?

Be sure to have all your baby’s essentials on hand. Start with the following list and modify as needed.

Traveling with a baby checklist:

• Diaper bag with changing items
• Blanket
• Prepared bottle and cooler
• Healthy snacks
• Water
• Burp cloths
• Pacifier
• Toys
• Extra outfit(s)
• First-aid kit
• Hand sanitizer
• Any necessary medications
• Car seat

When traveling by plane, car seats generally don't count as luggage, but policies vary by airline. Check with yours before flying.

What Georgia car seat laws do I need to follow when traveling locally?

The Georgia Attorney General’s office provides current Georgia car seat laws and consumer information on their website. If traveling outside of Georgia, be sure to research the laws in your destination state as well.

Does an adult need to sit in the back with my baby?

The short answer is no! As long as your little one is secured in a properly fitting car seat, they’re good to go. If an adult is sitting in the back seat, make sure they role-model safety by buckling themselves in. This helps reduce the risk of injury to themselves, and everyone around them—including your infant.

How can I prevent my kiddo from getting car sick?

It’s a popular myth that kids get car sick from riding rear-facing. Motion sickness is more likely from looking out a side window where things appear to be moving faster than you are. Here are some ways to avoid motion sickness in the car:

Some children do better in the middle seat with a view out the front or back window, or if they can’t see outside at all. Consider stopping every 90 minutes so your child can take a break from all that motion. Entertaining your child with music or games can distract from the sensation that causes motion sickness. It also helps to prevent overheating by cracking a window or running the AC.

Keep in mind, to ensure the straps are fitted securely, kids should not wear jackets while sitting in their car seats. Always take jackets off prior to securing your child in the car. If you’re traveling somewhere chilly, you can lay your child’s jacket (or a blanket) over the car seat once they are secured.

No matter what, do not turn your child’s car seat forward-facing until they meet the weight and height requirements for their car seat. Also avoid any loose toys while in the car. These can become projectiles in a collision and can cause serious injury or even death.

How can I create a safe sleep space when traveling?

The ABCs of safe sleep are just as important while traveling as they are at home. Always put your infant to sleep Alone, on their Back, and in a Clear crib, bassinet or pack-n-play. Learn more about creating a safe sleep space when traveling.

Ready for more safety tips? Our experts answer the most commonly asked car seat safety questions.

If your child has an injury or is showing signs of illness, call your doctor or visit an urgent care center. If your child has a life-threatening injury or illness, is having trouble breathing or is unconscious, call 911 and/or visit an emergency department immediately.