OK, the majority of you think I should bring a car seat for the trip. So what kind is the best to bring. Being a day care provider I have all types. The car seat Kyle uses now has the straps that go over his shoulders with the triangle piece at his stomach that buckles between the legs. I figured he wouldn't be able to use that one once he is in the splint. So how about one of the booster seats that looks like a regular seat and uses the vehicle shoulder/lap seat belt. I guess it would just have to sit so the belt went across his unaffected shoulder. Don't know what kind of belts are on the plane though. I also have the booster with the piece that fits over the childs lap. Didn't know if it would fit once he was in the splint. So what do you think would be the best type to bring?
Francine....my stress level is doing OK at the moment. That may not stay that way as it gets closer. But I am doing all right. Thanks for asking. The lady at Southwest (Kathleen) has been absolutely wonderful in helping me with making all my flying arrangements. She knows how apprehensive I am about flying (especially alone) and she is always there to help walk me through everything step by step. That has been a big help. So as of right now, we are doing all right. Hugs to Maia.
Karrie & Kyle
Going to TCH and car seats Part II
Re: Going to TCH and car seats Part II
well I personally the 5 point harness ones... do you have one of those? And Tina told me that she has a 5 point harness that actually adjusts strap length in the front! That sounds like the best!
Glad to hear you are doing ok....
Karrie - you're not alone in the flying department. It's very scary - I just prayed a whole lot on the flight and I do this little exercise of thinking about all the things I need to do in the future...some people may call that bargaining with God! probably true!
-francine
Glad to hear you are doing ok....
Karrie - you're not alone in the flying department. It's very scary - I just prayed a whole lot on the flight and I do this little exercise of thinking about all the things I need to do in the future...some people may call that bargaining with God! probably true!
-francine
Re: Going to TCH and car seats Part II
When will you be at TCH? Our child is having caps done on 1/28.
Re: Going to TCH and car seats Part II
Karrie, check out the thread under "mod quad continued" on the next page. Kristie gave some excellent info. specifically about the best types of seats. I also gave some info. regarding what worked best for us. There are also links there. I would recommend the same type of seat (40-80 lb car seat / booster) for Kyle as we discussed there. Also, you'll notice that type of seat can be used up to 40 lbs with a 5-pt restraint and 40-80 lbs with a seatbelt -- I recommend using the 5-pt harness for the way there and then seeing what works best / safest, etc. on the way home (the 5-pt harness or the seatbelt). If I recall correctly, that particular type of car seat is supposed to be used with a shoulder and lap belt when it's used without the 5-pt harness. If that's the case, then you'll be using the 5-pt harness on the way home too b/c the airplanes only have lap belts. Anyway, please checkout the other thread b/c there's some great info. there. Take care. -Tina
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Re: Going to TCH and car seats Part II
karrie,
we used the 5 point harness car seat for anna, you can make the belts longer to get it over the brace and then pull it tighter to fit right,once buckled.. anna has a Smart Moves car seat from Century.. the seat beat on the plane are just lap belts, what ever kind you decide to use make sure its FFA approved..should have it on the seat..another thought if your traveling alone I'd pick a seat that doesnt weigh to much.. we are going to get a booster type seat today for anna that doesnt weigh alot, geting on the plane with a almost two year old and seat along with bag of snacks, toys etc..(I use a back pack) is heavy!! most airlines I've found don't just jump in to help you carry things,usually its another passenger..ASK FOR HELP COMING HOME..(I have booped so many people trying to get down the asile of the plane) another thought, if its not a long flight for you, you could just check the seat going, although I've found anna does better on the plane in her car seat..
we tried it with out at christmas time.. in case you didnt know you can check your stroller at the gate and it'll be by the door of the plane when you land.. hope some of this helped you..
one last thing with a small child they'll let you board first when they begin to board go up and stand where the ticket agent can see you and they should let you go with first class people.. or just get in line, they won't stop you with a small child...
will keep you in our prayers ..
marg & anna
we used the 5 point harness car seat for anna, you can make the belts longer to get it over the brace and then pull it tighter to fit right,once buckled.. anna has a Smart Moves car seat from Century.. the seat beat on the plane are just lap belts, what ever kind you decide to use make sure its FFA approved..should have it on the seat..another thought if your traveling alone I'd pick a seat that doesnt weigh to much.. we are going to get a booster type seat today for anna that doesnt weigh alot, geting on the plane with a almost two year old and seat along with bag of snacks, toys etc..(I use a back pack) is heavy!! most airlines I've found don't just jump in to help you carry things,usually its another passenger..ASK FOR HELP COMING HOME..(I have booped so many people trying to get down the asile of the plane) another thought, if its not a long flight for you, you could just check the seat going, although I've found anna does better on the plane in her car seat..
we tried it with out at christmas time.. in case you didnt know you can check your stroller at the gate and it'll be by the door of the plane when you land.. hope some of this helped you..
one last thing with a small child they'll let you board first when they begin to board go up and stand where the ticket agent can see you and they should let you go with first class people.. or just get in line, they won't stop you with a small child...
will keep you in our prayers ..
marg & anna
Re: Going to TCH and car seats Part II
Karrie, ( I cut and pasted this info from the other post)
In terms of safety we always suggest a 5 point harness. Since you may need to be manipulating the straps I would suggest you look for a seat that has it's adjuster in the front. This way you can have the car seat tightened into the car and are able to tighten the straps after getting your son in. I have not had to do this as of yet. But from what I have seen of the splint I think I'd use a type seat that is called a High Back Booster Seat. Make sure it is the kind that has the straps still in it. They can later be removed when you child has reach the limit (usually 40lbs check with the instructions of each seat) and then the seat can be used with the regular car seat bealt. I also think this seat will work well with the splint since it usually has shallower sides. Again I have not dealt with the splints in person sooooo this is my best recomendation baised on my knowledge. We usually recommend that a Child stay in the convertable seat as long as they fit right so that they have more of the side proctection from the seat but... I am thinking that the sides might be a problem for the position of the arm while in the splint! I am going to try to add a few links to show you what I mean. Please know that I am trying to show you the style I am suggesting. All seats meet the same saftey standards.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/st ... e-pictures
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/st ... e-pictures
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/st ... e-pictures
If these links don't work or you have trouble please e-mail me (krogers@saintmail.net)
Also here is a link to finding a Car Seat Tech in your area... they might be able to help you more directly since they can do it in person!
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/ ... /index.cfm
I hope this is helpful. What kind of seat are you currently using? And how much does your son weigh?
Kristie
I wanted to add some comments to this for you Karrie. The seat you are using now (It's called a T-Shield) might be able to be used. I don't know about the compatiblitiy with the splint. And I wondering if Kyle might be too big...how big is he? If his ears are at the top of the seat he is too big for it.
Airplane have lap belts only. Which means that the only car seats that can be used on them have to have a restraint system of thier own. So on the plane you would not be able to use a seat that is a booster only meaning that it is for use with a Lap/Shoulder belt in the car. The biggest trouble I have had with carseats on the plane is that once I get it properly tightened with the plane's seat belt the buckle always ends up in my child's back! Some of the High Back Booster seats now have a plastic type of material that prevents this sort of thing from happening. And it is usually only a problem with the High Backs... This whole car seat thing it just so frustrating! If you need to talk to me about it then e-mail me with your number and I will call you!
And I recommend that you don't use the booster seat that has the arm that comes down over the child... and I mean don't use it at all. I am dissappointed that they are still on the market. There are better choices.
I hope your nerves aren't worse after reading this!
Always,
Kristie
In terms of safety we always suggest a 5 point harness. Since you may need to be manipulating the straps I would suggest you look for a seat that has it's adjuster in the front. This way you can have the car seat tightened into the car and are able to tighten the straps after getting your son in. I have not had to do this as of yet. But from what I have seen of the splint I think I'd use a type seat that is called a High Back Booster Seat. Make sure it is the kind that has the straps still in it. They can later be removed when you child has reach the limit (usually 40lbs check with the instructions of each seat) and then the seat can be used with the regular car seat bealt. I also think this seat will work well with the splint since it usually has shallower sides. Again I have not dealt with the splints in person sooooo this is my best recomendation baised on my knowledge. We usually recommend that a Child stay in the convertable seat as long as they fit right so that they have more of the side proctection from the seat but... I am thinking that the sides might be a problem for the position of the arm while in the splint! I am going to try to add a few links to show you what I mean. Please know that I am trying to show you the style I am suggesting. All seats meet the same saftey standards.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/st ... e-pictures
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/st ... e-pictures
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/st ... e-pictures
If these links don't work or you have trouble please e-mail me (krogers@saintmail.net)
Also here is a link to finding a Car Seat Tech in your area... they might be able to help you more directly since they can do it in person!
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/ ... /index.cfm
I hope this is helpful. What kind of seat are you currently using? And how much does your son weigh?
Kristie
I wanted to add some comments to this for you Karrie. The seat you are using now (It's called a T-Shield) might be able to be used. I don't know about the compatiblitiy with the splint. And I wondering if Kyle might be too big...how big is he? If his ears are at the top of the seat he is too big for it.
Airplane have lap belts only. Which means that the only car seats that can be used on them have to have a restraint system of thier own. So on the plane you would not be able to use a seat that is a booster only meaning that it is for use with a Lap/Shoulder belt in the car. The biggest trouble I have had with carseats on the plane is that once I get it properly tightened with the plane's seat belt the buckle always ends up in my child's back! Some of the High Back Booster seats now have a plastic type of material that prevents this sort of thing from happening. And it is usually only a problem with the High Backs... This whole car seat thing it just so frustrating! If you need to talk to me about it then e-mail me with your number and I will call you!
And I recommend that you don't use the booster seat that has the arm that comes down over the child... and I mean don't use it at all. I am dissappointed that they are still on the market. There are better choices.
I hope your nerves aren't worse after reading this!
Always,
Kristie
Re: Going to TCH and car seats Part II
Kristie, my husband said that one way to resolve the problem of the seat belt digging into the child's back is to raise the seat with a towel underneath it. I know that the police officer suggested that with our first infant seat a long time ago b/c sometimes the car seats don't fit well in all cars without something under it. What is your opinion about that? I'm always afraid of modifications b/c I know that the seats are tested for safety standards w/o modifications. Thanks for your input. -Tina
Re: Going to TCH and car seats Part II
Jenifer, Marg's post reminded me about our seating boarding arrangement with Southwest. When we went to TX for Nicole's surgery last month, it was the first time we flew Southwest and it was a very different traveling experience. I don't know if you are aware of this, but Southwest does not assign any seats. You check in at the gate and then wait until boarding begins. If you have a passenger who needs assistance (such as a child under 4 / with a car seat / child who just had surgery, etc.), then you will be able to pre-board. This means that you will get your pick of seats on the plane. Once you check in at the counter, find a couple seats closest to the boarding area and wait there. That way once they announce pre-boarding is beginning, you'll be first in line. On the flight home, tell them that you have to board FIRST -- even before the other passengers who pre-board b/c your son won't be able to sit in just any seat. He will need a window seat (required to use a window seat with a car seat so you don't block passengers trying to get by in an emergency). Also, you will have to sit on the side where his injured / splinted arm will not be by the window. Therefore, there is only one seat in any row where he will be able to sit. The way the planes were set up when we flew SW, the first two rows faced each other. It was really strange b/c there was one row of seats that actually faced all the other seats on the plane. That would make me uncomfortable sitting that way. However, we sat in the row opposite those seats. If the plane is not full, it is likely that if you sit in the same row we did that no one else will sit across from you, leaving you with lots of extra room. Here's a little tip. We let Nicole stand up (in front of our seats), dance, sing, etc. -- you know, be a kid!, while the passengers were boarding. Between her noise, activity level, her big splint, my husband's long legs, etc., NO ONE wanted to sit across from us. Then, when everyone was boarded, I asked her to sit down and use her indoor voice. Okay, a bit sneaky, but it got a little energy out of her and gave us more room! LOL! Oh well, just wanted to share our experience!
Anyway, at first I didn't like not having assigned seats, but by having the ability to pre-board, SW was an ideal option that I would definitely choose when possible in the future. I guess we've all given you lots of reading here.
BTW, our car seat is the Eddie Baeur one in the 2nd link of Christy's post and we're very happy with it. Nicole used it post op at 24 months and again at 33 months.
-Tina
Anyway, at first I didn't like not having assigned seats, but by having the ability to pre-board, SW was an ideal option that I would definitely choose when possible in the future. I guess we've all given you lots of reading here.
BTW, our car seat is the Eddie Baeur one in the 2nd link of Christy's post and we're very happy with it. Nicole used it post op at 24 months and again at 33 months.
-Tina
Re: Going to TCH and car seats Part II
We only we the towels with rear facing infant seats. It is done so that we can achive the proper angel for the seat. Without the proper angel the baby's head can fall forward cuttin off the air supply. I hope some day this whole car seat thing will be way easier!
Kristie
Kristie
Medical Transport
Karrie - if you feel overwhelmed carrying things, then order medical transport - those are the little golf carts that bring people to gates. You are certainly entitled to get some help like this especially AFTER the surgery. Order it in advance for both ways - then you will most likely have to remind them anyway when you check in on either direction. Sometimes there are really long walks from the gates to baggage, etc.
-francine
-francine