We brought ours in case we wanted to go out of the resort. We ended up not, but it also made getting to and from the airport easier, and even having it just for a 20-mile drive (which is a LONG drive, honestly, I'd be on pins and needles if I didn't have one for that) is worth it.

You can bring just the seat (not the base) and do a seatbelt install. It's like 6 lbs and you gate check it. It's super easy.

Anonymous wrote:On DCUM - they all bring the car seat. In reality - most people don't bother for only the airport to resort transfer. Last spring we went to Mexico and it was a 1hr drive to the resort - I was able to book a private car (really, a van) that would provide a car seat for any kid 2 and under. I was happy to spend the extra $ for piece of mind and not having to lug car seats.

Ha, so true.

Get a $40 Cosco to travel with.

On DCUM - they all bring the car seat. In reality - most people don't bother for only the airport to resort transfer. Last spring we went to Mexico and it was a 1hr drive to the resort - I was able to book a private car (really, a van) that would provide a car seat for any kid 2 and under. I was happy to spend the extra $ for piece of mind and not having to lug car seats.

Anonymous wrote:Take it. You never know when you may need it. Also, in restaurants you may not always have a high chair available. There may be other times when you'd like baby strapped in for one reason or another. But, mostly, you don't want to risk the danger of the ride. I know it is a pain.

Who puts a 12 month old in a carseat at a table?

I would call the resort and find out if the van has seatbelts. If it does, I would absolutely bring the seat. If it doesn't, and your child is in a convertible, then I guess don't bring it. If your child is still in the bucket, I would probably bring it, because my guess (although you could verify) is that a child ejected from a vehicle is safer in a seat than not.

Anonymous wrote:Don't you need the seat for the airplane?

Lap seat kids under 2 fly free.

Having said that, Op, we took our bucket seat bc we knew DS naps/sleeps well in it and we didn't want to risk being without that sleeping crutch during vacay and out of our comfort zone.

Are taking a stroller? Even a light compact cheap umbrella one?

Vans get into accidents, too. Is it worth the risk to you?

Anonymous wrote:So basically a bus? I would not bother.

+1.

Don't you need the seat for the airplane?

Take it. You never know when you may need it. Also, in restaurants you may not always have a high chair available. There may be other times when you'd like baby strapped in for one reason or another. But, mostly, you don't want to risk the danger of the ride. I know it is a pain.

Anonymous wrote:We will have a 20 mile ride from the airport to the resort but otherwise no need for a car seat while on vacation. DC is 12 months and still in the bucket seat. Does anyone just hold their kids in their laps when going from airport to resort while on vacation? (we'll be in one of those resort vans.) Or do you just suck it up and bring the car seat even if only for this one use?

Is the resort in the U.S.? If it is overseas, it's unlikely the van will even have seatbelts for the car seat.

Anonymous wrote:We will have a 20 mile ride from the airport to the resort but otherwise no need for a car seat while on vacation. DC is 12 months and still in the bucket seat. Does anyone just hold their kids in their laps when going from airport to resort while on vacation? (we'll be in one of those resort vans.) Or do you just suck it up and bring the car seat even if only for this one use?

?o, but some shuttle services offer car seats. If not, I would bring it.

So basically a bus? I would not bother.

We will have a 20 mile ride from the airport to the resort but otherwise no need for a car seat while on vacation. DC is 12 months and still in the bucket seat. Does anyone just hold their kids in their laps when going from airport to resort while on vacation? (we'll be in one of those resort vans.) Or do you just suck it up and bring the car seat even if only for this one use?