Tips for Carseat Installation on Plane

monkey_love

In the past, I have seen people give tips about how to install carseats on the plane (e.g, twist the seatbelt, etc). I will be putting a Cosco Scenera rear-facing on the plane. The last time we went on a plane, we put a Marathon FF and it was not an easy task putting it in or taking it out! Being that this carseat will be RF, I'm guessing it will not be any easier. Any tips and tricks you can give me?

goodheartedmommy

The scenera isn't an easy install rear facing. You need to take a rolled-up towel or small piece of pool noodle to install it. I've never been able to install one without it (and don't know anyone who can, either).

monkey_love

Hmm...that's not good to hear. I also have a Marathon I can use, but figured it would have to be more upright since it's so big. It's supposed to be at a 45 degree angle, which I don't think would be possible on a plane since there is so little room and the Marathon is so huge. Which seat do you think would be better for me to bring?

goodheartedmommy

For a baby older than a newborn (assuming the baby is older since a newborn doesn't fit in a marathon!), you can move the angle to 30 degrees. It's actually safer for them to be more upright. The good thing about britax seats is they can be installed very upright--by far the easiest to get at 30 degrees. Just bring the base back a tad on the seat instead of in the bite (where the seat back and bottom meet), and press more towards the front of the seat instead of the back when you're tightening it. Try it out in your car at home first. I think while it's obviously a lot heavier than the scenera and will be harder to lug through the airport, it will be easier to use on the plane and in a rental car (or grandparent car, etc).