Car seats without the base - safe?

RedWingsFan

We're flying to Denver next week with the babies, and will be gate checking our double snap n' go and the carseats.  DH said we can just strap the seats into our rental car without needing to bring our bases, and I'm worried about the safety aspect.  I think we should just check the bases, but he doesn't want to add even more stuff to our already ridiculous list of stuff.

DH said that bases are really more for convenience than safety, but I'm still not convinced (I'm the kind of person that thinks since the bases are available, they must increase safety - surely Graco isn't trying to scam me into spending more money, right?).

I've tried looking on the Internet, but can't find much - any insight out there? 

IrishBrideND

yes as long as its done properly. Think about it, the base is just seatbelted in, too. Same with a convertable seat.

LiviBug13

I went home to visit my family and didn't take the base. I didn't feel like it was safe, very wobbly and just not sturdy like it was with the base. Since my little one met the weight requirement for her big girl car seat I just went ahead and upgraded her to that one.

KKleese

Yes ours actually went in tighter without the base. I wish I would have known this when DS was little I didn't find out until he was almost grown out of his carrier.

MammaBear81

it is possible to secure the carseats without the base.  It is just A LOT harder to do.  IMO the main reason for the base is that you can take your time once and get the base in right, if you don't have the base you need to secure the carseat properly each time you get in the car (increasing your chances of installing it incorrectly). The reason the bases are considered safer is because once you have them properly installed you don't have to worry about it (increasing the number of properly installed seats).  So again it's possible, but personally I would just check the bases.

KRMac

I've been able to secure the infant seat really well without the base a few times - it is just harder to do.  The base makes it easier for sure, but I got it in there just as tight without it.  

I would practice a few times so you are comfortable putting them in without the base.  And check your manual - you might need a rolled up towel to make them level (although I did not.) 

emcheerumr

We flew when DS was still in an infant seat.  We just snapped the base into the carseat and carried it that way.  The seats might weigh a little more but once they are snapped in we didn't even think about them.  Its not a hassle at all to bring them.  I hated it the one time I just buckled him in with out the base!

RedWingsFan

Hmmm, thanks ladies - it seems like there isn't really a black-and-white answer (dammit!). 

I think maybe we will practice this weekend in one of our cars and see how sturdy the seat is without the base.  If I'm still worried about it, we'll just bring the bases with us.

 

IrishBrideND

I think you can check the bases for free (at the counter) and then still gate check the stroller and car seats if you are worried about it. That way you don't have to lug them.

RedWingsFan

IrishBrideND:

I think you can check the bases for free (at the counter) and then still gate check the stroller and car seats if you are worried about it. That way you don't have to lug them.

That's what I was thinking.  I'm going to call American Airlines this week to find out if that's true. 

Bianca42

I've done it a few times in my Mom's car when we were visiting.  I felt like I was able to get it in snugly and safely.  The downside to me is that it took a little bit longer when we got into the car.

For me it would depend on the length of the trip and how much driving I thought I'd be doing.  A weekend with maybe a few quick car trips...no base for sure.  A week long trip with lots of in and out of the car...especially with twins...I would probably take the bases.

emiliemadison

Yes, you can install them without the base safely, and the instructions on how to do it are on the side of the seat (and in the manual). I HIGHLY recommend practicing this method at home until you're comfortable with it before trying to do it on a trip. But yes, it's fine.

funcop

Check the manual for your seats. If the manual does not tell you how to install without the base, then do not do it. If the option is there, then it is safe. Our DCP did this everyday up until last week when we got her a convertible car seat. We have a snugride 35 and it was fine.

ak1234

Your car seat manual will tell you whether or not your seat can be safely installed without the base.  It is kind of for convenience, kind of not.  Think about it this way - once you get the base in properly installed, you basically never have to do it again, just snap the car seat in and out.  Without the base, you have to install it correctly every.single.time, and it does take a little time.

I have traveled with LO without the base to our Chaperone, and it was fine, just some adjusting of the seat belt - an extra few minutes.  I am kind of with your DH on this one, though.  Just more unnecessary stuff.

BBachmann

I agree with your husband.  It is just for convenience.  They are both dependent on the seat belt.  We actually go without the base in our car because the roof is lower it is harder to get him in and out.