use infant carseat without a base?

EStar628

Have you done it? Would you do it? Is it much more unsafe?

I am flying from MA to VA tomorrow and feel it would be easy to gate check the snap and go with just the infant seat.  I don't like the idea of driving without the base though...

expecting-n-tx

I've done it, or carseat inspector said as long as you can get it as tight as you get the base she would worry about it. She doesnt recommend it on a regular basis.

bumpuser260585

We did it the other day in my cousin's car.  It really wasn't a big deal.  I pulled on it a bunch to make sure it was secure and it didn't move.  Just follow the instructions on your carseat. 

I know people always say "That's how we did it back in the day & our kids turned out fine" but in this case, I kind of agree.  It shouldn't be too big of a problem.

Wufroggy79

I would def not drive without the base. 

jkish22

I've done it once, I figured if they make it to be able to be used that way as well, it's probably safe. 

pitterpatter129

As long as it has a place for the actual seatbelt where this was the intended function, I don't see why it would be an issue.  Ours has a way to use just the seatbelt instead of the base and we did that for awhile because the base didn't seem to install properly in our car.  We don't have the latch system in the middle seat and it rocked, so we just took the base out.  We quickly switched to a convertible though, so it wasn't used that way for very long.  Just make sure you practice first and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

BabyGsMom

Our car seat instruction manual says you can use it with or without the base.  Like PP said, I think the big deal is getting it tight enough.  And our carseat (Graco) has a little level-like thing that tells you when it's at the safest angle for baby, which the base makes it the right angle right away, but you can adjust if you don't have the base with the level.  I think you'll be fine.

RileyGrace

It's safe as long as you follow the instructions.  That's how everyone in the city does it, for taxis, etc.  Fine as long as you do it right.

Jennabug25

H and I only have one car and when if a friend or my sister come over and we go out or something and H has the car I will strap it in without the base. It says it's safe. I make sure it's nice and tight. If it wasn't safe they wouldn't allow it. 

jkjacq71

I put her in my car without the base.  I have a mustang and the seat doesnt fit correctly with the base in my car.  I also have a spot for the seat belt and a level to make sure its installed correctly.

harmony8283

yes i've done it here and there.  I like the base for day to day stuff, but once in awhile if we use a different car (or a rental) we just bring the carseat.  it takes forever to get it properly secured, but it does work just fine.

LordValuemart

I do it when I go places with my dad, if you're worried about the seat belt leaving more wiggle room, if you pull most seatbelts all the way out  then adjust it, the seat belt won't be able to extend anymore until after you take the seatbelt off the carseat.

Daniela_1021

I did it the other day because I used my dad?s car. It didnt take me long to do it. I actually liked it because it was really tight and didnt move at all.

Would do it again any time.

 

kapereasd

I just love those little toes!!!!