It’s important to have your child in a car seat on the airplane. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends that all children under the age of 2 be secured in an airplane certified car seat.
So, if you are traveling with your baby’s car seat, you need a safe and convenient way to transport it. Unless you have a Doona car seat.
The good news is, you have 3 different car seat carrier options to choose from: Car seat bags, car seat carts and car seat travel belts.
Car seat bags are a great choice, if you are looking for a lightweight and easy-to-carry way for your car seat.
But if you need to move your car seat around a lot in large place with even terrains, a car seat cart may be a better alternative.
car seat belts on the other hand are the way to go if you are on a tight budget.
No matter which type of car seat carrier you choose, just make sure that it is compatible with your car seat.
In a Hurry? Pick one of these best car seat carriers
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$99.99
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- 4-point 360 swivel wheels
- Padded interior and shoulder straps
- Water & scrach resistance
- Doesn't fit all car seats
- May not sit upright on its own
- Slightly expensive
- Padded interior & shoulder straps
- Water and scratch resistant fabric
- Foldable for easy storage
- Doesn't fit all car seats
- Not so durable
- Might feel a bit heavy when used as a backpack
- Compatible with most car seats with LATCH
- Adjustable Handle
- Compact fold to fit most overhead bins
- Not designed for rough terrains
- Not suitable for car seats without LATCH
- Compared to other carriers, this one may be a bit pricier
Types of car seat carriers
When it comes to car seat carriers, you get to choose from 3 options:
1. Car seat bags
These bags come in a variety of styles and options.
Some car seat bags are designed solely to protect the car seat from dirt and damage, while others are equipped with padding and backpack-style straps so you can conveniently carry your car seat on your back.
Other car seat bags are even equipped with wheels, which is super handy for those heavier car seats.
2. Car seat carts
Carts are another way to transport car seats during your trips. A cart is designed with wheels and a long adjustable handle to effortlessly roll the car seat around, especially in airports.
They are foldable so you can store them in the overhead compartment of the aiplane.
3. Car seat straps
Car seat straps are used to attach your car seat to your carry on luggage. It’s the cheapest way to transport your car seat.
It’s basically just a long strap/belt that comes with a bucke and a tether attachments that holds the car seat tight to your luggage.
It’s good to know that car seat straps can be less effective than car seat bags and straps.
Best car seat carriers/ trolleys/ bags
Best Padded Car Seat Travel Bag with wheels
- Size: 28x18x18 Inch
- Materiel: Polyester
- Colors: 10 different colors
- Closure type: Zipper
- Weight: 2.03 lbs
- Fits: Infant, convertible seats
Car seats can be quite heavy and bulky, and having the option to easily roll them instead of lugging them around can save a lot of effort and strain, especially when navigating through an airport.
This car seat bag is equipped with four 360-degree swivel wheels. TheY Sturdy and smooth which makes it so easy to navigate through crowded areas.
There is also the possibility to attach the bag to your luggage and pull them together if you are traveling alone.
Another useful feature that this car seat bag has is the padded shoulder straps. These straps would allow you to carry the bag on your shoulders like a backpack when you have to (eg. stairs or rough terrains).
Also, the interior padding added on this bag helps cushion your seat and provide an extra layer of protection during transit.
Pros
- 4-point 360 swivel wheels
- Padded interior and shoulder straps
- Side mesh pockets and name tag
- Water & scrach resistance
Cons
- Doesn’t fit all car seats (Measure your car seat before you purchase)
- May not sit upright on its own
- Slightly expensive
Alternative: Simple Being Baby Car Seat Travel Bag is a less expensive option with similar features.
Best Padded Car Seat Travel Bag without wheels
- Size: 28x18x18 Inch
- Materiel: Polyester
- Colors: 10 different colors
- Closure type: Zipper
- Weight: 2.03 lbs
- Fits: Infant, convertible seats
This car seat bag is a great choice for your car seat for so many reasons. First, it’s a foam padded car seat carrier bag.
We highly recommend going for a padded car seat bag because it offers an dense layer of protection to your seat.
Also, this travel bag offers padded shoulder straps to use it as a backpack for your seat, plus, it has a buit-in side handle for easy handling and carrying.
On top of the water-resistant fabric that keeps your seat dry, the dual zippers make putting in and taking out your seat a breeze.
But that’s not all – once you’re finished using it, the bag folds up neatly, making it easy to store for your future trips with your car seat.
This Car seat carrier may not fit all car seats especially booster seats. If you are looking for a bigger bag with the same features, check out J.L. Childress Ultimate Backpack.
Pros
- Padded interior & shoulder straps
- Water and scratch resistant fabric
- Adjustble waist strap
- Side elastic pockets
- Dual lockable zippers
- Internal car seat strap
- Foldable for easy storage
Cons
- Doesnt fit all car seats (Measure your car seat before you purchase)
- Not so durable. Several mentioned that it broke after just one or two trips
- Might feel a bit heavy when used as a backpack for certain car seats.
Best Car Seat Tote Bag For Travel
- Size: 34x18x18 Inch
- Materiel: Polyester
- Colors: 3 different colors
- Closure type: string
- Weight: 0.317 ounces
- Fits: Infant, convertible, booster seats
Choosing a tote bag for your car seat can reduce your travel expenses and still keep your car seat clean.
This car seat tote lacks padding so you will need to take extra precautions to keep your seat safe.
There are no wheels as well but it does feature padded shoulder straps to help you carry it as a backpack while on the go.
Plus, this car seat bag is generously spacious to accommodate bigger car seats like all-in-one car seats or booster seats.
We also love the big “ handle with care” sign on the bag.
Pros
- Fits big car seats
- Budget friendly
- Handle with care sign
- Name tag
- Water proof fabric
Cons
- No padding
- No wheels
- Not so durable
Best Car Seat Travel Cart
- Size: 13.5″L x 5.5″W x 42″H
- Weight: 20 lbs
- Material: Alloy steel
- Fits: Most convertible and booster seats with LATCH
The Britax car seat cart, allows you to travel with your car seat hassle-free. Simply attach your car seat to this the wheeled cart using the seat’s LATCH connectors, and you’re ready to roll.
This cart is compatible not only with Britax car seats but also with most car seats featuring LATCH connectors.
When using this cart, you have the option to either pull it behind you, just like your luggage, or push it in front of you.
Even better, you can secure your child into the seat using the harness, making it a two-in-one solution.
The Britax car seat cart is compact when folded, making it suitable for storage in most overhead compartments of airplanes.
Plus, the handle is adjustable, effortlessly extending to suit your height and comfort.
When compared to other car seat carriers, this one is sturdier, and the wheels roll much smoother. It’s definitely a wise investment.
Note: Do not buy this car seat carrier, if your seat does not have LATCH connectors (aka ISOFIX connectors)
Pros
- Compatible with most car seats with LATCH
- Adjustable Handle
- Compact fold to fit most overhead bins
Cons
- Not designed for uneven or rough terrains
- Not suitable for car seats without LATCH
- Compared to other carriers, this one may be a bit pricier
Best Car seat travel belt
- Lenght: 65 inches
- Material: Nylon
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative to a car seat travel bag or cart, check out this car seat strap. This simple strap allows you to attach your car seat to your luggage.
To do so, position the car seat on top of your suitcase, lay the strap across it, then secure it as instructed on the manual.
Just make sure the setup is tight enough to prevent the car seat from jostling.
The strap can be used on luggage sized 13″ to 56″ and car seats that are equipped with a top tether.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to carry and store
- Multipupose belt
Cons
- Offers no protection to your car seat
- May break during your trip (we recommened carrying an extra belt)
Car seat carriers-Buyer’s guide
To choose the best travel carrier for your car seat, consider following our tips below:
- Know size and weight of your car seat: knowing the size and weight of your car seat will help you decide if the travel carrier is suitable for your car seat or not. Most car seat carriers have a set size/weight requirement for car seats.
- Think about how and where you will be using the carrier: Not all carriers are suitable for all environments. For example, car seat carts are not suitable for uneven terrains or places with a lot of stairs, so car seat bags are best because you can carry it like a backpack.
- Look for the carrier features that are important to you: Wether it’s the padded shoulder straps, comfortable handle, additional storage space or the price point, choose the things that matter most to you.
