Car Seat Rec - US, UK & Airplane...

Does this exist???

Our little man is 10kg, and will be moving to a larger car seat in a few months... ideally I'd like:
1- UK Rearward facing carseat
2- Can also be used in the US
3- Can also be used on US-UK Transatlantic flights....

I'm getting all confused by UK carseats not being able to be used in US & vice versa.
Would compromise, and perhaps have a 2nd, different car seat that we fly & use in USA?  Perhaps buy one in the US, as they seem to be much, much cheaper there...

In fact, can someone please explain why I can't buy a US car seat and use in UK... I have a toyota prirus, so if it fits into US Prirus, won't it fit into UK Prirus?

We did a little bit of research into this since we fly back and forth.  I'm not sure of the rearward UK car seat as I've not looked into that but with the push to keep them rear facing longer there should be.  I've read of people importing them from other parts of the EU though.

As far as having one seat to use in both places I'm pretty sure there isn't anything.  Its not about it fitting in the car but the government safety regulations.  If you look on the side of the seat there is a sticker that approvers it for the US or EU safety requirements.  When we were looking it seemed as if some seats by big brands were sold in both places but when we looked closer they were a bit different to meet these different safety regulations.  For example in the US the infant carrier has a chest buckle and here they don't.  We even called the insurance company in the US and asked what would happen if we were using a UK seat in the US and the agent told us that if something happened they wouldn't cover it as it wasn't a US regulated seat.

As far as the flight we haven't had a problem with seats from either country.  Recently I called both BA and AA (I was worried(paranoid) because we were flying out with one and back with the other) and they both said using a US seat was fine.  I think awhile ago they were picky about it being an EU seat on a EU airline and a US seat on and US airline but I think they changed that.  When you take a seat on board you have to buckle it in and also the armrest needs to be able to be down during takeoff and landing.

We have a US seat we travel with then can use it in whatever car picks us up at the airport in the US and just leave are UK seat in the car here.  Oh- when I say EU seat all UK seats are approved for all of the EU.

I hope that at least gives you a starting point but please let us know if you find a seat that can be used in both places. 

I have been flying back and forth with my kids for 7 years and I have never once seen anyone usingd a car seat on a plane, even with an infant. I keep hearing about kids in car seats on planes but have never seen it! It's illegal to use a US car seat in the UK and vice versa, however I think this would only be a problem if you had an accident and your insurance company might have a problem with this.  As the pp just said.  I found it a lot easier to spend $100 and buy a car seat to keep at my parents house as that's where we spend our summers and when we go to Florida in Feb, we rent a car seat from the rental car company, they cap the cost at $72, so it's reasonable. Good luck!

Haha- I was the same as you Racheeee- never saw a car seat inflight in my life.  Before we were making the "big move" I was nervous of flying along with my 3 yo and 18 month old climber and just wanted the option to "contain" one haha.  I asked the crew about what to do etc when we came on a house hunting trip with no kids. 

I've flow 3 times with a US one now and its really not a big deal.  I've found it keeps a "barrier" between he kids so less fighting and allows a head rest for sleeping.  I think they are old enough for this trip though not to need one. 

We just use one that's good from birth to like 40 pounds.  Also it was a cheaper one and it has gotten a bit mucky with travel (eating etc) I also discovered a way to strap it onto our buggy so it makes for easy transport through the airports

I usually travel alone with my kids and there is no way I could carry all our crap and a car seat! When the little one was a baby's used a sling and the pushchair was just a luggage cart!

I've never found larger rear-facing car seats here.  I think that's more common in the US, don't think they have them here except for the infant carriers.

I do think some of the settings, seat belts, etc could be different here.  Personally, I'd just buy a car seat here.

For bigger toddlers, the CARES harness worked well for us going to FL when Jean was 19 months.

Thanks Ladies... I think I'll just accept the higher price and pay for a UK Rear Facing one (they do have them, but only at certain retailers). 

When we have to start getting Owen a seat, I'll possibly buy a cheap US front facing car seat or the CARES.  Glad to know you got on well with it.  Question... was your 19month old able to fall asleep with it on???

I seem to recall she did yes. She also used it in April to Boston at not quite four.

We have flown between the US and UK numerous times with car seats, but it is a pain. The CARES is so much better!

We use this: http://www.lillygold.com/ [nofollow] when we travel; it's a car seat (rear or forward facing -- FAA certified), stroller, flight seat, dining booster seat. I've used it a couple of times now and it is fairly handy. The only thing is it is a bit wide for the narrow walkway in the plane so one either has to end up lifting up and carry it to the seat or fly business  where there's more room to maneuver!