Car seat advice
 

I am am heading to Spain in about a month and have a few questions for anyone out there who's traveled with a baby or toddler:
1) Do I need to put my 2-year-old in a car seat even in a taxi?
2) Do you recommend using a car seat on the plane or not? We're traveling from San Francisco, California, so it's a long haul.
3) Has anyone rented a car seat -- particularly through AutoEurope? That is the company I plan to rent a car through.
Thanks for your input!

car seat for babies are compulsory is Spain except for Taxis driving in-city limits.
I will not recomend bringing one all the way from California, your rental company should provide one, extra cost,
if they don't then you are not renting with the proper one.

Thank you! We will also be taking a train at one point -- but I can't imagine they require one on a train, right?

No seat belts or children seats in trains or metro.

Thanks!

I highly recommend bringing your car seat - specifically because of the long flight. My children sleep much better in their own car seat than on a plane seat. For the daytime leg of the flight, I usually check the seat. On the overnight portion I put even a 4 year old in her own car seat as it is more comfortable for her.

Note that the tray table will not come down with the car seat, but you can adjust to that.

We just came back from 2-week vacation with our 2 and a half old. That's our 2 trip with him to Europe and we've been twice with him to the Carribean, and here is our experience:
1. No, you don't need a car seat for the taxi.
2. I do not recommend a car seat for the plane - if your toddler is going to nap on the plane (and let's hope he or she does), it's a lot more comfortable to stretch on mom or dad rather than being stuck in a car seat.
3. I can't remember who we rented with in Ireland, but we rented with Avis in France and I think w/Hertz in Martinique, and they all offer car seats. Just reserve one in advance.
4. No car seats is needed in a train

Many people find that kids do better on long flights if they're in their usual car seat. They're used to it and comfortable - and more likely to sleep. Also - much safer than a tiny child flopping around in a big seat in case of turbulence.

You can then use it in your rental car in europe - where you usually, but not always, get one even when reserved and paid in advance.

And no - you can't use car seats in train or subway - there's nothing to attach them to.