Dollar car rental and toddler car seat question
 

we're headed to FLA soon and have rented a car from Dollar. I wonder what it would be like to rent a car seat for my toddler from them rather than lug the sit n' stroll that we normally use. (I would use the CARES harness i bought per a fodors suggestion instead on the plane).

I've never rented a car seat from a car rental company and i wonder how that works-- does it come installed in the care or will we have to install it ourselves? Are they generally clean/in good shape? Curious as to whether anyone has any experience with this. TIA!

they are clean and in good condition, but you have to install it yourself

We did it *once* and never again. I wasn't impressed with the style of it - considering the restrictions on car seats (5 yrs., no car accidents, etc.) I wouldn't trust one that I knew nothing about, no matter what they said.

Will you be in the car alot ? When you say toddler, I assume you mean forward facing, in a car seat, not a booster ?

I prefer to check mine -- also allows me to fill the bag with bulky things - blanky, diapers, etc. (of course, I don't pay to check either).

Just make sure you are well versed in most types of car seats. It probably won't have a book with it and you will need to adjust it. And you have to put it in yourself, they won't. And it will probably be a bit dirty too.

Why not check a lighter carseat (they sell nice bags at Babies R' Us) ad then check an umbrella stroller at the gate.

Thanks everyone, i think i'm just going to use the sit n stroll-- paid enough for it, might as well use it! i know how to install it, which is a plus and I know it will be clean. i appreciate the comments and advice!

We usually bring our own and use it on the plane. It's nice to use a seat you're familiar with and comfortable installing in a car.