Traveling with a baby means an additional baby packing list, bringing the stroller, the car seat, a bed, bottles, and more. It can feel overwhelming to all but the most experienced travelers. Traveling with a baby is a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. It can be fun and worthwhile and if you read on I can help with at least 1 issue with traveling with a baby!
In this blog post, we will explore 7 must-have car seat travel bags that make the process of bringing you child’s car seat along much easier for parents. These bags are made specifically to hold car seats in the luggage compartment of the airplane.
What is a car seat travel bag?
A car seat travel bag is a bag that secures your car seat while it is checked on an airplane. They keep out rain, dirt and prevent damage to car seats while in transit. Baby’s are expensive, and you don’t want to have to buy another car seat and car seat travel bags insure that.
Why do you need a car seat travel bag?
When I had my babies we would check car seats into luggage and they would come back looking like they had been through a war. We would wrap them in plastic bags provided by the airlines and they really didn’t help. I would have loved the convenience of a car seat travel bag. So if you want to keep your car seat looking nice, rip free and clean you need a car seat travel bag.
Another reason to get one of these bags could be because some airlines require passengers traveling with small children to check their car seats when they fly rather than bringing them onboard in most cases (this includes international flights). It also keeps parents from lugging around heavy gear while navigating through airports.
Why do I need to bring my own car seat with me when I travel?
You want to ensure your child’s safety while traveling there is no other way that is as safe.
- You can rent a seat from a car rental for around $15 per day, but it adds cost and you can’t be sure that the car seat will be the right size for your baby.
- If you plan to use taxis or Uber to get around you cannot plan on them having car seats. In some countries taxi’s won’t take a child under the age of 5 without a car seat.
- I know some people who buy a car seat at their destination from goodwill, but you don’t know if that seat has been in an accident before making it less safe.
But the reality is car seats can be bulky and hard to maneuver and that is where car seat travel bags come in to play.
Styles of Car Seat Travel Bags
There are two main styles of car seat travel bags. The first style of bag attaches allows you to carry it like a backpack with straps that go over your shoulders and around your waist for extra support. It is padded for extra protection for the car seat and to be more comfortable for the wearer.
The second type is less sophisticated and is little more than a large bag with backpack straps. It can be folded up to a small size when not in use. These are less comfortable for the wearer and only protect the car seat from dirt, but they are less expensive. They are very lightweight.
Which one is best for you depends on what you need and how much you will need to carry the car seat in the travel bag.
- If you will be carrying the seat around at your destination as well as at the airport you will want the padded style bag.
- If you just want to protect the car seat from dirt and nothing else you will want the lightweight bag.
- If you want to protect your car seat from damage while in transit you will want the padded style bag.
- If you don’t have room to store any more luggage at home you will want the lightweight bag.
Does it cost extra money to check a Car Seat?
On most major airlines there is no additional cost to check a car seat or a stroller but it will need to be done at the gate. That means when you arrive at the gate for your departure you will need to talk to the gate agent and ask for tags for your car seat and stroller. The gate agent will print out tags and attach them to your car seat and stroller and then you will carry them with you while you board and drop them off just before you get on the plane.
If you are traveling Frontier, Spirit, or another low cost airline you will want to check ahead of time about the car seat as their rules are ever changing.
What are the best car seat travel bags?
Padded Style Car Seat Travel Bags
The JJ Childless Car Seat Travel Bag
This is our number one pick for car seat travel bags!
This travel bag is a backpack style car seat bag. It is able to hold most car seats including Britax, Graco, Evenflo and many others. It comes with a large front pocket for holding other necessities. It is continually rated as one of the best car seat bags for your money. It lasts trip after trip and is very comfortable to carry.
- NEW UPGRADED STYLE: Premium 10mm dense foam padding is thicker than all other brands to provide superior protection and comfort. The new DELUXE style includes...
- TRUST THE ORIGINAL - Invented by J.L. Childress almost 20 years ago, the car seat backpack has brought ease and peace-of-mind to millions of traveling families...
- DURABLE MATERIAL - Heavy-duty polyester protects your car seat from damage, scrapes and abrasion. The smooth exterior styling ensures pockets and straps don't...
Zohzo Car Seat Travel Bag
This Car Seat Travel Bag is very popular on Amazon and for good reason. It is able to hold any car seat without having a zipper that goes around the back of it. The bag has an adjustable strap for carrying and a large pocket on the front.
It holds dozens of seats making it a great buy at a less expensive price brand specific ones.
- ★ TRAVEL MADE EASY: Traveling can be difficult when you have a young child still in a car seat. Our versatile backpack allows you to take their seat...
- ★ ULTRA COMPATIBILITY: Our premium, adjustable backpack not only saves you money on flights, it also fits most car seats manufactured by major brands
- ★ HEAVY DUTY, WATERPROOF DESIGN: We’ve carefully crafted our traveler’s backpack using heavy-duty, water-resistant fabric and a lockable double zipper...
Chicco Car Seat Travel Bag
This is a large bag that can hold the Chicco car seats. It may hold other seats but is made specifically for a Chicco car seat. If you have a Chicco Car Seat this bag will fit it perfectly adding even more protection because it is made for it specificaly.
It has a wheeled base making it easy to get through an airport, plus it can swivel 360 degrees.
- 4-wheel spinner construction allows for easy, one-hand maneuvering in all directions
- Durable, water-resistant fabric, sturdy double zippers and a reinforced rubberized base protect the bag and car seat from travel wear and tear
- Two padded handles for comfortable lifting and padded, adjustable backpack straps for convenient hands-free carrying
The Britax Car Seat Travel Bag
This lightweight but sturdy backpack style carrier will protect your childrens’ car seats from dirt, pollution and other contaminants when traveling through airports. Made out of durable polyester material it includes straps on either side so that you are able to carry it over your shoulders while still being hands-free.
It also has wheels and a strong base so you can wheel it to your gate rather than carry it. Plus it folds flat when not in use.
- Water resistant car seat travel bag with builtin wheels and durable, reinforced rubberized base
- Adjustable, padded backpack style shoulder straps and multiple carry handles for easy transport
- Luggage ID holder, wide double zipper opening, and storage pouch to protect shoulder straps
Lightweight Style Car Seat Travel Bags
Gorilla Grip Car Seat Bag with Pouch and Luggage Tag,
This is our budget pick for car seat travel bags!
If you are interested in a car seat travel bag that is inexpensive and still will keep your car seat clean you might like the Gorilla Grip car seat Bag. with Pouch and Luggage Tag. This is a slightly different style than the others mentioned as it is just a large rip proof bag.
It also includes a pouch to put other items in such as blankets or snacks for children. It comes with its own luggage tag making it easy to find it if it gets lost.
Alnoor Car Seat Travel Bag
The Alnoor car seat travel bag is a lightweight backpack style that can be worn on your back or over the shoulder. It should accommodate any size or style of car seat on the market.
It is bright orange so it is easy to find on the luggage carousel and it is large enough to carry a stroller as well.
- HIGH QUALITY PROTECTION FOR YOUR CAR SEAT - Avoid the dirt and grease and weather in loading bays and airport tarmac. If ever needed, this car seat travel bag...
- BRIGHT ORANGE AND EASY TO SPOT - this car seat gate check bag universally fits most size car seats. This bag measures are 36" long X 18" high X 18" deep. It...
- CLEAN WELL FITTED CAR SEAT = HAPPY CHILDREN! - This carseat bag will also protect your investment in that very expensive car seat which may otherwise be prone...
I hope this helps you find a car seat travel bag that will work for you and your family. I know it seems like one more things but the price of a travel bag is nothing compared to the price of a brand new car seat.
If you are interested in other baby travel content please check out the following posts.
Help your child sleep on a flight.
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Last update on 2024-12-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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