Rental car WWYD

[persa]

1) Full sized SUV (Chevy Tahoe or similar) vs Minivan (Dodge Caravan or similar, no automatic doors) for a week at the beach with 2 infant car seats and a harnessed booster
Caravan is cheaper by about $200

2) Husband is on my case about renting car seats because he feels like it will be so much hassle to travel with all the seats. We don't have tickets for the babies and I won't have DD in her car seat on the plane, just need them for the car rides. I'm not in favor of renting car seats because I don't feel like they can be trusted. What would be the easiest way to transport 2 infant car seats with bases and a harnessed booster?

Babies will be 6 months and the flight is less than 2.5 hrs and then we have to drive 2+ hrs once we arrive

[origami]

1. Either car is fine. I'd do the cheaper option.

2. I've rented car seats and it was fine but for a week long trip they would probably charge enough that buying new would be cheaper. Renting is the easiest IMO, but it's expensive and a little risky, like you say. Next easiest IMO is checking the seats at the curb/ticket counter. I would learn how to do a seatbelt install and not bring the bases because they're heavy. (If that's not an option then check the seats with the bases attached, in a bag.) If you are using a Snap n go type stroller then gate checking the seats & stroller would be easiest. If using a regular stroller then check the seats right away. You can get padded bags for them if you're concerned about dirt or damage.

[demandypants]

Minivan! And what origami said.

[twotrue]

Ditto origami. She is wise. At that age I used a snap n go so I gate checked the seats.

Sent from my SM-G900V using proboards

[trafficgirl]

I have never flown with our boys so I have no idea about the seats and checking vs renting

As for the car, I'd get a minivan. Even if it's not automatic doors, the sliding door will be useful in small parking spots.

[persa]

Thanks y'all. Ended up getting a killer deal on hot wire for a minivan and H is reluctantly on board with the car seats. I think we're going to leave the snap n gp at home and one of us will just go get the car with DD and come back around to pick up the other and the boys.