Have read some ideas on whether or not to take a carseat...need more. We'll be in Aruba, Panama, Costa Rica and Grand Cayman and may rent a jeep in Aruba and go on an excursion in Costa Rica. Should I pack the carseat along or not? She'll be 7 1/2 months. What about from the airport to the cruise ship? Do the buses have seatbelts? Please help!

You wouldn't put a baby in a car without one in the US so why should any other place be different? It is for the safety of your child. If you plan on renting a Jeep in Aruba, check with the rental as most places will rent a carseat to you as well. As far as the buses go, I don't know if they have seatbelts or not. I know if I was bringing our daughter, I would be bringing her carseat.

Hope this helps!

We are traveling to Aruba with our 18 month old daughter and are planning to use taxis for transportation.

Will that be a problem?

No..we just did it with 3 grandkids..ages 12 months, 4 and 5. Depending where you are staying you may be within walking distance to many resterauants. Their parents had a stroller and we stayed at the marriott and walked to almost everyplace we ate..We also used the bus which is $2.00 round trip and the kids rode for free. We did not have car seats.

No seatbelts on busses, but plenty of kids.

Is she still in the baby car seat or has she moved on to the toddler car seat? Most baby car seats/carriers can actually be strapped in without the base and is a lighter and easier way to bring it along. We did that with our son the first time we brought him to Aruba. After that, we rented a car seat as we didn't want to lug it. They do weigh a lot. I would definately use something for her - you never know what can happen.
PS - I also read about those portable/travel car seats but after reading reviews about them, most people said that they weren't worth the money.
Kate

I'm so glad I could post a question so you all can have your little fights.

Charla,
Bring the seat and NO the buses do not have seat belts.

A bit more info is that, while most of the rental cars do have seat belts and will hold a baby seat, the four wheel drive vehicles tend to be bare on what might otherwise be considered as essentials.

Charles
arubafastphones.com

Better to go through the trouble of the carseat than having to say If I only brought the carseat............

Let's put it this way. Do you want her to make it to 81/2 ? I know it's a real pain but
WHAT IF..............Of all the things to leave home,that's not one of them.If nothing
happens you'll be saying See, we didn't need it. BUT WHAT IF.............