Travel with Children - Where can I buy a car seat near CDG Paris?

Hi all.

First some background. Our family with 3 kids (2,4,6) is wanting to fly into CDG and out of FRA in June / July 2012. Plan on a one-way car hire, maybe with Sixt. Haven't booked the airfares yet, I need to figure out the car seat issue first.

However, going on previous experience, I have a strong feeling that they will refuse to hire car seats for the kids. We have had this once before with Europcar - they say they won't get the seats back if its a one-way rental.

Question one was: Anyone else successfully done a one way car rental between countries and hired a car seat? Who with?

Question two: I think I need a back-up plan. We will be taking a UK car seat with us for the 2 year old. But I'd love to know where we could buy 2 booster seats for the 4 (17kg) and 6 (19kg) year olds. I was thinking maybe I could take 2 small booster cushions in case, and use these to drive to somewhere to buy 2 proper backed boosters.

I'd love any advice!

Sue

PS Coming from Australia, which means I don't think we can take our car seats, as they require anchor points.

I have no idea about car seat rental because it's simply too expensive to rent.

As far as I know those small booster cushions are OK to use in Europe as long as your kids are over 15kg. Also if you are only staying for a short period of time then there should not be an issue.

If you decided to buy car seats, I know Carrefour sells them. There are a couple of them close to CDG, one of them can be reached by RER. You need to take the train from CDG to Gare de Sevran - Beaudottes, and the mall is right by the station.

Are you willing to consider ordering seats before you leave and bringing them with you?

There is a seat what would be appropriate for the older child, called the Bubble Bum. It's actually an inflatable booster seat. It wouldn't be a great choice for the younger child, though.
http://www.amazon.com/BubbleBum-Inflatable-Booster-Car-Seat/dp/B003GQ0LQ8

Here's a folding high back booster that is a good option for the 4yo.
http://www.amazon.com/First-Years-Compass-Adjustable-Folding/dp/B000JDM0VA

Have you looked at the Trunki boostapak - not tried it personally, but definitely worth a look.
http://www.boostapak.com/home.html

Have the seats shipped to the rental location - ask them if that's on option.

Thanks for all the ideas, especially the information about places near CDG to buy car seats.

Unfortunately being in Australia means that Amazon won't (can't I think by law) ship car seats here. But I do appreciate the suggestions, maybe I could find a forwarding company to assist.

Sue

By the way, anchor points (lower, not upper) are standard on European autos, too, so your seats will likely work fine. The only big difference (between Europe and USA, that is) is that they in Europe often don't have the locking, retracting seatbelts.

Unfortunately being in Australia means that Amazon won't (can't I think by law) ship car seats here.

Sue

You can buy it on-line in France.

Does this help?

http://www.amazon.fr/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_4?__mk_fr_FR=%C5M%C5Z%D5%D1&url=search-alias%3Dbaby&field-keywords=siege+auto+groupe+2+3&sprefix=sieg%2Cbaby%2C215

Also, I used to work at CDG and there were a bunch of what the French call "Grande Surfaces", large warehouse-style stores like Ikea, not far.

I recommend using public transport to your hotel in Paris (assuming you're staying there), seeing the city and then only renting once you're on your way out. You really don't want to drive in Paris. I have a French driver's license (done here 10 years ago), lived in Paris for 2 1/2 years and I don't drive in Paris. I'm very used to French roads and rules and when I step in the City of Lights, I also step on the Metro...

That would give you a little time to buy the seats on your own. I'm sure you can find them at Chatelet Les Halles.

If not, find out if the hotel will keep a package for you.

What are "anchor points"? Do you mean LATCH/Isofix? They have that in Europe (called Isofix).

There are actually retracting, locking seat belts but not on all cars. My husband's Lexus has them (big surprise!) Bring a locking clip so you're covered.

Try to use the 2 year old's seat on board. If you can't, be sure to gate check it. Don't check it as luggage. It may not be there, or in useable shape if it does make it. The airlines are really harsh on car seats (all luggage, really).

Do you have the Ride Safer Travel Vest in Australia? This is a good alternative for a car seat.

http://www.safetrafficsystem.com/

Not sure of legalities but it would be much safer for the 4 year old, who is really at the bottom of the recommended weight and age for a booster.

Do you have the Ride Safer Travel Vest in Australia? This is a good alternative for a car seat.

http://www.safetrafficsystem.com/

Not sure of legalities but it would be much safer for the 4 year old, who is really at the bottom of the recommended weight and age for a booster.

I hadn't heard of these - looks like a good travel alternative. They sell them on Amazon, although they are as expensive as a good car seat.

They basically are a car seat alternative. They're also a good solution for car pooling, grandparents, etc. I prefer recommending products that are good for more than just travel.