Most car seats can be installed with a belt or latch system.  When you travel and leave your base behind you’re typically forced to use the belt system.  This is typically not a big deal if you’re not going to be in and out of the car a lot.  However, it will definitely be a problem for your little one if you’re going lots of places in a single day.  Here’s our story:

We’re relocating to another state and need to find a new home.  On our first trip we didn’t bring the car seat base and the belt rubbed against our son’s legs when we took him in and out of the car seat.  On our second trip we brought the car seat base and it was much easier.  He was able to take his naps and be comfortable; I got my exercise as I took the car seat (with baby inside) in and out of the car to look at houses.

By far this was the best way and I highly recommend it.

So, don’t just bring the car seat – bring the base too!