I feel like I'm a pro at this but things that we need for my two boys change as they get older. This time we will need a car seat and a booster for our trip to the U.S. in a month or so. My husband thinks we should just rent from the car rental place, but I hear a lot of horror stories about broken pieces or just really nasty seats or, worse, unavailable even after reserving them. My plan right now is to buy a cheap (but safe) convertible for my 2.5 year old and bring a booster (bubble bum or maybe even the Safety 1st Boostapak Belt-Positioning Booster (such a cool travel booster that I will have to purchase) for my almost 5.5 year old.

Do you have experience with renting convertible car seats from rental companies? If so, which company? My preference is to just bring our own, but I'd like to hear your experience to help make my decision. I'd rather buy and bring it but my husband thinks it's such a hassle. And, btw, I will be flying solo again on our way back but from the West Coast so a bit closer this time!