plane ride with a 2 1/2 year old, help?

ohitsalex

My little one is very rambunctious I'm more concerned about what type of travel gear I should purchase, should I buy a new car seat thats small enough to check-in for our rental car or just use a booster seat? and should we bother with a stroller. 

Any tips, advice will HELP so much!  Thanks! 

minervacullen

You should use the seat he uses already on board the plane. That way he's safe and still rearfacing and you have your seat without risk of damage.
He's many many years from a booster. Most kids aren't booster ready until 6-7ish.

If you want buy a less expensive seat for the flight and trip and he isn't above the height limit I've seen CPSTs recommend the Serena for travel.

Good luck!

redhead610

Use the seat you already have on the plane. Then you won't have to deal with checking, gate checking, or renting a car seat at your destination (all of which are not good ideas). I would recommend bringing an umbrella stroller. Would you need it at your destination as well? It will be very helpful in the airport.

lana22

My son was just under 2 and we threw a booster under him. We rented a carseat. He was fine.

My advice is small new toys, snacks, coloring, snacks, new books, snacks, old books, snacks, etc. we flew four times in three weeks and he was great.

ASmallWonder

You cannot use boosters on planes.

AppleJacks81

We bought an inexpensive lightweight evenflo car seat for the rental car, and checked it with the luggage - most of not all airlines will allow you to check car seats and strollers for free. I bought one of the Jeep car seat bags to cover it. When we take a stroller we check it at the gate just before getting on the plane. It's there waiting for you when you get off. If your kid is fidgety and won't ride in it at the airport (like ours), then we use it as a mini luggage cart.