Traveling with baby

orangegoggles · February 2013

Would you plan a beach trip with a 3 mo. old? I wouldn't normally but my sister asked us to rent a house with her family (3 kids: 1 1/2, 3, and 6). The house is right on the beach so I'd be able to easily get to the house to put baby down/feed/etc. They will be driving but we will need to fly.

I really want to go because I rarely get to see my sister and her kids as we live in different states. It will be a very kid friendly trip (coming in for naps, snack time, early nights, etc.)Also, we would be going at the end of March which is my DH's slow season (well basically he's only slow 3-4 weeks) and he owns his own business which means traveling other times of the year are really difficult plus we are already going to a friend's destination wedding in August.

My sister would be willing to bring some things I need in her car. She has a 1 year old and could probably bring a RNP for me but like I said with 3 kids...her suv is pretty full!

Here are some of my concerns:

What to bring on the airplane as far as large items? Carseat? Stroller? Do they let you bring these things on the plane as long as I gate check it?

Not sure how I feel about a 3 mo being exposed to airplane germs, what if he got sick down there? I EBF which I know helps a lot but...

We are going to northern FL so it won't be crazy warm but how would I keep LO cool? Get one of those beach tent things? How long could he stay out before needing a break?

What would I do with the baby in the house if I don't have a bouncer, play mat, swing, etc. Wouldn't someone always have to hold him if he wasn't sleeping?

Ugh...I feel like I am overthinking this but I'm curious...wwyd? Have you ever traveled with a 3 month old? Suggestions?

MickeyM04 · February 2013

Personally I would not travel with a 3 month old but I have crazy anxiety issues (I didn't leave my house for the first 8 weeks since if they spike a 100.4 fever at less than 8 weeks, it's an automatic hospital admission, spinal tap, etc.) and I also was really shy about BFing anywhere other than in the comfort of my own house. That being said, I did travel with DS when he was 5 months old and again when he was 8 months old, and both times he was fine so I probably wouldn't listen to me.

You can gate check the stroller. For the car seat, do you have the carrier kind that snaps into a base? You can bring those on the plane IF you buy a seat for LO or if the plane isn't full. Otherwise the carrier car seats get gate checked. Anything else I believe has to be checked at the ticket counter (which makes sense because why would you lug a car seat through the airport anyway, right?) although they may let you gate check it, I'm not 100% on that.

I really can't help you on the beach thing as both travel destinations we went to were cold, but during the summer I always just kept DS in just a short sleeve onesie and in the shade. I would get an umbrella or something you can keep him shaded in. I think I read somewhere that if feet feel warm, baby is overheated. You want feet and ears to be slightly cool to the touch. So I think I would use that as a guage as to when to take him in.

I'm not sure what you could do in the house without a bouncer, etc. When we traveled, DS was old enough to put on a bed and let him roll around. You could also use a car seat carrier (if that's what you have) as a pseudo bouncer. It also would be really easy to just pack a few blankets and lay them on the floor.

Honestly, if it were me, I would wait a couple more months, but like I said, if you do decide to do it, it's pretty manageable. Just be prepared to bring A LOT of stuff.

big_noise · February 2013

Since your baby is already here and you are even considering it, I say go. I caution people who don't yet have the baby from planning such trips b/c they don't yet know how the baby's going to be (or even sure if it will be healthy but that's the after-loss brain talking, so I leave that out). This, to me, sounds do-able and could be a really nice getaway. I flew with DD when she was 6 months so I can't speak to one a bit younger but I do know they are more likely to sleep on the plane when they are younger. Nursing during take-off and landing really helps. What airline would you fly? Southwest is nice b/c you can bring your car seat with you and if there is space on the plane, your LO can sit in the car seat next to you. I did this on the way there, but on the way home, DD had to sit in my lap.

As for baby stuff, that is challenging b/c you're so limited with space. I would see what your sister can cram in for you and if there is something you really need, look for a place to rent it. There are places that rent baby gear and any beach town is very likely to have one. When I traveled with DD we went to Phoenix and I found a couple of places for renting. We ended up not needing it though b/c my parents had some friends wintering there and they had a connection with some friends who had grandkids so we were able to borrow a crib, etc.

Airlines will also often let you check baby gear for free, so read up on the policy of the airline you will likely fly.

HTH!

orangegoggles · February 2013

Peanut2929:
You can gate check the stroller. For the car seat, do you have the carrier kind that snaps into a base? You can bring those on the plane IF you buy a seat for LO or if the plane isn't full. Otherwise the carrier car seats get gate checked. Anything else I believe has to be checked at the ticket counter (which makes sense because why would you lug a car seat through the airport anyway, right?) although they may let you gate check it, I'm not 100% on that.
Honestly, if it were me, I would wait a couple more months, but like I said, if you do decide to do it, it's pretty manageable. Just be prepared to bring A LOT of stuff.

Yes we do have the carrier kind of carseat.

Yea I would prefer to wait a bit but between my H's work schedule and the chance to see my sister and her kids...I think we'll probably make the trip. Thanks for the suggestions!

orangegoggles · February 2013

big_noise:
Since your baby is already here and you are even considering it, I say go. I caution people who don't yet have the baby from planning such trips b/c they don't yet know how the baby's going to be (or even sure if it will be healthy but that's the after-loss brain talking, so I leave that out). This, to me, sounds do-able and could be a really nice getaway. I flew with DD when she was 6 months so I can't speak to one a bit younger but I do know they are more likely to sleep on the plane when they are younger. Nursing during take-off and landing really helps. What airline would you fly? Southwest is nice b/c you can bring your car seat with you and if there is space on the plane, your LO can sit in the car seat next to you.

I'm hoping it will be a nice getaway. We want to fly southwest because we like it and know that its pretty family friendly. They are having a sale right now too

orangegoggles · February 2013

theresat858:
You can check the carseat and the stroller, OR you can rent a carseat if you are renting a car somewhere - but for a 3mo old at the beach you will probably want the infant seat so that you can use it as a basinette/sunshade while on the beach.
I wouldn't worry about the germs so much.
The heat isn't going to be an issue so much as the sun... we got the ok from our pedi to use sunscreen (baby stuff that's only zinc/titatanium dioxide, not chemical blockers) at 2 months - when you live in San Diego and it's a summer baby it's kind of necessary. But to wash off when we got back inside. Just keep baby in a diaper and onesie or just a diaper if it's really hot. A beach tent might be helpful for the sun issue but tricky to travel with - but if LO sleeps in the carseat the shade on that with a blanket thrown over the top would be fine.
A blanket on the floor is a good sub for a playmat -just bring a few toys and you can do tummy time. My LO never was in the swing other than sleeping, and hated the bouncer by 8 weeks...
Stick a boob in baby's mouth during take off and landing - the sucking helps keep their ears from having pressure issues.

Thanks for the advice (especially about the sun). I think we will give it a shot. My sister and BIL think it will be pretty easy at this age but they have 3 kids and are experts now haha. I think it should work out ok.

MrsRiceARoni · February 2013

We are flying with Southwest next week and they do allow you to bring the car seat and stroller for free, and we can check them at the gate but any other items count as luggage so if you were bringing something like a PnP or RnP they will count towards your two free bags.

FmrAFBrat · February 2013

We traveled with Landon when he was 6 months old to my brothers destination wedding in Florida. I think the big thing is making sure you have everything packed & easy to find. Also they will probably check your diaper bag -so be prepared for that if you have any fluids you need to travel with. I would pack 3 outfits and a days worth of diapers & supplies for the day when you are flying-since you can't control delays. He was older so by that point we had to pack baby food so I had my "big" diaper bag with me.

If you can get diapers & wipes sent ahead of time to your destination. Do that. That way they are there and waiting. We actually paid extra to check an extra bag with enough diapers & wipes for the trip, as well as blankets & toys to keep him entertained.

We also had stuff like sunscreen and hats packed for him as well. We took our stroller (Uppababy G-luxe with a gate check bag) and rented an infant carrier carseat with our rental car (since I did not feel confident checking our seat with our luggage). The seats at the rental car looked new-however they were very basic (& not as nice as what I have). The stroller came in great between our flights and on our trip. Our stroller has a UV shade so we kept him in that most of the trip with his hat & sunglasses. It also reclined for his naps. We played with him in the hotel room & he was actually fine with a few toys.

I would think if you had a snap & go they would let you check that & your carseat at the gate. It was my understanding that the only way you could keep your carseat is if you paid for an additional seat. You may want to check with the airline, because they do have limits on what you can gate check.

I don't think you will need as much as you think. Plus people are always wanting to play with the baby on family trips. You'll be fine.

orangegoggles · February 2013

MrsRiceARoni:
We are flying with Southwest next week and they do allow you to bring the car seat and stroller for free, and we can check them at the gate but any other items count as luggage so if you were bringing something like a PnP or RnP they will count towards your two free bags.

Thank you! Very helpful

orangegoggles · February 2013

bethanyreese:
We traveled with Landon when he was 6 months old to my brothers destination wedding in Florida. I think the big thing is making sure you have everything packed & easy to find. Also they will probably check your diaper bag -so be prepared for that if you have any fluids you need to travel with. I would pack 3 outfits and a days worth of diapers & supplies for the day when you are flying-since you can't control delays. He was older so by that point we had to pack baby food so I had my "big" diaper bag with me.

If you can get diapers & wipes sent ahead of time to your destination. Do that. That way they are there and waiting. We actually paid extra to check an extra bag with enough diapers & wipes for the trip, as well as blankets & toys to keep him entertained.

We also had stuff like sunscreen and hats packed for him as well. We took our stroller (Uppababy G-luxe with a gate check bag) and rented an infant carrier carseat with our rental car (since I did not feel confident checking our seat with our luggage). The seats at the rental car looked new-however they were very basic (& not as nice as what I have). The stroller came in great between our flights and on our trip. Our stroller has a UV shade so we kept him in that most of the trip with his hat & sunglasses. It also reclined for his naps. We played with him in the hotel room & he was actually fine with a few toys.

I would think if you had a snap & go they would let you check that & your carseat at the gate. It was my understanding that the only way you could keep your carseat is if you paid for an additional seat. You may want to check with the airline, because they do have limits on what you can gate check.

I don't think you will need as much as you think. Plus people are always wanting to play with the baby on family trips. You'll be fine.

Thanks for the advice!

4legsRbest · February 2013

The beaches we go to always have baby rental places. Everything is bleached after and before each use and they usually drop it off before we arrive so it is there and set up when we walk in. We used it for my sister's kids several times - they literally have anything you can imagine, including tents for kids and rocking chairs - literally anything you can think of!

I took my LO out at 4 days old b/c I hate being locked in my house. We will travel on a plane with him at 3, 4 and 6 months old. I am not worried, I think it is better to get them out an about after initial vacs and I also BF so I feel better about that too.

No idea on traveling with car seats, but I also know you can rent those from any car rental place at your destination airport. hope you have fun!!

Teresa1896 · February 2013

Sounds like you've already been given awesome advice! I will chime in that we've flown with Southwest a few times and have gotten DD her own seat. She's a skinny Minnie and could still fit into the infant seat, so we brought along the snap n go stroller. Very easy to navigate around the airport and easily checked at the gate.

I'm jealous of your trip! Sounds like tons of fun. I know I always get stressed about the details of planning for something like that, but then once I get there it all works out. If you end up needing a swing, you could buy one at consignment or something, and then resell.

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