Air Travel Tips?

PennyLane26 · September 2013

We are going to St. Thomas in 6 weeks! Yay! I've done a lot of planning for LOs first plane ride.

Here's what I'm thinking: Attach the car seat (Britax Chaperone) to the umbrella stroller (Britax B-Nimble) as a travel system and gate check both in bags. Also bring her Baby Bjorn as a carryon for easy transfer during our layover.

I will be using a crib from the hotel and bringing only the Boppy and playmat for infant "gear."

I was thinking of just leaving the stroller at home since we pretty much exclusively wear her, but it will be nice to have at the pool for naps/feeding time.

Any advice on what to bring and/or how to navigate the airport and plane ride?

TJ1979 · September 2013

I wore E through the airport (Moby.) They even let me wear her through security. They would not let me wear her during take off or landing, but they did let her sit in my lap. I nursed her throughout take off and landing to help with her ears. But a bottle or paci should do the same trick. The idea is to get them swallowing to help regulate the ear pressure. We brought a lot of quiet things that she likes to play with like books and stuff. On the way there, she slept and nursed the whole way. On the way back, she was awake the whole time. Oh, G will be 6 months by then, so you should definitely bring snacks - cheerios, crackers, whatever she likes that isn't too messy. And I don't know if you believe in electronics, but plane rides are a good time for some of those toddler crack apps to keep her occupied. GL to you and have an awesome time, I'm so jealous!

kmc84 · September 2013

Is it possible to buy a seat for DD? If you're not able to buy a seat, you can ask at the gate if there is an empty seat for her to use. Checking a car seat is not recommended at all due to the risk of damage to the seat that may not be detectable. DD will also be much safer in her car seat in the event of unexpected turbulence and during take off and landing (think of it as being in a car going 150 mph instead of 50mph). Not to mention it'll be nice for you to be able to set her down while she naps or so that you can eat or drink a bit easier.

Ever since I joined Car Seats for the Littles on FB, I've kind of become a car seat safety fiend

(I hope this doesn't sound judgey-that is not my intention at all!)

Other than that, have a fantastic time!

IBackBevo · September 2013

Of course, we didn't end up taking LO until the morning of (long story), but all we brought was a cheap Wal-Mart umbrella stroller and clothes, diapers and formula. They will have the stroller waiting when you get off the plane even for a lay over (we had two). But there are some requirements on the stroller size so depending on the size, you might think about that. I don't know about checking a carrier. We rented a car seat with the car rental company.

It was actually a lot easier to travel with LO than I would have thought. He liked the new surroundings.

mcgeeva · September 2013

I would do everything you said and just feed your lo or give a paci on the way up and on the way down to pop ears etc. It's makes it easier and you lo is at a perfect age for traveling so hopefully it will be a smooth trip.

mdiblasi10 · September 2013

You have a great plan and TJ covered everything else I would have suggested. We traveled with Grayson at 4 1/2 months old and it was easy peasy. Way easier than I expected. He slept or nursed the entire time, and was happy as a clam

I really believe 4 to 6 months is the perfect time to travel with a baby on an airplane. Have fun!

amandaleigh1 · September 2013

I have a small item to add: bring a pack and play sheet. Sometimes the hotel will supply one and sometime they do not. Best to be prepared

PennyLane26 · September 2013

All awesome suggestions!! Thanks girls!! I'm feeling very prepared.

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