I need some tips on air travel with baby in tow. We’re headed to the beach in a little over a week and I’m mostly concerned with two things: fixing our umbrella stroller and finding a backpack to carry Livia in.
Our umbrella stroller works really well (yay for this $4 garage sale find), but the handles are too low to make it work comfortably for this 5’9″ mama. If anyone has a decent solution to this problem, preferably one that doesn’t involve duct tape, please let me know. Also, I like to use our Baby Bjorn for short distances (A&K, it’s been a great gift this past year, by the way) but I think a backpack would work better for this vacation. Again, any recommendations?
Finally, moms/dads/grandparents/nannies out there, feel free to offer advice on how to make travelling with baby a bit easier. We’ve done the roadtripping thing, but this is Livia’s first time flying the friendly skies.
8 Comments
kara Jun 19, 2005 10:07 PM
i CANNOT say enough about the snugli crossroads backpack. it is lightweight and very easy to use. it usually sells for about $30-$35 at places like target, but you might be able to find one at a second hand babystore somewhere – or put an add in the ‘want’ section of the classifieds. seriously, i cannot urge you enough to get this backpack.
good luck traveling with baby. i recommend bringing as little as possible (stroller, carseat, etc) with you as carry-on because, believe me, you will suddenly be more encumbered then ever before. also, my dad the pediatrician says that if she really freaks out about flying, kids benadryl is always safe to give and makes baby just sleepy enough…
mrscrumley Jun 20, 2005 7:13 AM
When I fly with Fuller, I try, try, try to have him hang on and give him a bottle when we take off. The sucking helps with the air pressure change. You can take the stroller with you to the gate and they will check it there. Then, when you get off the plane, the stroller will be waiting for you when you get off.
They do make extension handles for umbrella strollers. Try the onestepahead website or the babiesrus website.
Also, I try to put as much as I can that I will need in the airport and plane in one bag. So, diapers, wipes, my wallet, cell phone, toys (links are great!), formula, bottles, extra set of clothing, etc- all in my backpack.
Oh, and final thing. Is Livia still on formula? Last time we flew, the premade Similac formula was awesome. You can buy it in ready made 8 oz, pop top cans (like soda). Just shake and pour into a bottle. I found them at Wal-Mart. It makes it so much easier to not have to find water and risk spilling powder.
bobw Jun 20, 2005 8:39 AM
funny, I was just about to do a post with the same title, tho we are road tripping it.
in our limited experience, flying is much easier on the kid than driving, since he didnt have to be strapped in (and it was much quicker). he was free to bounce in our laps and whatnot. if course he wasnt quite as mobile.
another cool thing about flying that we didnt realize initially is that diaper bags and strollers dont count against your carry-on limit. at least with the airline we flew. this made packing much less stressful, but of couse you’ve gotta drag all that stuff everywhere. but we managed to hang or stuff everything on or into the stroller.
RT Jun 20, 2005 2:27 PM
Thanks, all, for the advice! Kara, I will definitely look into that Snugli… I think a friend has one, so I might borrow it for this trip. And then, if I have $ leftover to spend, perhaps I’ll buy it for myself then!
mrsc, Livia’s drinking whole milk these days (switched over right before turning 1), which makes travelling a bit tougher. How in the world do I keep fresh milk on hand for a long day of travelling? Hm. Once we get there we’ll buy some and store it in a cooler.
Bob, the good thing about car travel is that my kid’s noise will only bother me. : / Livia’s usually content in her carseat, though, so I’m hoping she’ll be extra cute and mostly quiet on the plane ride. We purchased a seat for her and we’re taking along her carseat so we don’t have to rent one when we hit our destination.
One final question, do all airlines check your stroller for you? I’m a bit nervous that Delta will refuse to hold the Graco for us. I’d rather take the delux-o stroller than the umbrella one, which tend to break my back. I’ve only heard mediocre reviews on the handle extenders… Not sure if I want to buy those or not.
bobw Jun 20, 2005 3:20 PM
yeah, bring the real stroller. they check it at the gate for you, so you’ll have it as soon as you get off the plane. maybe check with your airline to be sure of their policies.
Kristen Jun 21, 2005 9:18 AM
The Ergo is a soft backpack that folds up really small and gets RAVE reviews. They have an insane resale value on ebay and http://www.myfavoritebabycarrier.com/ has a money back guarantee. We’re planning on getting one for hiking and long trips. A sling or pouch is cheaper and still works a lot better than carrying with your arms until about 30 pounds. I use mine all the time.
We didn’t bring our stroller when we flew either trip since Kate was born, just used the sling in the airport (which worked great) and then borrowed a stroller at the destination. Less wear and tear on our stroller and less to haul around the airport. We did gate-check the carseat one time, though. The other time, we had a carseat borrowed and ready for us on arrival. Borrowing was easier!
RT Jun 21, 2005 4:10 PM
I’d love to borrow a carseat and stroller, but alas, we’re going to a destination where we know no one. Looks like we’re going to be hauling baby gear!
I had every intention of using the sling with Livia, then just never made the effort to find one. Next child perhaps…
Kristen Jun 21, 2005 7:45 PM
Rebecca,
LMK when you are expecting another. I can make you a sling or pouch at a blogging friend discount. I’m making a lot these days. I’ve got 5 in queue and two more in negotiations.