To bring the carseat or not?

[Anonymous]

We are traveling to other side of the other world to see the grandparents. (2 flights totally 20 hours of flying each way). We have bought our 11 month old DS who is making stabs at walking a seat. He is still small and in the infant carrier car seat -- which we wouldn't bring because airline rules states that for rear facing seats, one parent has to sit in front of the child. So, we'd need to get the next size forward facing car seat.

Given the length of travel, is it better to have the car seat or the additional room?

[Anonymous]

sorry for all the typos.

[Anonymous]

I just flew internationally. Ask for bulk head seats. You can then sit next to child. I am not sure about someone having to sit in front of child. never heard of that. You could also request a bassinet for your baby in bulk head seating. attaches to the bulk head. No way in hell would I not bring the car seat on board. I would bring the one you use. It can be put in either way, who cares if it is forward or not, your in an airplane, not a car. It is just sitting in the seat. good luck

[Anonymous]

When we called to request a bassinette, the airline is the one that confirmed its policy on rear facing car seats (which currently is the only one we have). In addition, its policy is car seat OR bassinette.

[Anonymous]

While I have never been on a flight that long, I'd want the car seat. I know my child would sleep better in a car seat, you'll have your hands free to feed her and play with her, and you'll be able to get rest.

[Anonymous]

It's an investment, but highly recommend a sit-n-stroll brand combination forward/rear facing car seat and stroller. Works extremely well for us on short and long flights. Ours have been around the world a few times since our kids could sit up on their own.

It's FAA approved, fits through x-ray machines, you don't need to sit in front or get bulkhead in advance. Eliminates need to wait for separate gate-checked or luggage checked stroller. Helps avoid uncertainty of various airline policies and seat compatibility.

Be aware, unfortunately airlines cannot 100% guarantee bulkhead or basinette even if DC has a ticket. Despite what they may tell you. So while sit-n-stroll is not perfect, for our somewhat frequent flyer family, it has been a reliable way to keep a bit of our sanity by having less stuff.

Hope trip goes well.

[Anonymous]

I would buy a convertible seat--you'll need one soon enough anyway. Install it rear facing in your car before the trip so your child gets used to it, and then bring it on the plane. Holding a child even on a short flight gets uncomfortable pretty fast.
Agree that if you're going to be travelling a lot, the sit and stroll makes sense.

[Anonymous]

I've flown a lot (Japan, Europe) w/ages 3 months+, using many gear configurations. A few observations:

1) I also have never heard about the rear-facing infant seat being a problem, didn't experience this, but agree it's time to invest in another seat anyway. The improved sleep for baby alone will be worth the $, plus of course you get to keep the seat for car purposes.

2) Sit 'n stroll is OK, but do be aware, if you haven't tried one, that it's a compromise product: the seat is less comfortable for your child than a regular car seat, and the stroller is less sturdy than a regular stroller. Still, I've used it and it's quite serviceable (kind of heavy though).

3) What I've done more recently (with 2 kids) is just take their regular convertible car seats, loosen the straps so I can carry one on my back, toss the other one on top of our (double) stroller along with bags & etc, and stagger thru the airport while my wife herds the children. It's an ordeal, but we get there with the equipment we need and want (fits right, functions reliably), & when we travel we typically stay long enough that the airport misery is worth it. Plus people in the airport treat you better when they see the suffering etched on your face.

[Anonymous]

As a foreigner living here, I've traveled a lot with my two kids since they were infants, and never have brought a car seat. I woudl either check it in, or have grandparents buy one locally and wait with it at the airport. I prefer kids to have more room, and be able to recline. Or, a bassinett for under one year of age.

[Anonymous]

Definitely take the carseat. Your child will hopefully sleep for extended periods and the carseat is more comfy for them. We recently had 24 hours of flying with the kids and our then 10 mo slept most of the way. If he were in a regular seat of being held, there is no way he (or I!) would have been so relaxed.

I've also never heard of the "no rear facing" rule. However, on international flights with American carriers I have always had complaints from flight attendants if I have a rear-facing car seat. I print out FAA regulations and hand them over, and let them deal with the person in front of me. If you fly any US Airline, you are permitted to have rear-facing carseats - go with the FAA, not with what the airline tells you. Don't know about foreign airlines.

[Anonymous]

At that age, a convertible carseat is the option we used. Cumbersome to carry, but most comfortable for the baby.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks everyone. Convertible car seat it is.

Oh, and as for the policy on rear facing car seats, we are not flying with a U.S. airline and rear facing car seats are not the norm in the country.

[Anonymous]

Be careful on which converible you buy. The Britax Marathon, I believe, does not fit. The Roundabouts are fine.