Need advice for too-short layover with infant

[Anonymous]

Hi. DH and I are taking DD on a trip to the Caribbean in just a few weeks. Our flight was changed and now we only have 45 minutes to transfer in Miami. If our plane is late, we are screwed...I have two main questions:

1. If we do make the connection and I need to change DD on the 2nd leg b/c there was no time during the layover, how/where do I do this?

2. As far as strollers go, we are now worried about waiting at the plane door to retrieve our stroller. We are thinking of ditching the stroller in the airport and checking a cheap stroller that we won't care about if it gets knocked around...Is this a wise idea that would save us time (to just carry DD to the connecting flight?) If so, what cheap umbrella-type stroller would you recommend to check? DD is 21 lbs., 9 months.

I am grateful for any and all advice! I am nervous about not getting to go on this much-needed vacation...And to anticipate the question, yes, we've already talked to the airlines. We are flying with a partner on miles, and there is nothing we can do about this...

[Anonymous]

I've connected in Miami a couple of times enroute to Caribbean. First, it is a big airport, I'd be anxious too. For diaper changing, there is a board that comes down from the wall in the bathroom (pull down on top of toilet.) If I could change a 2 year old in there kicking me all the way you should be fine. If I had an infant and hubby was in next seat and it was just pee I would change baby right there but maybe others will think its gross. As far as the stroller goes, if you had toddler I'd say you really need the stroller, if baby is very small just wearing baby would be fine I'd say. But usually the strollers do come out quite quickly from my experience when you gate check. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've connected in Miami a couple of times enroute to Caribbean. First, it is a big airport, I'd be anxious too. For diaper changing, there is a board that comes down from the wall in the bathroom (pull down on top of toilet.) If I could change a 2 year old in there kicking me all the way you should be fine. If I had an infant and hubby was in next seat and it was just pee I would change baby right there but maybe others will think its gross. As far as the stroller goes, if you had toddler I'd say you really need the stroller, if baby is very small just wearing baby would be fine I'd say. But usually the strollers do come out quite quickly from my experience when you gate check. Good luck!

yes, the strollers do come out quickly since they are gate checked and thrown on top (I mean "placed gently" on top) of the packed luggage. So, they are the first things off once the plane is connected to the terminal.

You don't say how old your child is...but can you change him/her right before you land and therefore, don't have to worry about it and being frazzled rushing to the plane, getting into your seat, buckled in, etc. Just a thought. But yes, the bathrooms, as tiny as they are, are adequate for diaper changing.

[Anonymous]

Be prepared for missing the flight - check and see if and when the next flight departs so you can immediately go to a gate agent or call the 800# to be placed on the next flight out. Since it was the airlines that changed the time, then you should not be liable for food and hotel costs if they can't get you on a later flight the same day.

As for changing the diaper - some planes do not have a changing table in the bathroom. With a 9 month old, you should be able to change him on your lap at your seat. I had a 16 month old and managed to do this but had to resort to a blanket on the floor neear the flight attendant area for a grose poo diaper change. You gotta do what you gotta do. Just try and be as discreet as possible.

With a 9 month old, you can easily do with one of those $10 umbrella strollers - we bougt one over a year ago for a trip and it is still holding up and we use it constantly! The only thing I'd worry about is having a cover to protect from the sun, but a hat should work. Also, we have gate checked our stroller a few times and it has always been waiting for us by the time we got off the plane. If you are still worried - check the stroller all the way through and use a bjorn.

[Anonymous]

OP here...Thanks everyone for the input. One more question: do we need to bring DD's carseat for taxi rides at our destination? I wasn't planning to bring this (and check it) since DD will sit on my lap, but now I am concerned about the safety issue.

What have others done? We don't plan to take many taxi rides but I wouldn't want to take unnecessary risks. (Yes, I know that having her on our lap in and of itself is a risk...)

[Anonymous]

Some will disagree--but we did not bring carseat for son. We stayed at a resort that was 10 minutes from airport and we rode in a shuttle. This shuttle did not even have seatbelts so keep in mind that US safety is very different other places. If you do bring it, you could check it to final destination.

[Anonymous]

Another suggestion is to call the airline ahead of time and see if you can get seats at the front of the plane. Many flights consign families to the baby ghetto at the back of the plane. Explain you have a tight connection and asked to be moved.

[Anonymous]

We never travel with our McLaren Stroller after it got damaged one time. Like someone else, I bought one of those cheapie umbrella ones for $15 bucks and we use that in airports. They are tiny and very easy to travel with.

[Anonymous]

Check the laws of the country you are visiting regarding car seats. Your hotel may be able to assist with renting one once you have arrived. Better safe than sorry.