travelling with three little ones -- gear question

[Anonymous]

Next month we have to travel to a family wedding in a Midwestern city with no public transportation, with our three kids (ages 4, 2 and 2). I'm not so worried about the flight, since it's only a few hours. But how do we manage all the gear -- three car seats and a double stroller? Any tips or tricks? Our car seats fold flat but are heavy (Diono Radians). Should I buy three cheap lighter ones or just take the radians? Ditto the stroller, a britax b-agile. Should I get a really cheap double umbrella stroller? I hate to spend the money for a three-day trip if I don't have to, but the idea of lugging all of this through the airport, onto a shuttle van to the car rental agency, etc etc. is daunting.

[Anonymous]

Can 4 yo use a booster? You can also consider the Ride Safer Travel Vest for 4 yo. Another alternative is to carry the seats for the 2 year olds onto the plane, and rent a car with one seat/booster for the 4 yo, since they generally don't need them on the plane.

For the stroller, can in-laws borrow something for you at the other end?

I generally looped the car seat over the handles of the stroller to get it through the airport and used the car seat on the plane.

[Anonymous]

I would check all the car seats as luggage. Gate check the stroller. It will be okay.

[Anonymous]

I would definitely ask the in-laws if they can borrow a double stroller. Or buy a cheap one off of craigslist before you get there.

[Anonymous]

I would get two gogo babyz for the two year olds' car seats. They are awesome---attach to the back of the car seat and then you wheel the kids around in their seats. Agree about not using a seat for the 4 year old on the plane and getting a rental with booster or car seat, whichever is your preference. Don't bring a stroller of you can avoid it, or check it.

[Anonymous]

If you check your carseats make sure you check them in their original boxes or you could have damaged, unusable seats on arrival. Better idea, strap the car seats to luggage, bring them on the plane. Forget the stroller, they can walk for a few days! NEVER rent a carseat!

[Anonymous]

Rent a stroller on the other end if you must have it. But for a long weekend I might just suck it up.

[Anonymous]

Two adults, or just you?

If you have two adults, you don't lug the gear to the car rental. One parent goes to get the car; the other waits with the luggage and then picks you all up.

Also would suggest a booster for the 4yo, assuming they meet the weight requirements. How far do you have to drive? Boosters are fine for short drives but are not great if there's a chance the kid will drop off to sleep.

[Anonymous]

Can you just use cabs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can you just use cabs?

Cabs aren't magically safe for kids without car seats.

[Anonymous]

I know that, pp. But lots of us don't bother schlepping three car seats on a weekend trip. It's going to be very burdensome. I'd see if the in-laws can borrow some. Or rent a car and see if they can provide three seats. Or have the in-laws buy cheap ones they could turn around and sell or donate. The double stroller will be easy in comparison to the seats. Have you priced out how much it will cost to check them?

[Anonymous]

Car seat check is free. Curbside checkin is your friend.