Flying with infant for the first time - helpful tips?

[Anonymous]

I'm flying with my 2-month old for the first time this week, on Southwest from BWI. I'll be by myself with him, planning to take the car seat and snap-and-go through security and check both at the gate. Do I need a bag for the car seat? I don't want to deal with taking it onto the plane, even if there's room, b/c he hates being in it and will be much happier in my arms.

Any tips for getting through security and onto the flight? I'm stressed out about everything I'll need to juggle.

He doesn't really like being in any of the carriers I have (Bjorn, Hot Sling, or Baby Ktan).

Thanks!!

[Anonymous]

I'd bag the carseat only b/c they're not at all gentle with the gear and it could get beat up. Also, if it's raining at your destination it will get wet as they bring it up. Getting through security stinks so just take a deep breath, don't feel rushed and do what you have to do. Don't expect anyone to help you and then you may be pleasantly surprised if someone does. They most likely will make you take any shoes (if you have them that small) off the baby but not socks. I'd use a backpack and put that up on the conveyor first, followed by your shoes, the stroller and then take the baby out and put the carseat up. Then you can walk through and get reassembled on the far side. Remember the liquids/powders/gels rule and have the stuff bagged before you get there and notify them of what/if any you have. If you bottle feed pack more formula then you think you need in case there are flight delays and pack at least an extra outfit in case of a blow-out. That's all I can think of!

[Anonymous]

Seriously, do NOT bag the car seat. You'll need it even to get into a taxi at your destination, or if you rent a car. Yes, you can get a bag for it, or you can carry baby in the Bjorn/Ergo, and put the car seat in the snap n go, and use it to carry your purse, backpack, etc.
Albee Baby.com has a sale on travel gear for strollers/car seats right now, fyi.

Is it too late to buy a seat for the baby on the plane? Maybe inconvenient, expensive, and maybe he's more comfy in your arms, but it's VERY unsafe. You simply won't have the strength to hold him in case of unanticipated turbulence, which most turbulence is.

There are a lot of posts on this board about travel with an infant, search for those.

[Anonymous]

I highly recommend a bag if you plan to gate check your car seat.

http://www.target.com/Gate-Check-Car-Seat-Bag/dp/B000RRD7UG/sr=1-1/qid=1249857985/ref=sr_1_1/186-9123573-7277201?ie=UTF8&search-alias=tgt-index&frombrowse=0&index=target&rh=k%3Agate%20check%20bag&page=1

Love this bag. It folds very small and easily fits in a diaper bag. The bag will get dirty, but better that than the car seat.

And don't let any of the alarmists try to make you feel guilty for not spending the extra money on a seat for your baby. You are the parent. It's your choice. FWIW, 6 flights in 15 months and have yet to buy a seat for DC. Some will say I'm a negligent mother. I say I made a choice I'm comfortable with.

[Anonymous]

http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/infants.html

Southwest is an airline that still offers infant fares. Infant tickets need to be booked by phone.