Air Travel with Infant

[Anonymous]

I'm a first time mom and I'm taking our 6 week old on her first flight next week, so I have a couple quick questions regarding the logistics of traveling with infant gear. I'll be going without my husband, so I'm trying to figure out the best approach to handling this solo. I'm thinking I'll go buy a travel bag with backpack straps for the car seat. I'm planning on sling carrying my DD, pulling my luggage (which I'll check), and gate checking the car seat (which I'll be carrying as a backpack until I get to the gate). Does this sound realistic? And this may be really stupid, but when traveling, do you guys bring the car seat base as well, or just strap them in the other way without the base? Is it even safe to drive without the base? I'd be happy for any advice you ladies have regarding air travel with an infant!!!!!

I do quite a bit of traveling, and I admit I'm one of those people who gets impatient standing in line behind clueless people in security. I'm already getting anxiety just thinking about the fact that I'm going to be one of those "clueless travelers" this time around! Thanks for any suggestions!

[Anonymous]

For an infant and car seat, my idea solo travel situation would be:

1) car seat only (no base)
2) snapped into a snap and go stroller (check at gate)
3) carry on bag (which functions as diaper bag)
4) one checked bag (preferably rolling luggage)
5) geeky document holder strung around my neck
6) easy on/off shoes
7) no lap top or other electronic devices

Next option would be one of those wheeled things that cart car seats around, but I don't know if they work for infant seats.
http://www.theportablebaby.com/gogokidz.html

[Anonymous]

ditto what PP said. that is exactly how we travel. except i bring a bjorn inmy carry on just in case. i have never used it in the aiport though.

[Anonymous]

read the instructions on your car seat to see if it is safe w/o base. Most are, but it is not obvious either how to install it.

[Anonymous]

I just took my infant on our first flight last week by myself. I found it easiest to check the car seat (I bought a bag for it at Babies R Us for about $20) and my suitcase, and carried my daughter in the baby bjorn. I just thought it was easier to get around the airport without the carseat or stroller. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I also recommend getting dropped off at the airport and have all your stuff put on the curb, then look as clueless as possible (not entirely necessary). But anyway, try to get one of those guys to help you with your luggage. I used to hate asking for help. Now I look around on purpose and flag people down and ask for help every chance I get. Even if you have your stuff figured out, a little help will go a long way if you can get it.

[Anonymous]

I would check the carseat. Unless you are using it in a snap-n-go stroller for the airport, or are using it on the plane, I would not carry it through the airport. I did the bjorn when my baby was little and it worked great. Just had a carryon/diaper bag with me.

[Anonymous]

I second 12:12, with the addition of an Ergo/Bjorn etc. From experience, I would not check the carseat. Continental didn't put ours on the plane and only had a front-facing loaner seat not suitable for a 2-month-old at my arrival airport. We were in a place where all stores close at 5 on Saturday - of course we arrived at 4 and trying to figure out where the carseat was and what to do about it took forever. No stores were open on Sunday, so we were SOL on a carseat and facing a 1.5 hour drive on an interstate-like highway. Not a fun decision.

Don't worry about being the clueless traveler. I'm like you and get impatient with everyone - except for a new mom and baby. People will cut you a lot of slack and those who don't can screw off!

[Anonymous]

curbside check-in! I'm always amazed how many people aren't aware or don't use it. You can get rid of your checked luggage quickly & only deal with what you have to carry.

I flew with a 9-week old & it went pretty well. I gate-checked the car seat and snap & go stroller. I didn't bring the base. If you do this, make sure to bring the locking clip to hold the car seat in without the base. I got a few looks from other travelers schlepping through the airport but all of the airline personel were extremely helpful. Good Luck

[Anonymous]

I did a solo trip with a 2 month old. I was totally worried about it, but it was fine. People were much more patient than helpful than I expected. I gate checked my infant seat and snap and go -- kept him in there (except for going through security) until we got to the end of the jetway. If you have an infant seat and will need a stroller at your destination, I really recommend gate checking both. You don't have to worry about them not getting on the plane and it's much easier to get through the airport. I used my infant seat without the base at my destination.

One thing that was a huge help was getting an escort pass for my husband to help me to the gate. You might want to see if that's a possibility. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Get to the airport early and request the bulkhead (most airlines, with the noted exception of United, reserve this for families with small children, but you have to be the first to request it).

If possible, get DH to park and accompany you through check in (either curbside or inside the airport) - much easier with two people. Otherwise, use a sky cap on both ends of the trip.

Agree with the snap and go stroller/car seat to be gate checked - that way you don't have to lug DC through the airport (and any possible delays) and a place for DC to sleep.

Be sure to nurse or bottle during take off and landing (helps with the possibility of DC's ears becoming clogged) -(hence the bulkhead, helps with privacy issues if you're nursing).

Not sure about the base - I always took ours and checked it (usually this does not count against your bag allowance).

[Anonymous]

Yes, ppers have given great advice.

Definitely check the carseat if you're not doing a snap n go. And very easy to use w/o a base, read manual before you go.

We always only do a carrier & backpack. Extra diapers, extra outfits for you BOTH (never know what altitude will do the the little one's GI) And yes, I've somehow mastered the carrier & bathroom visit for myself. Never hurts to practice at home.

GL!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get to the airport early and request the bulkhead (most airlines, with the noted exception of United, reserve this for families with small children, but you have to be the first to request it).

If possible, get DH to park and accompany you through check in (either curbside or inside the airport) - much easier with two people. Otherwise, use a sky cap on both ends of the trip.

Agree with the snap and go stroller/car seat to be gate checked - that way you don't have to lug DC through the airport (and any possible delays) and a place for DC to sleep.

Be sure to nurse or bottle during take off and landing (helps with the possibility of DC's ears becoming clogged) -(hence the bulkhead, helps with privacy issues if you're nursing).

Not sure about the base - I always took ours and checked it (usually this does not count against your bag allowance).

what is it?

[Anonymous]

The bulkhead is the row of seats on the plane that has no seats in front of it (like the first row in coach class).

OP - call the airline (if you've already made reservation) and request a bassinet -- the bassinet (which you don't necessarily have to use) can only be set up in the bulkhead.