Ask FIL to look for used Pack n play's, high chair, other baby equipment you need on Craigslist. It's all very common stuff to find there inexpensively. My mother in law stocked up her home this way and it worked well. When we left, she donated the items.

Another option is to purchase a little hook on high chair. Both my kids tossed the traditional high chair very early for a Chicco Hippo Hook on chair. Order on Amazon, ship directly to FIL. It fits easily into a larger suitcase, or ship home UPS ground.

Finally, look at PeaPod travel tents. One Step ahead sells them. They are very lightweight and kids love to play in the little tent!

Safe travels!

Anonymous wrote:This is OP. Thanks so much- this has been so helpful. To answer questions- FIL lives on the border of WA and ID-- he just moved there and doesn't really know anybody and there is no other family around. I so appreciate the rental suggestion- I think we will go that route instead of trying to lug and check. Looking at what could be rented made me realize I had not even thought about a bunch of other stuff- like highchairs, bathtub, etc-- the lack of which is going to make this trip even more difficult than it already is.

We've traveled pretty light with our kid before - think of what is essential. A 7 month old can sit up - do you really need a bathtub, or can she sit in a regular tub. maybe one folding high chair so you aren't wrangling them both, but we've traveled sans high chair and been fine. Just think of essentials.

This is OP. Thanks so much- this has been so helpful. To answer questions- FIL lives on the border of WA and ID-- he just moved there and doesn't really know anybody and there is no other family around. I so appreciate the rental suggestion- I think we will go that route instead of trying to lug and check. Looking at what could be rented made me realize I had not even thought about a bunch of other stuff- like highchairs, bathtub, etc-- the lack of which is going to make this trip even more difficult than it already is.

If you can't find a place to borrow or rent gear, then you can order from diapers.com and get free next day shipping for orders over $50.

Not only are there places that rent baby gear, they usually deliver to your destination or hotel. Most rental places also rent gates, etc. Some even rent toys (disinfected). You should definitely rent (or buy) pack and plays.

OP, you are paying $50/pac n play in airline baggage fees. Just take that $100 and purchase cheap ones. It will be worth it.

OP, are there any friends or family who live near your FIL who might have a pack-n-play?

pack n plays are so bulky to travel with. i would look into a travel crib.
monkey's uncle on capitol hill rents things like this, maybe a local store near your fil does the same. i would call some local children's stores (local places, not chains) and ask around. you might get a helpful salesperson who can suggest where to rent.

Yes, do NOT bring pack n plays! They are huge and horrible to lug around, and you can easily get some wherever you are going. How long are you staying? I would definitely consider the mattress on the floor idea for them if it's not too long of a trip.

Where are you going? Would make a difference in terms of availability of rentals and cost/ benefit to simply purchasing some gear once you get there. Will you have any other family near FIL's you can borrow some gear from?

Depends on your financial situation but I would def. not bring pack n plays at all. You can get them for $50 at Costco and probably other retailers so I would just buy them there or get FIL to buy them before you arrive. Those things are bulky and heavy and totally not worth flying with. 2.5 year old might do well to try out a mattress on the floor anyway and happily return to a crib when you get home... just a thought. We have done that with our toddler no problem.

There are rental places out there- although depends where FIL lives. And your tolerance for rented baby gear. And price- might be close to just buying your own.

I am at a loss as to how to make this trip. We have flown with older DC- but never with the younger one. The last time we flew we stayed in hotels and reserved hotel cribs. This time we will be staying at FIL's- who has absolutely zero kid stuff, and is not at all childproof. 2.5 year old loves his crib- so I don't really want to transition him out of it. Do I check 2 pack n plays? Is there a place that rents such a thing??? What else do I need to bring with me? I'm already feeling completely overwhelmed at the thought of this trip- and it is over a month away.