Anonymous wrote:OP here, finally got to check in on the suggestions!
Thank you for the Cosco seat recommendation. I honestly didn't know that such a, uh, low-grade (? LOL) convertible seat existed- but it looks like it is mostly used for travel.
We will be gone for two weeks so would rather not have to pay for the parking.
I'm just having a lot of anxiety about this- divorced, and will be traveling with my kid alone. I'm pretty carefree and low-maintenance, and was a frequent traveler before kid, and while my toddler is "easy" for the most part, but I have no idea how she will act in an airport. I thought about taking my current carseat (Cybex Eternis) but it is quite heavy and large- I think probably one of the heavier and larger one on the market- so carrying it around by myself, with a toddler (who, also, likes to be carried in new environments), and probably a huge carry-on with all her stuff, sounds overwhelming without an extra set of hands. Just trying to find the easiest way to do all this!
OP- buy the lightweight seat and a trolly for the airport. We have used ours on every trip and it makes it SO much easier- they gate check it for free for you and will wand you at security usually if you ask instead of having to break it all down and shove it through the machine.
Your kid literally becomes like a rolling piece of luggage strapped in and and you can get through very fast. Dont use a big carry on unless you don't also plan to check a bag. If you are not checking, then make sure your carry on rolls as well. Don't pack anything like diapers, wipes, etc beyond what you need for a full day (in case you get delayed), plck up all that stuff at your destination. Use the seatbelt to get the seat in and out of your ride share to taxi and you will be fine. I know that feeling where you are worried about all the new elements of something, but you do the above and I promise it will be so easy peasy.