How are you supposed to make your plane when you have to transport a baby, a car seat, a stroller, a diaper bag, a carry-on bag and more through the airport? Traveling by plane with a baby is not always easy, and some of the difficulties begin before boarding the plane. These simple tips will help you manage your baby gear before and after boarding the plane and make the entire air travel experience more enjoyable for you and your baby.
The car seat trip conundrum
Many parents debate whether or not to take their baby’s car seat on an airplane trip. If you plan to travel by car once at your destination, you will still need the infant seat. Sometimes car seats can be rented, but you never know what the quality of a rented seat will be, and the car seat may have been in an accident, making it a risky option for your baby. Take the car seat with you. It’s better to prevent than to cure.
Should I buy Baby A Seat?
Most airlines allow children under the age of 2 to travel on an adult’s lap. You can check your child’s car seat with your other luggage, but wrap the seat in plastic or a bag for protection. I suggest buying the baby a ticket and using a car seat on the plane, regardless of age. Babies who are not in car seats can be injured when a parent cannot support themselves during severe turbulence. If your flight is not full, you can grab the car seat and use it without buying a ticket, if seats are available.
If you’re sure you won’t need a car seat after disembarking, there is a great product called CARES that helps keep baby securely attached to the airplane seat. The CARES Airline Harness (Buy From Amazon) works for toddlers up to 40 pounds and wraps around the seat (under the tray table), providing shoulder straps to keep little ones wavy in their seat.
Bring bags and diapers
A carry-on bag that doubles as a purse, briefcase, and diaper bag is the smallest option for air travel. My favorite tote bag is a large Baby Sherpa backpack (Buy on Amazon) that I can share with the baby. A backpack is easy to carry when your arms are otherwise occupied, and it easily holds diapers, snacks, plane tickets, identification, and even a spare baby outfit. Most importantly, a backpack has plenty of baby gear and still meets most of the airline’s requirements for carry-on size.
Strollers – An essential trip
Even the smallest babies feel heavy after a long time in your arms, and young children often decide that they cannot walk anymore at the most inconvenient times. A stroller solves these problems. Most infant car seats fit into a travel system stroller, making it easy to carry both for the trip. Otherwise, a lightweight stroller with a carry strap is easy to transport and can help you make a connecting flight if your child’s legs give up.
Gate check and early boarding
Once you arrive at your door, ask the gate agent for a gate verification ticket for your baby’s stroller. Door check means that you will leave the stroller at the door or on the gangway before boarding the plane, and it will be waiting for you when you exit the plane after the flight. This is very convenient if you need the stroller for a connecting flight. Most airlines also allow parents traveling with infants and toddlers to board the plane early, giving you plenty of time to install a car seat and settle in.
On the plane
If you bought a ticket for your baby, you will need to install the car seat on the plane. Airline seat belts can be difficult to tighten when buckled with a car seat, so you may need to ask a flight attendant for help. Check the manual to make sure your infant’s car seat is FAA approved for air travel before getting on the plane. Also, keep in mind that infant seats can only be installed in a window seat on most airlines.
Other ways to bring baby at the airport
A baby carrier or backpack can help you get your baby quickly through the airport as well. Some parents have successfully used a baby sling or special flight vest during airplane travel to keep a baby close when the baby does not have a ticketed seat. However, some airlines do not allow the use of slings or flight vests, particularly during takeoff and landing, so please note that you may be required to store these items while on the plane.
Special travel equipment for baby
If you’re preparing for a long trip, or traveling a lot, invest in top-of-the-line baby travel gear to minimize travel hassles. A baby carrier on wheels allows you to take your baby directly to the plane and board. The GoGoKidz Travelmate (Buy on Amazon) is a good option for kids in convertible seats. Smaller babies can ride in the Doona infant seat, which has wheels that fold flat to form a stroller.
Add a set of travel straps to the regular baby car seat and use it like a backpack. Find disposable feeding supplies like bibs, bottles, cups, and utensils so you don’t have to clean up during your trip. And don’t forget to buy some new toys to keep baby entertained!
