Monday
Nov292010
Useful Tips for Parents: More Vacationing with Babies (plane and car)
Monday, November 29, 2010 at 1:35AM
In my last post I had guest writer Robin Merrill give some tips on traveling with wee ones. And she gave some great tips. This being a high travel time of year, I thought I'd chime in with some of my tips!
We took a trip from Nashville to Boise, ID when Sailor was almost four months old. We had a layover out and a layover back (because there ARE NO direct flights). Here are some of the things that kept us travel-happy and sane:
1. Although Robin suggested checking your stroller, it worked out great for us to NOT check it. Well, to check it right before you get on the plane. (Robin did mention that whoever she flew with didn't provide this option. Lame!) But don't bring your huge, travel system stroller. We purchased this lovely deal:
It's the Snap-N-Go stroller from Baby Trend and it's super fantastic for travel. It's uber light, crazy easy to fold and has a handy dandy storage basket below. And it's REALLY easy to maneuver. Perfect for the baby who can still use an infant car seat. We wheeled Sailor around the airport. I didn't have to worry about backache or struggling to get to all my documents or how I would eat lunch - things that would have come with carrying her or having her in a sling (but I DID have my ring sling handy in case she got fussy!). We would check our stroller right before we stepped on the plane (go to the desk first and let them know you want to gate check your stroller and that you need it back immediately upon deplaning) and when we got off the plane there it was waiting for us!
TIP: If you didn't purchase a seat for baby, ask at the gate desk if the flight is full. If it isn't, they'll usually let you bring your carseat on and have an extra seat. We got to do that on three of our four flights.
2. If you're worried about room and an active baby, I recommend the Flyebaby Airplane Seat (Sailor in hers in second photo):
It worked beautifully on the flight where we couldn't bring on her car seat. It straps around the tray table in front of you and around your waist. You just can't use it for take off or landing - FAA rules. BONUS: it also straps to chairs at restaurants and the like.
3. Robin talked about breastfeeding during takeoff and landing and I concur. Except I'm not breastfeeding, so we had a bottle handy at all times. PRETTY sure she ate more than day than usual and DEFINITELY sure we mucked up her schedule beyond all recognition, but WE GOT THROUGH WITH NO CRYING. And, really, isn't that the goal? To NOT have strangers stare at you like the want to scalp you?
4. If you're worried about a long flight, book one with a layover. Seriously. I know they're annoying, but it was so nice to get off the plane after a couple of hours, take some time to go and change Sailor, and let her stretch out for a bit - we brought a blanket that we laid on the floor and let her kick around on. Having that break, in my opinion, helped immensely in keeping all involved calm and collected for the whole trip.
THEN, about 10 days ago, when Sailor was 5 and a half months, we took a 7 hour road trip down to the beach and back. Here are some tips for car travel with a baby:
1. This is probably TOO easy and you're going to want to slap me for taking up this space with text, but make sure you have the toys/blankets/whatever that your baby likes MOST! Sailor LOVES her pink blanket that's soft on one side and silky on the other. It's a must-have when she's sleepy.
2. Feed in the car. If there are two adults, have one feed baby while driving. It'll save time. Unless, of course, you need to stop to breastfeed. But you could always pump a bottle before leaving.
3. If your baby has the attention span - even a little - a portable DVD player can be a godsend. We didn't get a fancy one designed for the car. We just got a regular portable one and (my dad) hung it on a short bungee cord from the headrest. (Sailor faced the back, but you could do the same thing using the front seat headrests.) Mickey Mouse ALWAYS makes Sailor happy and keeps her occupied for a while.
NOTE: Check for one that allows you to change the volume with your remote. For whatever lame reason, on our DVD player you could only change the volume using a dial on the right side. Twice she fell asleep to a DVD and it would have been nice to slowly lower the volume instead of choosing between keeping it on and loud or giving her the potential awakening shock of turning it off.
4. Take your time. Stop if baby needs to stretch or you need to change a dirty diaper or is a little fussy.
Most of all, try to have fun! You're creating memories! Understand that you're traveling with a baby and they aren't always perfect, but there are certainly steps you can take to help ease your travel.
Good luck and feel free to share your tips in comments!
We took a trip from Nashville to Boise, ID when Sailor was almost four months old. We had a layover out and a layover back (because there ARE NO direct flights). Here are some of the things that kept us travel-happy and sane:
1. Although Robin suggested checking your stroller, it worked out great for us to NOT check it. Well, to check it right before you get on the plane. (Robin did mention that whoever she flew with didn't provide this option. Lame!) But don't bring your huge, travel system stroller. We purchased this lovely deal:
It's the Snap-N-Go stroller from Baby Trend and it's super fantastic for travel. It's uber light, crazy easy to fold and has a handy dandy storage basket below. And it's REALLY easy to maneuver. Perfect for the baby who can still use an infant car seat. We wheeled Sailor around the airport. I didn't have to worry about backache or struggling to get to all my documents or how I would eat lunch - things that would have come with carrying her or having her in a sling (but I DID have my ring sling handy in case she got fussy!). We would check our stroller right before we stepped on the plane (go to the desk first and let them know you want to gate check your stroller and that you need it back immediately upon deplaning) and when we got off the plane there it was waiting for us!TIP: If you didn't purchase a seat for baby, ask at the gate desk if the flight is full. If it isn't, they'll usually let you bring your carseat on and have an extra seat. We got to do that on three of our four flights.
2. If you're worried about room and an active baby, I recommend the Flyebaby Airplane Seat (Sailor in hers in second photo):
It worked beautifully on the flight where we couldn't bring on her car seat. It straps around the tray table in front of you and around your waist. You just can't use it for take off or landing - FAA rules. BONUS: it also straps to chairs at restaurants and the like.3. Robin talked about breastfeeding during takeoff and landing and I concur. Except I'm not breastfeeding, so we had a bottle handy at all times. PRETTY sure she ate more than day than usual and DEFINITELY sure we mucked up her schedule beyond all recognition, but WE GOT THROUGH WITH NO CRYING. And, really, isn't that the goal? To NOT have strangers stare at you like the want to scalp you?
4. If you're worried about a long flight, book one with a layover. Seriously. I know they're annoying, but it was so nice to get off the plane after a couple of hours, take some time to go and change Sailor, and let her stretch out for a bit - we brought a blanket that we laid on the floor and let her kick around on. Having that break, in my opinion, helped immensely in keeping all involved calm and collected for the whole trip.
THEN, about 10 days ago, when Sailor was 5 and a half months, we took a 7 hour road trip down to the beach and back. Here are some tips for car travel with a baby:
1. This is probably TOO easy and you're going to want to slap me for taking up this space with text, but make sure you have the toys/blankets/whatever that your baby likes MOST! Sailor LOVES her pink blanket that's soft on one side and silky on the other. It's a must-have when she's sleepy.
2. Feed in the car. If there are two adults, have one feed baby while driving. It'll save time. Unless, of course, you need to stop to breastfeed. But you could always pump a bottle before leaving.
3. If your baby has the attention span - even a little - a portable DVD player can be a godsend. We didn't get a fancy one designed for the car. We just got a regular portable one and (my dad) hung it on a short bungee cord from the headrest. (Sailor faced the back, but you could do the same thing using the front seat headrests.) Mickey Mouse ALWAYS makes Sailor happy and keeps her occupied for a while.
NOTE: Check for one that allows you to change the volume with your remote. For whatever lame reason, on our DVD player you could only change the volume using a dial on the right side. Twice she fell asleep to a DVD and it would have been nice to slowly lower the volume instead of choosing between keeping it on and loud or giving her the potential awakening shock of turning it off.
4. Take your time. Stop if baby needs to stretch or you need to change a dirty diaper or is a little fussy.
Most of all, try to have fun! You're creating memories! Understand that you're traveling with a baby and they aren't always perfect, but there are certainly steps you can take to help ease your travel.
Good luck and feel free to share your tips in comments!
Copyright; 2011, Blahggy. All rights reserved.
Reader Comments (5)
What a great post for the holidays coming up!
I have to agree with the bring the stroller approach. Each time I've flown (with hubs or alone) I've always had the stroller with me. I just make sure it's a stroller that is easy to put up or down with a baby on my hip or in the Ergo. Actually in September I flew with both boys and had a double umbrella stroller. God love that thing because it saved my while rushing through the airport. Most flight attendants are understanding as long as you show you appreciate their help. I had so many people offer to help me, too. Lucky me!
I love love love the rest of the advice, too!!
You can never have too many tips when it comes to traveling with baby or toddler! The DVD is a god-send!
[...] Nerddom « Useful Tips for Parents: More Vacationing with Babies (plane and car) [...]
For traveling with babies, it is always preferred to bring the light weigh pushchairs and those that can be folded not only to save space but also it is very convenient for parents. That DVD set up is just a great idea. i love it. haha!
I TOTALLY agree with taking the stroller in the airport and doing gate check. Gate check is the best! It makes things so much easier.