I'm nervous...not sure what to pack, etc. We are flying from AL to MD for 4 days. We are using a car seat in the airplane though. Is it ok to bring a stroller? We have a travel system but I'm worried that the airlines will break it. Is an umrella stroller better? He's 11 weeks. Just need some advice on the whole scenario.

By Kittycat_26 on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 01:42 pm:

Strollers were heaven sent when we travelled with Timmy. You can use the stroller clear up to when you actually step onto the plane. The strollers are stored in the front of all the seats and not put in storage bins. When you leave the airplane, the strollers are again sitting right outside the plane ready to go.

By Trina~moderator on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 01:52 pm:

GOOD for you for buying your baby a ticket and having him travel in his car seat! He's safest that way. More info:

CPSafety.com - Airline Travel and Child Safety

FAA - Tips for Safe Travel with Children

By Tunnia on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 02:50 pm:

I'd say skip the stroller and use a front pack since your ds is still so small. I flew with my dd for the first time when she was 12 weeks old and the front pack worked great for getting through the airports since my hands were so full with her stuff and mine. BTW, good for you for getting your little one a seat!

By Tunnia on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 02:52 pm:

Oh, I forgot to say, if you think you will need a stroller during your stay then just check an umbrella stroller with your luggage. I wouldn't check my expensive stroller because the checked stuff doesn't get treated very well.

By Vicki on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 02:54 pm:

I am not sure what a travel system is, but if it is one of those things that the car seat clamps down onto a frame for a stroller, I would take that! As others have mentioned, you can take that right onto the plane and they store it up front and it is waiting for you when you get off. Also, you will be grateful for having the stroller at the airport. These days, you have to get there so early that it would be a long time for you to have to carry your baby around. Plus if you have any lay overs. I am also very happy you have a seat for the baby and will be using the car seat and being safe!!

By Monicamomof3 on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 02:58 pm:

I have traveled with 3 kids to from tx to ca many times. I usually used the snuggly to get them around.

By Mrsheidi on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 03:38 pm:

I think we're going to use the stroller and the Bjorn.

By Melanie on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 04:01 pm:

Kudos to you for using the carseat on the plane, and definitely bring that stroller. Gate check it as you get ready to board. You will be soooooooo happy to have it!

As for other stuff to pack, bring one diaper for every hour of flight with you in your carry-on. It sounds like a lot, but trust me, better safe than sorry on that one! Bring ziplock bags for dirty diapers. Bring your *just-in-case* items in your carry-on such as Baby Tylenol. But most importantly, just relax. Babies typically do much better on flights than we expect them to!

By Mrsheidi on Wednesday, September 15, 2004 - 04:03 pm:

Thanks, Melanie!

By Brianna on Friday, September 17, 2004 - 01:14 am:

i'm a flight attendant and yes i would suggest using a stroller. (yes u can use it right up till u get to the plane.) but if it is a big stroller or regular size one u will have to check it at the door of the plane
(it will be brought up to u when u get there.) if u have an umbrella stroller u can bring it on the plane if there is room.

!!!as far as snuggly u can use it, but when u get on the plane u MUST MUST!!! take the child out for take off and landing!! this is not only an airline rule but it is a FAA manitory. b/c in case of an accident when the plane comes to a crash or full stop u would crush ur baby!! also do not!! buckle yourself and the baby together in the seat with the seat belt!!! again u would crush ur child. buckle yourself in and hold ur baby on ur lap with out the seat belt around them.!!!

this goes not only for just NORTHWEST airlines but all airlines!
if the Flight Attendant does not tell u this she is not doing her job and could get fired!

ziplock bags are not a must for dirty diapers but greatly appreciated by flight attendants!! most aircraft have diaper changing tables in the bathrooms now. and no!! (except for INTERNATIONAL flights) we do not provide diapers for u!!

if a baby cries during take off and landing(that is when they are most likely to cry b/c of alitude and cabin pressure are changing) try having ur baby drink something. tippy cup,bottle, or breast feeding. swallowing helps pop their ears.

a lot of airlines do NOT provide food for adults let alone babies on demestic flight so please bring snacks for the little ones!
if u r on a lucky flight (mostly the coast to coast long flights over 3 hours) we provide some food. u can call ahead and order a childs meal or even order a baby food plate.

also we normally only have milk on meal flights. (they only give us one to share for coffees on the short flights and it doesnt go far!!)
so if the flight is going to be more than an hour u might want to bring formula or a small thermos of milk.

hope this helps! good luck! let me know if u need any more info

Brianna

p.s. sorry bout the spelling.. its really late here and my daughter is teething. i've had little sleep

By Mommierenee on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 11:21 am:

Good luck, that's all I can say! I flew with a 2 and 1 year ols, with me 7 months pregnant & it was not nice!
Pack lots of patience!