Ok I feel like an idiot, but I am flying soon with my toddler and have no idea how Im supposed to fly with my pack and play. Do you not bring the mattress? I always use the mattress in my pack and play, it seems like it would be so hard and way to uncomfortable for my son to sleep in it without it, but how do I pack the mattress when I fly? Does anyone have any tips on how to pack the pack and play and mattress? I have tried all the large duffle bags that I have and nothing fits it.
If you are not staying in a hotel rent one!
http://www.rentittoday.com/viewers/baby_items_results.php...
I wouldn't bother. Make him a pallat on the floor to sleep on with blankets and a pillow, buy one at a Once Upon a Child when you get there, or just let him sleep in your bed with you. Its not forever and its not worth bringing the big heavy thing with you on the plane when you really honestly jsut don't need it.
I wouldn't fly with it- too much other stuff to keep track of when you are traveling with kids.
You can ship it or call ahead and see if the hotel or resort has "infant cribs" on site. Many do if you call ahead and all you need to bring are the clean sheets. The cribs aren't "fancy", but they are there and you don't have to worry about it!
You can also ask if they know of a company that rents "baby items". You don't say where you are going, but we invested in an inflatable toddler bed and it has been a lifesaver! It was literally $70 and it deflates and travels easily. We don't fly with it anymore b/c we bought another and left it in FL with my parents- we do use it for overnights that require a car trip b/c my little one didn't fit in the pack-and-play after he turned 2 (and he's on the small side).
You should call the airline because they told me once that all baby equipment was free to check with luggage.
You need to ship it to your destination. You're going to have to check it, and you will probably be charged extra for that, plus it will be a hassle to get into the airport to check,etc. Just ship it (probably won't cost as much as checking it) and it will be waiting on you when you arrive! When you go, swing by the post office or UPS place and ship it back home.
The other alternative is renting one at your destination. Most places of any size have baby equipment rental places. It's usually really cheap too!
Honestly, It is going to cost you about $50.00 there and back to check it in and fly with it. You do not say where you are going but maybe considering buying and inexpensive one upon your arrival and a local discount store like WalMart orTarget. You will save yourself a ton of time, aggravation hauling it to and from the airport. You can pick one up in the 50-60 dollar range. Donate it locally before you leave.
Ship ahead or rent O. wherever you're going.
If you are staying in a hotel, they should have something, bring a crib sheet. If you are staying with friends or family, can they borrow one for you? It would be easier to buy a new one at your destination, than to try to transport it with a toddler :)
My suggestion would be to either borrow one from someone when you get to your destination or if possible buy one when you get there or if you are staying in a hotel use one of their cribs. You may be surprised at how many people have an old pack n play tucked away. They seem like a good idea for traveling but they are bulky to carry thru the airport as is the stroller and luggage and a toddler too.
Good luck!
Do you have family where you are going? Perhaps you could borrow one from a friend or family while you are there? Or borrow a crib? I agree with the other posts, it seems to be too much trouble $-wise and otherwise. For $60 you could just buy new one when you get there, if possible. Then donate it? Just a thought...
My 2nd daughter (now 26 months) used a pack and play for her bed for most of last year and I didn't use a crib mattress in there. When she and her older sister, who is 3 1/2 each use one at family's house, they don't have a mattress in there. If you do use a mattress in there now, maybe take it out to transition your toddler so it is not such a shock on the trip. Good luck, you can do it!
Since most airlines charge extra for checked items (suitcases, everything else), why not just call a rental place at the other end (Taylor Rental, any of those companies) and rent one?? Take your child's usual blanket or other comfort item that will make the pack & play feel the same as his one at home, and don't deal with transporting it! If you are renting a car, you can pick one up, or if you are staying with friends, maybe they can do that. If you are staying at a hotel, they should be able to provide you with one, either for free or for a nominal fee.
