Seeking Traveling Advice

You can use the stroller until you get on the plane, they they fold it up and put it with the luggege. When you get out, most carriers have it sitting in a special area, so you can just put the baby in and go. Definately take the car seat on the plane. We traveled with and without, and by far with was the best way, he was more comfortable and could nap easier, since it was a familiar seat, and then we could just slip the car seat into cars once we got there.

I travelled to Senegal, Africa and France with my then almost two year old last summer...I brought a Sit n Stroll combination car seat/stroller with us and it worked out quite well. http://www.sitnstroll.com/ They are pricy, however (about $250 new) - but maybe you can get a used one on craigslist or ebay.

I have a Britax and I love it - but it is so heavy...it might be worth it to by a cheaper, lighter car seat model just for the trip...then you won't have to worry so much about it getting damaged or lost.

I also invested in a Patapum carrier - it's made to carry the weight of a toddler and is soft - so no bulky frame (easy to pack). It really came in handy in Senegal where there are few sidewalks and operating a stroller is usually difficult. I think that it cost about $80, but it was a lifesaver.

Good luck and have a great trip.

Hi S. -

DO NOT bring an expensive stroller on your trip. You can't bring it on the plane with you (you'll have to gate check it) and the airlines are not held liable if there is any damage to it when you arrive. I know from experience. I had always traveled with my Maclaren stroller (which I love!) and on my last domestic flight with my son, it came up from gate check with the sunshade broken on one side. When I brought it to the attention of the gate agent, she said there was nothing they could do since it's not covered under the luggage insurance policies. I still have my broken Maclaren, but that $200 stroller is now my travel stroller and we bought another Maclaren for everyday use around town.

I've found when traveling with my son (and he's already earned a free ticket on several airlines with his frequent flier miles) that the less stuff you have, the better. We do take his car seat with us because he is much more comfortable on the plane in his own car seat, but we usually just leave it at the hotel when we arrive and don't touch it until we are leaving again (or install it in our rental car). You can buy a travel bag to carry it in off of Amazon. The one I have was $15. Don't bother trying to install a car seat in a taxi. It's not worth the time, and taxi drivers don't like waiting (unless they are on the clock!). All of the taxis I've taken with my son - even in NYC - the drivers recognize there is a small, unrestrained child in the back seat and they have driven more carefully. I've only ridden in a taxi a handful of times with my son, and he's always sat on my lap. No problems.

As far as the pack 'n play, can you contact the hotels where you are staying to see if they have cribs available for you to use? Pack 'n plays are convenient, but they are terribly heavy and a pain to travel with. Most hotels have cribs for their guests, you just have to let them know ahead of time and they'll have it in your room when you arrive. I always bring a crib sheet from home rather than use the hotel sheet. I'm not sure if it does anything, but it gives me peace of mind and it gives my son a familiar feel from home.

Remember to bring a change of clothes for both you and your daughter on the plane. You never know when spills may happen on either one of you. I bring a new toy or two for my son to discover when we fly, which is always a big hit. Crazy as this sounds, some of the best toys are easy toys... like dental floss (pulling the floss out of the package) and Band-aids (like stickers, but easily removable and cheap). Don't pack as much clothing as you think you'll need. You can always do laundry at the hotel and pick up things while you are vacationing. And bring as many diapers as you'll need for the plane ride and one day overseas, and then just buy diapers when you arrive. It may be more expensive, sure, but it's not worth carrying loads of diapers in your luggage.

Have a great time in the UK and Ireland! Enjoy your vacation - it sounds lovely!

I actually traveled alot in the beginning. My little one is only 6 mo, but we had a snap and go..it's smaller than a stroller and alot easier than a big stroller. Usually at all hotels provide a pack and play if you request one..just make sure that you take your own blanket and lysol. I hope that some of this is helpful. Good Luck!

I haven't traveled overseas, but from the point of a domestic traveler...

I would NOT bring an expensive stroller. Have you ever watched the way luggage is handled? Check with your airline, however, I'm sure it will not meet the carry on requirements. I would consider buying an umbrella type stroller, which will be alot easier when using public transportation.

Are you sure you need the pack-n-play? Will the hotel provide a crib?

I know in many US cities if you call an order a taxi, you can specify you require one with a car seat. I think it would be very difficult to try to use your own in a taxi (taking the time to strap it in, etc). If no car seat is available, I would think putting your daughter in the middle with a seatbelt would be the safest.

I recommend you give your travel agent a call.

I travelled with 2 under 5 for quite a while it seems, in retrospect. I did it by tkaing the minimum amount of "stuff". One double folding umbrella stroller was about all there was room for anywhere. I spent time in countries where car seats were more of a liability than a safety measure, due to there being no seatbelts in the back seats of the cars. In Ireland and in England, you can often borrow from the host (B&B, hotel) a baby cot/crib, so ask at the places you are staying before you cart yours half way around the world. Also ask about the car seat situation. A decade ago, the car seat option available in the UK was permanently fixed in the car, due to the no rear seat belt situation.

We have friends who are living in Ireland, and they have a car seat/stroller arrangement that is a single item that folds into itself (purchased in NY, and I've seen plenty of them in NYC.)

My advice is always to pack light and to call or write your host(s) and ask them what amenities are available for baby at their place. You may or may not need to take everythign you think you need. You can buy diapers, wipes, etc, there if you end up needing them.

S.

Hi S.. My husband and I are currently in RUssia with our 2 kids. I never buy them seats until we have to (2 years old), but since you did, I would definitely bring a car seat for her to sit in. Otherwise I don't feel it's very safe and VERY uncomfortable for them to sleep and that's quite a long flight. They do have the little bassinet on board in the bulkhead seat for babies which I always used (until they didn't fit in them anymore). In general when we flew BA through England they were always very helpful and friendly...with a few crabby people :) but mostly great.
I also second the opinion of NOT bringing the pack 'n play. Almost EVERYWHERE you go will have one, unless you are staying in someone's house and they don't have one. But any hotel (especially in England and Ireland) would be sure to have one.

The stroller...I read all your comments and have to agree...if you have a big bulky expensive stroller it may get damaged and will be difficult getting on and off transport!! You could get an umbrella stroller and you can find one that reclines so that the baby can sleep. We've had one that my first son used...we bought it like 4 years ago and now my second son is STILL using it and I walk like crazy here and take it on and off the subway and busses etc and it has been great.

The less you bring the happier you and your hubby will be!!!! You'll probably be amazed at how little you need and everything will be fine!!!

Hope you guys have a nice trip!!! :)

I would not bring an expensive stroller, unless it's combi(that fits in the overhead compartment) they will not let you bring it on(we had a stroller get damaged on the plane it was not the most expensive one, but still $200). I just love Ergo for traveling.If your Britax in convertable you will need a carrier for that(they sell straps that you can put on your shoulders and carry car seat like a back pack)....In the taxis you can buckle yourself in and have your daughter in the carrier in the front(do not buckle togather), I do not know maybe in Europe taxis have car seats in already.Between you and your hubby you guys should be just fine. I will be traveling to Russia with 2 boys 3 and 18 months and I am not looking forward to it. I hope you guys have a great time, don't sweat the small stuff:)

Definitely spend the $50 on the Graco Snap N Go and the corresponding carseat. Or the generic snap-n-go and maybe a friend has an infant carseat they aren't using right now or can lend you. Matter of fact- I have two extra ones right now and wouldn't mind giving you one if we can arrange it (don't know where you live). I have traveled with my infant and am about to do so again- for the sake of brevity I'll spare you the stories but trust me on it.

As far as other advice- I am Queen of Prepared and What Ifs so here's some things I found helpful. 1) Try to plan is so that your babe is hungry at TAKE OFF so that as the plane is ascending she will hungrily want to drink down her bottle. Not only will it distract her from the pain/discomfort of ascending, it will minimize it because she will be swallowing which helps the ear popping thing go on. 2) Get ear plugs. They are soft and cushiony and get be molded to her ear shape. Then put tape over it so that it stays. This is to help (again) reduce the likelihood of ear infections due to liquid build up. 3) Bring ear medicine anyway. TRUST me you do NOT want to have to deal with that there. I know Docs and most pharmacist are anti anything not on the precription list but most homeopathic things are worth looking into. I keep a homeopathic ear ache relief on hand. Thankfully, she hasn't had one yet (my babe) but I want to have something handy should that despair hit and there not be a doc easily accesible. 4) Along those lines, now the obvious such as Tylenol, Motrin, Gas Drops, Gripe Water (also homeopathic but commonly found in pharmacies now) for any other ailments that might present.

You want as many tricks up your sleeve as possible for dealing with things that could come up. As far as feeding, how are you handling that? Does she breastfeed, formula, how much solids? I found it helpful to have her formula/cereal pre-sorted (as far as amount) and all I had to do was add water at the time she needed it. Your babe is old enough to be snacking on things also so be sure and have her favorites handy (don't put it overhead, keep some ziplocked in your purse).

Moreover, it is indeed a huge hassle no matter what. Best thing you can do is pack light as far as what you plan to carry-on and get there super early because the airline does their best to accomodate those with young-ins. But if there are 4 other moms with kids than it's first come first served as far as the best seats. And there are DEFINITELY seats with more space than others and more accomodating so it is worth it.

Hope that helps and do let me know if you want the infant car seat. Someone gave it to me (2nd hand) and I just held on to it until someone needs it. Good luck!

Hi, all I am sure about is that you absolutely can bring an umbrella type stroller on the plane. I've always found that having a feeding seat is a must for us, but other than that a place for them to safely sleep is the main concern for us. Good luck and have fun!

a good baby carrier. I like the Ergo.

hi S., i agree with most of the advice here, except that i would not travel in a taxi or anywhere else without my child in a carseat. no way. i know its inconvenient but i would find a way. i did bring my stroller right up to the gate, there was no problem for me and it was soooo convenient in dealing with the whole airport situation. put a bright luggage tag on your stroller. we had someone take ours instead of theirs when they got off, they said it was an accident, but i dont know about that. what can you do? dont bring a very expensive one, but do go to the gate with it. as for the plane ride, ask if you can get on first, and ask the attendants to help you strap in. we flew jetblue and they were incredibly helpful, and got us settled way faster than i could have. also, try to get a bulkhead seat, you will be much more comfortable. be very organized when you pack your carry on, bring extra everything, and know where it is. bring a few of those gallon size ziplock bags (empty). and bring a smaller bag within a bag for diaper changes in the restroom so you dont have to bring the whole bag to the bathroom, and include an extra change of clothes, at least a onesie and maybe a tshirt for yourself. changing in the bathroom is really tight, and we had a mishap with the clean stuff, and i ended up carrying a screaming naked baby back to the seat, with a big bag, digging through another bag, back to the bathroom, etc. not fun. bring stuff for the baby to play with, new stuff, dole it out one at a time, but i think one of the best things you can do is to get all stuff that you can attach to the carseat straps with a strap or those rings or something. believe me, bending down to retrieve things from under the seats gets very annoying very fast, including for those around you, and especially if you dont get the bulkhead and you are squishing down there with all your stuff, etc. omg what a pain. ....use a bottle/breast or sippy cup at take off and landing to help with the pressure. be very organized and very early and very "clean" for the xray, i found it to be one of the most threatening things, they pulled me aside because the underwire in my bra was setting off the thing, and between that and the shoes and taking the baby out of the stroller, i was just so scattered and separated from everything and everyone. thats about it. just call ahead and double check everything to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible, and ask what help is available. we found them to be very accomodating when we asked nicely. be very organized and early, leave time to sit and relax so the baby doesnt pick up on any stress. enjoy yourselves :)

Hi S.,
Sounds like you've got it all planned. That's the first step, preparing for the worst. Make sure you have all the diapers you think you will need (and then add 2 more for those "I JUST changed you" moments). I also made sure I had those little Kleenex packets good for runny noses and spills! And of course if your daughter is getting her own seat then she gets her own carry on bag (more for you to bring but space for toys, books, etc). Also I brought bubbles. You know those little ones that some people hand out at weddings? You can buy them at Wal-Mart and they fit in the plastic bag you have to put all your liquids in and since they're small the bubbles are small and you can blow them between the seats. Perfect for right before a meltdown as a distraction.

Hope this helps. Relax and have a great time!

Kristal

Anytime we traveled when either of our daughters were young, you could normally bring the stroller down to the gate & they would check it on the plane for you. I'm just not sure about what their policies would be now. I would think it would be best to maybe contact someone in security at the airport prior to flying to see what their policies are. As far as the carrier for the seat, we never took that. We flew out to Arizona when our daughter was 10 mos old and I honestly don't feel that we needed the seat on the flight. She was more interested in leaning over to look out the window, but I'm not sure how long your flight will be so it may be a good idea. You could check the carrier if you want. As far as taxis and such my husband and I were a nervous wreck, but I know in some places they were a little more accomodating. One suggestion I would have though is to be sure you have something to relieve the pressure in her ears. I'm not sure whether or not she is still bottle fed or what, but that was one important thing we were told about - Good luck!

Hi S.,
We have just been to New zealand and Australia with our 10 month old son & 3 year old girl. With over 60 hours flying we didn't want to take too much with us. We only took our Phil & Teds stroller for both kids. They let us wheel it up to the plane and then always delivered it back once landed. It's big & expensive buggy but didn't get damaged. I wouldn't bother with a car seat as long as the airline provide you with a basinet and if you want to get a taxi from the airport, just ask them to provide you with a car seat or ask for a London cab style car, then you can just travel with your child in the stroller with it's brake on. It's safe & legal over here.
Good luck and bon voyage!
Pretty much all hotels and b&bs have travel cots, so depending on where you're staying just ask them in advance, it'll save you the hassle of carrying one more heavy thing!
Bon voyage

Hi S. - I think you got some great advice. We travel every year domestically and I'm happy to hear that you DID buy a seat for your daughter. We always buy a seat for our kids and always put them in a car seat. Although is not required until 2 years old, there is a ton a research out ther about the dangers of flyer without kids being strapped in. Many many kids have been hurt due to unexpected turbulence and them literally flying up and hitting the overheads. Once I did the research I never even considered not using a carseat. As far as the stroller, I agree use a compact, lightweight stroller.

S. -

You already have lots of great advice! Here's my 2 cents - I traveled to Italy with my daughter when she was 18months. We did not take a car seat with us - she sat on our lap on the plane and most of the transportation once we got to Italy was by train. We weren't in a car the entire 3 weeks!
I took an umbrella stroller with us. That way, I had a stroller that was lightweight and I did not have to worry about it getting ripped off. I also took an Ergo Baby Carrier with us. It is a front and back baby carrier that is SUPER comfortable and fits into a small pouch (very easy to pack!)
Good Luck and Have FUN!
Best,
L.

HI S.,
We just got back from going cross country with our 3 children (ages 2, 7 and 9). Although my children aren't as young and we didn't go as far. I did a lot of research before we left. We took our Britax seat with us. Although it was a pain to buckle in on the Southwest flights, I wouldn't do it any other way. It made sure he was secure, and when he fell asleep for that precious hour, his head wasn't flopping all over the place and he didn't look uncomfortable. I'm sure he felt a lot more secure in his seat since it was something familiar and the first time we took off he got very scared.

We also took our stroller and gate checked it. That way it was sitting there waiting for us when we got off and it gave him a place to go and freed up my arms to carry things. We had rolling suitcases, and just threaded the straps of the car seat over one of the suitcases and rolled it with us. It was much easier than I anticipated.

Good Luck and Enjoy your vacation!!!

First of all, have a wonderful trip. Ireland is absolutly beautifull. I have been traveling with my kids for many years now. My son, almost 8, was 14 months for his 1st trip and my daughter, just turned 5, was 6 wks on her 1st trip. We do Disney every year, so I'm use to getting on and off of planes. A bit of advise to keep you and your husband sane on the plane: 1)Bring new toys. Go to the $ store and buy a few new things that she will get excited about and will keep her attention. 2)Buy a stroller bag for the plane. A couple of yrs ago, we decided not to bring strollers to Disney anymore, we would just rent. I, 1 month before leaving, sold my 2 strollers at a yard sale. My son, 1 day before leaving, broke his foot. On our way to the airport, we had to stop at Babies-R-Us and buy 2 new umbrella strollers (husband, not to happy). They cost us $200. I learned my lesson by not buying stroller bags because the lovely people that put your luggage on the plane, don't care about your things. The strollers were covered in grease and there was nothing I could have done about it. I was told, by the airlines, that I should have had them in some type of bag. So, buy a stroller bag and same yourself some aggrivation. 3)Talk to the pedi about some type of medicine to have with you for her ears. If the Dr recommends something, GET A NOTE. Even though it'll be over the counter, new and sealed, you will not be allowed to get on the plane with it. Trust me, been there. 4)If she'll sit to watch a movie, get a portable DVD player. I just bought 2 last month from yahoo and they were the cheapest for a very good quality DVD player (and we shopped around for weeks). I hope my suggestions helped you with your planning. Again, have a wonderful trip.

My 18 month old has been to Ireland 3 times and, in my experience, less is definitely best! You don't need a car seat for the plane because the baby can sit on your lap (which is where ours wants to be anyway). We checked our son's carseat as luggage, because we knew we'd be spending our time in family cars. If you're doing guided tours and/or sticking to major attractions, you won't even need a taxi. Taxis are expensive--try to stick to public transportation (bus, train, light rail, etc.) It's very good and everyone uses it. (Just to give you an idea, my sister-in-law, who lives in Dublin, JUST learned to drive and bought her first car and she's 30!) Buses and trains from the city can get you to most other destinations outside the cities. Don't rent a car unless you really have to. It's not worth the expense and hassle. When we use public transportation, we don't bring the carseat. I know some are uncomfortable with that, so you'll have to decide how you want to handle it. It is a lot to carry around, and lug in and out, and on and off. I know someone else mentioned the carseat for the plane, turbulence, etc. That was never an option for us, especially once the baby could move around--there was no way he'd stay strapped in a seat for a 7 hour flight--he wanted to move around, or be held or carried. Unless you have a VERY placid child, expect to be up and moving, especially on the flight home, which is in the daytime. As for the stroller, I'd bring one that's light enough, but comfortable enough for the baby--you can gate check the stroller just as you get on the plane. Use the stroller as a high chair, and even as a quick place to change diapers (recline it) when you're on the go. Bring a rain shield for your stroller (one of those plastic covers). It will probably rain at least once while you're away, and they are really expensive, more than twice the price in my experience, over there! I never brought a pack n' play, but my mother-in-law borrowed a crib for us. I know there are pop-up style beds that may be lighter and easier to pack, but I'm not sure how much they cost? Or, if it doesn't bother you, the baby can sleep with you (we've done that too). Have fun!

S., there's some great advice here, which I cannot add to from personal experience, but wanted to mention that on the stroller front, you may be able to rent one over there. There are baby gear rental companies here in the US, so I would bet that there are some over there - especially in London.

Also, I know that I have seen a snap and go type of stroller frame that a Britax car seat can attach to - perhaps you can look into that instead of a regular stroller?

Have fun!!

I would call the place you are going to stay at to see if they have something she can sleep in. I don't think you will need the pack and play for 10 days and it will be one less thing for you to carry. I have seen people take strollers on the plane as a check in, we have checked ours though and it made it just fine along with the car seat. We are going to go to Germany for a couple of months but our 8 month old is still in the standard car seat and it is a part of his stroller. The taxis are quite different in Great Britain, no real trunks and have lots of leg room. Good luck! Enjoy Great Britain! London is wonderful! Also here is a site I found that might be of help:http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/advice/london.htm Best wishes!

Hi-I have travelled many times back and forth to London with my 5 kids (at one point my twins were 8 months old and a 2 1/2 yr old!) and it can be challenging. I am not sure what you mean by car seat 'carrier' so I can't comment on that. The car seat is a good idea for the plane so she will be comfortable and can sleep (hopefully!!) Bring snacks for the plane-it is inconsistent what they have on board-sometimes it is great-even baby food and formula but other times they have nothing appropriate. Bring small blanket-sometimes it is very cold-and extra clothes on board ( one of the babies once threw up all over the clothes and seat!!) I always fly BA and I have to say most of the time the staff were wonderful.

The best way to travel in London is by tube (I have lived here for several years) and you won't need a car seat. Taxis are expensive and you sit in alot of traffic-tube is quick and efficient. Not sure if you need car seats in taxi's-you can bring a stroller on board the plane if it is small-I would get a compact one to bring right on board and you can use it to push her down the aisle! A bigger one will have to go in the hold and it can get damaged-I have had it happen-I wouldn't bring an expensive one.

Most hotels will provide a cot (travel crib or regular crib) if requested. They were usually fine everytime we travelled other places in GB.

I went to Dublin with my daughter when she was 10 months old and I remember it was a relativley easy trip-just don't be too ambitious in what you can do when travelling with a young child!! Good luck