[Nora_SEA]

We are flying to Hawaii next Wednesday and just wondering what I can expect. You should see my living room floor covered with gear and things we're packing!! Is there any item you just wouldn't do without while traveling? We're bringing her carseat, umbrella stroller and backpack. Does anyone know if we can use the backpack as a carry on item? It seems a little big? I guess we could gate check it with the stroller. TIA!

 

[Icequeen_in_ak]

I guess I'm wondering why you would want both to lug through the airports. I'd just go with the stroller and gate check it and check the backpack.

I was lucky that when I traveled with DD, she still fit in her infant seat, which was part of my travel system with the stroller, so I just gate checked the stroller and then carried her onto the plane in her car seat (I purchased her own seat).

I was actually surprised at how great my DD was on the plane. She only cried once and that was because she wouldn't wake up to nurse on one of the descents and it obviously hurt her ears. Not bad for a total of 8 take offs and landings! She was the entertainment of the flight

Have a great time!!!

 

[PadmaMorgana]

we took the backpack when we flew when DS was 14 months. We just shoved it into the overhead bin. Do you need both when you are in hawaii? i found it easier to run through the airport with DS in the backpack, then I could carry things.

Bring snacks. It depends on what airline you are flying, but most of them are a little stingy on the food and I found myself scarfing down my meal and thinking "that was a good appetizer, what's next?" It barely made a dent in my nursing momma hunger. Bring bottled water too, you can get really dehydrated.

Bring more diapers than you think and a change of clothes for you in case you get puked or peed on.

If your baby likes being wrapped up, bring a blankie. We just flew with 5 month old DD (and DS) and she needs to be wrapped up to go to sleep or just to feel safe and calm, we brought a blankie and it was a good thing.

have a blast!

 

[Nora_SEA]

Thanks for the tips. Maybe we do not need both while we are there? I just was thinking that the stroller would be easier for airport and touristy "sightseeing" - but I've never done it and am probably wrong!

I'm afraid to just put the backpack in the plastic bags they provide and have it checked with regular luggage becasue of the way they throw stuff around. The only way around that is for us to BUY a bigger suitcase to put it into though, and that's crazy to me. We are going with 4 other members of my family so there are lots of arms to help with carry on & gate checked items. I know since 911 they are pretty careful about carry on sizes...I guess I should just call the airline.

 

[jaime302]

I would stick with the backpack and leave the stroller at home. A lot of places aren't stroller friendly (depending on what stuff you do). Can you call your airline and see if they will check the backpack at the gate so that you can carry dc in til you get to the gate

Have a great trip!!!

 

[Nora_SEA]

I think we've decided to go without the stroller. We will be hiking so we NEED the backpack and I couldn't think of a 'must have' reason to bring the stroller. It was just too much to think of the layover/connection in Honolulu with a baby and:
STROLLER
BACKPACK
BIG DIAPER BAG
CAR SEAT
'Our' CARRY ON BAG!!!

 

[Alvenchrst]

I've air traveled way too much with ds, 8m. Probably about 12 flights! With out fail every trip he was a bit more grumpy and didn't sleep as well. If I made sure I was expecting this, I wouldn't get as frustrated. Unless you need the car seat for a rental car, I would skip it for the plane. Be prepared to undo dc out of the back pack and when you go through security. At this age i found babies love new things. Maybe buy a few small new toys that dc hasn't seen before for the plane ride. Good luck!

 

[jacksmama]

I've travelled several times with my ds. I took one large suitcase and checked that and his carseat. I held ds on the plane. Even when dh and I bought and extra seat for ds we just used it to spread out. My stewardess told me that if I brought a car seat on the plane that I would be required to strap ds in during take off and landing. Which is exactly when he needed to be held. If you're planning on bringing the seat on board, you may want to check that out.

 

[tammylc]

Here's a question for you travelin' mamas - often when I go away, I don't get a rental car, just take a taxi or a hotel shuttle or the like. As I think about my upcoming first plane trip with DS, I'm trying to figure out how that works with an infant - do I have to drag along a car seat and try to figure out how to install it in a taxi?

 

[root*children]

We travelled by plane ALOT when DS#1 was under the age 2 (free seat) limit.
A couple thoughts:
I totally see your reason for bringing a backpack. I would also bring your sling. This is how I feel safest in airports, and is great for just going around town. Also, if it's a long day, you'll have other family members there (DP,yes?) who can share slinging with you if your shoulder starts to ache. This takes up virtually no room to pack.

A taxi is like a city bus, in that car seats are not required. If you feel more comfortable with a car seat, there's a nice travelling one on the One Step Ahead website, that is very small and lightweight.

I don't know if you've already gotten tix yet, but DC is still young enough to sit on your lap and not need his/her own ticket, so I'd take advantage of that and not bring a car seat!

Things to bring (musts):
Rescue Remedy
Any calming-sleep promoting tincture (we use 'Herbs for Kids' Valerian Super Calm, Nerve Support)
new toys (well, we just go to the thrift and get ones he hasn't seen - this works for long road trips as well)
snacks, snacks, and more snacks. If there's anything that will keep a baby's attention, it's food! Even a 7mo, you can get things to suck on, like teething biscuits, Newman's unsalted pretzels, etc.

 

[Nora_SEA]

Thanks for all the tips ladies! Good idea to bring along a "new" toy for her to play with. I guess travelling is just trial and error with a baby - do what you think will work and be flexible. We are travelling with family so there will be lots of arms to help. We were bringing the sling as well as the big stuff.

Thanks again! Appreciate you all taking time to post your thoughts.