Help! Traveling alone with 4 year old and 1 year old?

two.sweetk

I'm going to be traveling with my 4 year old daughter and 1 year old son in three weeks. My husband cannot come. We are flying across the country to visit my brother and his wife and kids. I'm freaking out! I've been really busy up until now with other things, and now that I have time to focus on this trip I realize that this is going to be extremely difficult. =(

I'm not going to bring a carseat for my 4 year old because my brother's son just moved up to a booster and so they have a carseat in good condition that has not expired or anything. They are installing that for us, and their car is the only one we will drive around in, so we are all set. Unfortunately they do not have a seat for my baby, so I'm going to have to bring his. He is 18 months old and forward facing in a Britax Marathon. I'm planning on bringing our cheap umbrella stroller for my son to sit it. My daughter will walk. I will only have a large backback with all of our carry-on things in it, and I'll check
Our one suitcase with our clothes, shoes, etc in it. My questions (sorry that this is so long!) are: How am I supposed to get the carseat thru the airport?? What are good ways to entertain my kids on the flight? I'm so nervous. I have always had my husband to help me before this trip, and I don't know what I'm going to do!! I wish he could come! Please help!! Any advice would be great. :)

Answer
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot with my three children. We usually fly between Europe and California about twice a year, plus other shorter flights. My husband can *never* come. Even when he does, he flies in later and leaves earlier.

We also always have a car seat with us.

There are several solutions.

One is to skip the umbrella stroller and see if you can wedge your Marathon into your more solid car seat. There is not advantage to taking an umbrella stroller since you have to gate check it anyway (never bring any stroller on board an aircraft, no place to stow and dangerous in overhead bins). Use a bungee cord to anchor it together. At the gate, bring the car seat on board and gate check the stroller.

You can also try bungee cording your Marathon to the back of the stroller, depending on the model. Works for some parents.

Another option is to either check or leave the stroller and strap your car seat either on to a GogoKidz (a product specific to getting car seats through air ports);

http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html

OR save $90 and do what I do with my Radian and strap it to a small all-metal luggage cart. I use an extra bungee cord. I skip the stroller and my child can actually ride in it.

There are some other products sold. These are just examples;

http://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Toddler-Attach-Rolling-Carry/dp/B000JHN3AS
http://www.onestepahead.com/product/osa/363756.html

Just go to a travel website or look on Amazon and check out all the travel options they have.

If you think you can't handle the Marathon, you can get a cheaper, lighter seat for travel. I used to use an old version of this seat;

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4083774

Sometimes it's on sale for as little as $40. It gets good reviews from car seat techs and you can then use it as a second seat.

For your 4 year old, this is a good product, although expensive;

http://kidsflysafe.com/

They are being rented on Ebay and Craigslist, as well as having good resale potiential.

Try to use the car seat on board. The marginal inconvenience of taking it to the gate is well offset but making life easier on board. Children are quieter and calmer in their familiar seats and technically, lap children are not safe in an emergency. It's so nice to have mine sleeping safely in their seats and I could get some rest too.

Car seats should never be checked in with luggage. They can easily be lost and/or broken en route. If you can't use it on board, it will then be gate-checked which is gentlier than checking it in at the desk. If you have booked a seat for your son, it's your legal right to use the Marathon on board.

If you haven't booked a seat for him, find out if there are any empty seats and ask if you can "block" a seat next to you. They often do this for families and only use the seat if absolutely necessary. Keep your seat till you get to the gate to find out if you can manage this.

Try to sit in the "bulkhead" seats. These are the ones with a wall in front, located in different places depending on the aircraft. With no one in front, it's easier with children.

I also recommend a really good baby carrier. No way can he go in one of those awful Bjorns but a sling, Becco, Ergo or wrap is fine for him. This really made transatlantic travel with three small closely spaced children much, much easier. I'm not sure how I would have managed without my sling. Magic for calming babies on board and saved my back!

For more information and tips, I wrote an entirely non-commercial article based on both my practical and personal experience. I go more into details on packing, security, etc.

http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com...

My contact details are at the end if you have further questions.

Good luck and have a great flight!

Have you traveled by plane with a baby before?

Riyen's

Just wondering your expierences, I will be taking my son to Morocco next week and he'll be sitting on my lap. It will be a 9 hour flight and i want to make him as comfortable as possible, any advice would be great. Also, do you know if I can bring snakcs on the plane for him?

Answer
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot with my three children. In fact, two years ago we took them to Morocco and had a great time (I wish I could go back!)

You can bring snacks on the plane. It's not a problem with security. Usually, there are exemptions for children with liquids (and if worse, they'll simply take it away). As far as regulations entering Morocco, I would not bring any pork products into a Moslem country. You'll be informed if you can't take anything into Morocco. Anything not allowed can simply be left on board the aircraft when you leave.

Find out if your airline provides *wall mounted* bassinets. These are useful if you don't have a seat for your son. Not all airlines have them, or they have bassinets which simply are placed on the floor. These aren't nearly as useful!

I do really recommend bringing a car seat and using it onboard. This is safer than having the baby in your lap. Even with a bassinet, it has to be stowed for landing and take-off. Having the car seat is also more comfortable than the bassinet since it's familiar to the child and protects him from turbulence at all times (some airlines make you remove children from bassinets if you are going through rough air).

Make sure your car seat is approved for use on your airline. Search with the name of your airline, followed by "children" or "car seat" to get to the right page.

Anyone have suggestions on what to prepare for flying +20 hours to Indonesia with a 10 months-old baby boy?

toddler travel lap desk image

A_ing

My son will be 10 months old in October and I plan to travel to Indonesia. It will take more than 20 hours flight with 1-2 layover in HongKong and or Singapore/ Tokyo. I may be going by myself with baby as daddy may goes later and fly back home to The US together. Anyone has experiences and suggestions what to prepare?

Answer
Apa kabar!

I'm a former Flight Attendant and I now fly a lot with my own three children. We usually travel between Europe and California about twice a year. I also used to live in Asia and work the routes in that part of the world, although I haven't flown with my children there (yet!).

I recommend going before he hits toddlerhood. You may have him crawling all over the place but for the most part, you'll be able to keep up with him. When they run, it gets more complicated...

First of all, I really recommend bringing a car seat and using it onboard. Make sure your car seat is approved for use on aircraft. If you're flying on a U.S. company, see the below link for information on if it's approved. Most car seats, including infant buckets, sold in the U.S. are.

http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/

If you are flying a non-U.S. company, see the information for your airline. If you search with the name of the airline, followed by "children", that will usually give you the right page.

This way, the seat will get to your destination without risking it being damaged or lost in luggage. On my last transatlantic with my kids, three of our four bags didn't make it but since we had the car seat with us, my daughter was safe for the 2 hour drive home (the bags arrived 2 days later). I saw at least two other seats while looking for our luggage. Wonder how they got home?

If you don't have a seat for him, request it at check-in. Ask if the flight is full, and if not, they can "block" the seat next to you, only using it if they really need it. They often do this for families.

Bring the seat to the gate, even if they are unsure that you'll get a seat. This way, if you don't manage it, they will "gate check" your seat, sending it down with the strollers and wheelchairs. This is gentlier than checking it in at the desk.

If you actually buy a ticket for him, which is what I did when I flew alone with my babies, IF it is a U.S. company AND your seat is FAA approved, it CANNOT BE REFUSED. It's your right to use it onboard. Here is the documentation if you need it;

http://web.nbaa.org/public/ops/ac/AC120-87A.pdf

Babies under 2 are allowed on laps because air travel is so safe. It's unlikely anything will go wrong but if it does, these children have no protection. It was also infinitely easier to have them in their familiar seat, comfortable and safe. I could get up and use the restroom at least! Obviously, I didn't leave them for long times when asleep but I could get a drink, etc. and I could sleep more soundly with them next to me instead of jiggling them on my lap.

I also recommend trying to sit at the bulkhead. These are the seats with the wall in front, located in different places depending on the aircraft. Bulkheads are easier with children since no one is leaning in front of you and there's probably room to crawl on the floor. Some airlines have wall-mounted bassinets that your son may or may not fit. They are no replacement for a car seat for safety and the bassinets have to be stowed for take-off and landing.

If you have a travel system, you can use the stroller until you get to the door of the aircraft and then it'll be "gate checked". If not, use a stroller frame for a infant seat. You'll have it again, by the door of the aircraft when you arrive. If you have a convertible car seat (going to 40lbs), there are a number of contraptions you can use to wheel it around. I simply strap mine to a small metal luggage cart and that works great. Some parents manage to bungee cord their seat to their stroller. Experiment at home to see what works with your specific products.

These are just examples!
http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html
http://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Toddler-Attach-Rolling-Carry/dp/B000JHN3AS
http://www.onestepahead.com/product/osa/363756.html

Since this is a long flight, there are a couple of products you may want to look into. I had one of these and it worked great. It's expensive though but for such a long journey, might be worthwhile;

http://www.lillygold.com/

By contrast, this is a cheap, FAA approved seat which is light and easy to travel with. I used one when I flew with my son, or more precisely, it's predecessor;

http://www.amazon.com/Cosco-Scenera-Convertible-Point-Seat/dp/B000GY5OBA

Sometimes you can find it on sale for as little as $40 and you can then use it as a extra car seat at home for babysitters, grandparents, etc. Do not buy the version with the overhead shield!

If you do have a stroller, bring a bungee cord and double secure it before leaving it at the door of the plane. They can get damaged if they pop open en route. Make sure the claim ticket can be seen and isn't squished or hidden. Be sure to ask when disembarking where the stroller is.

Bring at least 1/3 more diapers than you think you'll need. I saw so many parents run out on flights when I was working! Wrap them in plastic bags and throw a bunch of rubber bands around them to save room in your carry-on.

For a formula fed baby, I really recommend using the bottles with plastic liners. Traditional bottles are too difficult to wash onboard because of the kind of sinks on airplanes. I premeasured the powder and rolled them up, placing the rolls in a ziplock bag. Then you throw the liners away as you use them and only have the ring and nipple to clean.

If you use bottled water, be sure to give yourself enough time to buy some once you're past security. Make sure you have enough! The water on the aircraft is filtered tap so decide if you're comfortable using that for your baby. If it is not potable, this fact will be clearly marked. Bottled water runs out fast on flights and we never had any extra for baby bottles.

Be sure your baby does not need the bottle warmed. Get him used to a room-temperature bottle before leaving. This is unnecessary health-wise and a real pain to do while travelling. I warmed many bottles on my flights but I wasn't there in the check-in line, the security line or the waiting area! Babies do great with room-temperature bottles.

Make sure you have at least one change of clothes. I would bring two. At that age, I simply dressed mine in sleep suits for flying. No one will care so keep him comfortable. Bring extra socks if he crawls so that he doesn't pick up anything nasty on the floor and to keep his hands clean.

I have never used any sort of medications to get my children to sleep on any of those flights. At that age especially, they do nodd off at some point of the journey, more if it's at night.

I also think he's too young for a portable DVD player. I got one when my youngest was 3 years old. They are kind of heavy to cart around and could easily break. How much screen watching does he do? Mine were not very interested, especially with a small screen, at that age.

Bring a few quiet toys but a small selection. Again, short attention spans and he'll be more interested in his new surroundings.

Hopefully you have a good baby carrier. They're so useful for flying, especially at this age. I had a sling but other parents swear by their wraps and pouches. The Ergo and Beccos are other popular carriers for travel that go on the back. The badly designed front packs like the Bjorn and Snugli are probably too small for him.

I liked the sling because I could slide my babies from into and out of a stroller or car seat without waking them. It also doubled as a blanket, baby changer, breastfeeding cover-up and sunshade! My sling was magic for calming my babies during the flight. Other parents wanted one when they saw how easy it made my travels. A good carrier should go to at least age 2 so he should still fit in the good ones.

Many flying tips say to make the child suck on something or drink during take-off and landing. This isn't accurate. ENT specialists say to have the child awake about an hour before landing (top of descent, landing or touch-down is too late).

http://www.entcda.com/AAOHNSF/earsandaltitude.htm
The AAP says the same;
http://www.aap.org/patiented/flyingbaby.htm

I can confirm that is when I saw problems at work. Take your child to the doctor in the last few days before you fly to make sure his ears are clear and infection-free. Heathy ears can handle pressurization changes. If there is an infection, sucking will not prevent pain.

About 8 years ago, I wrote an article on flying with children for an expat newsletter. Over the years many parents have contributed. I later put it on a blog so that parents had access to non-commercial information from someone with both practical and professional experience on the web.

Feel free to visit;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com
my contact infomation is at the end if you have further questions.

Have a good flight!

Have you traveled by plane with a baby before?

Riyen's

Just wondering your expierences, I will be taking my son to Morocco next week and he'll be sitting on my lap. It will be a 9 hour flight and i want to make him as comfortable as possible, any advice would be great. Also, do you know if I can bring snakcs on the plane for him?

Answer
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot with my three children. In fact, two years ago we took them to Morocco and had a great time (I wish I could go back!)

You can bring snacks on the plane. It's not a problem with security. Usually, there are exemptions for children with liquids (and if worse, they'll simply take it away). As far as regulations entering Morocco, I would not bring any pork products into a Moslem country. You'll be informed if you can't take anything into Morocco. Anything not allowed can simply be left on board the aircraft when you leave.

Find out if your airline provides *wall mounted* bassinets. These are useful if you don't have a seat for your son. Not all airlines have them, or they have bassinets which simply are placed on the floor. These aren't nearly as useful!

I do really recommend bringing a car seat and using it onboard. This is safer than having the baby in your lap. Even with a bassinet, it has to be stowed for landing and take-off. Having the car seat is also more comfortable than the bassinet since it's familiar to the child and protects him from turbulence at all times (some airlines make you remove children from bassinets if you are going through rough air).

Make sure your car seat is approved for use on your airline. Search with the name of your airline, followed by "children" or "car seat" to get to the right page.

Request at check-in if you can have an empty seat next to you to use your car seat. Ask if the flight is full, and if not, they can "block" the seat next to you, only using it if they really need it. They often do this for families.

Bring the seat to the gate, even if they are unsure that you'll get a seat. This way, if you don't manage it, they will "gate check" your seat, sending it down with the strollers and wheelchairs. This is gentlier than checking it in at the desk.

I also recommend trying to sit at the bulkhead. These are the seats with the wall in front, located in different places depending on the aircraft. Bulkheads are easier with children since no one is leaning in front of you and there's probably room to crawl on the floor.

If you have your car seat, many think it has to go by the window. It just can't block another passenger's access to the aisle. So if the plane is a "wide body", meaning it has two aisles, you can place it in the middle. If it's a "narrow body" with only one aisle, it has to go by the window. You also can't sit in exit rows, but any child less than 15 years old is not allowed there anyway, car seat or not.

If you have a travel system, you can use the stroller until you get to the door of the aircraft and then it'll be "gate checked". If not, use a stroller frame for a infant seat. You'll have it again, by the door of the aircraft when you arrive. If you have a convertible car seat (going to 40lbs), there are a number of contraptions you can use to wheel it around. I simply strap mine to a small metal luggage cart and that works great.

These are just examples!
http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html
http://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Toddler-Attach-Rolling-Carry/dp/B000JHN3AS
http://www.onestepahead.com/product/osa/363756.html

I simply use a small metal luggage cart and bungee cord my seat to it. Some parents also manage to use bungee cords to attach their seat to their stroller. A lot depends on your models. Experiment at home first.

If you do have a stroller, bring a bungee cord and double secure it before leaving it at the door of the plane. They can get damaged if they pop open en route. Make sure the claim ticket can be seen and isn't squished or hidden. Be sure to ask when disembarking where the stroller is

Just some extra tips;
-Bring about 1/3 more supplies than you think you'll need, formula, diapers, wipes, etc.
-Bring a change of clothes for both of you (at least a T and shorts for you)
-wrap everything bulky, like clothes and extra diapers in plastic bags, and use rubber bands to reduce the bulk and save space in your carry-on
-If you formula feed, use the kind of bottles with plastic liners. Premeasure the powder, roll them up and put them in a ziplock bag. Airplane bathrooms have bad sinks for washing traditional bottles.
-Make sure you baby is used to a room-temperature bottle. I warmed many a bottle in my career but I saw first-hand what a pain it is. The baby isn't getting any health-advantage to the warmed bottle and no one will do this task while you're in the security or check-in line.

About 8 years ago, I wrote an article on flying with children for an expat newsletter. Over the years many parents have contributed. I later put it on a blog so that parents had access to non-commercial information from someone with both practical and professional experience on the web.

Feel free to visit;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com

Have a great time over there!

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Flying with my one year old alone.?

toddler travel lap desk image

akilamoniq

I am flying across country with my 13month old alone. I have to bring his carseat, I need a stroller, and I still have to have a bag with all of our things. Any ideas on how to juggle all of this get through security, the terminal and possibly to the bathroom. Any ideas on how to attach his toddler seat to the stroller.
I actually do have a graco, but it's an infant seat and he's long since outgrown that, he's in a convertable seat now.
Yes I did purchase a seat for him and will be toting a toddler carseat around the airport.

Answer
I've been flying internationally with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5), and at least 3 of those flight a year are me and the kids by ourselves. Here are some tips and advice that have always worked for me and I hope will help you:


1.) Getting through security with all this stuff is a little tricky, but can be done. Try to check as many things as possible. Then try to place the car seat underneath the stroller. I don't know what kind of carry-on bag you have, but if it is a "bag", then try to hook it around the handle of the stroller, or carry it on your shoulders. If it is a push one, then push it along with the stroller. You can gate check your stroller so that should give you a bit more help with carrying all the things. If you need help, ask the desk agent and they should be able to help you or find someone to help you out.

2.) You will need to have all your sons documents in order. For domestic flights you usually don't need and ID? but it is good to bring along a notarized copy of his birth certificate just in case.


FAA regulations currently allow children under the age of two to fly free of charge as "lap children" (not required to have their own seat). If you are flying internationally, the airline might charge you (I say might because not all do) a 10-20% fee.

The steward/stewardess should place them in a front seat where they will have more room. Most airlines will provide you with a special baby seat belt that hooks onto yours so your child can be buckled up as well. And depending on the airline and length of flight, the steward/stewardess might give you a crib type thing that attaches to the front wall to put your child in (however you can not uses this during take-off and landing).

This is not the safest way for a child to fly and the airlines recommend children to have their own seat with a child safety device, but does not mandate it because of the cost to the parents.

3.) I advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System) because it is safe for the child - especially during turbulence, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, and gives both of them the opportunity to relax a bit.

A CRS is an airline-approved alternative to using a hard-backed seat and is approved for use on aircraft and for use in motor vehicles. Many people confuse it with a regular car seat, which it is not. http://faa.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/faa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=29&p_created=1071174367&p_sid=mn66D6wi&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NCZwX3Byb2RzPSZwX2NhdHM9MCZwX3B2PSZwX2N2PSZwX3BhZ2U9MSZwX3NlYXJjaF90ZXh0PWNoaWxk&p_li=&p_topview=1

This website talks about approved CRS devices and their ratings: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm

Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. Parents should call their airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.

Ask your airline if they can provide a CRS for your child. If so, you may not be permitted to bring your own CRS on board, and may need to check it as baggage. http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/


4.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do to help with the ear popping, is give your child a bottle to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter) or a pacifier.

Baby formula is fine to take, and you are not limited to the amount you can bring aboard (as long as your child is with you), do not worry. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm

New regulations allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz, -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from inside the security area onto planes. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food onto the plane with you. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10

Save your money when it comes to buying water though because the stewards/stewardess' will provide you with hot or cold water (or any other drink) free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request it.

Another trick is that if your child is not taking to the pacifier or wanting to drink, gently rub his neck from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.

5.) Pack a few instant hot/cold cereals, instant rice, and other just-add-water packets (age appropriate, of course). The stewards/stewardess' will provide you with hot or cold water upon request. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food and a few other non-perishable snack items, such as cheerios. Drinks will be provided free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request.

6.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your child. A few of his favorite toys, books, and any comfort things such as a blankie. It is also a good idea to buy a few inexpensive toys that you will give to him only once on the plane. It will hep to keep him occupied.

7.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your child. You will need this in case he gets sick, spills something on himself, or in case your luggage gets lost.

8.) Keep your diaper bag well stocked with plenty of diapers, wipes, ointments and other essential things. Baby nail clippers and scissors are not allowed though. Just remember the new regulating liquids, gels, and such and pack accordingly. You can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use.

9.) Keep your doctors name and number with you. Also get the name and number of a doctor where you are visiting in case an emergency should come up.

Also it is a good idea to have a check-up with your doctor before leaving to make sure your child is healthy enough to fly. If he has even a slight cold, the pressure in her ears during take-off and landing (even if you do the precaution methods) could leave his ears aching for days after the flight.

Most doctors recommend that if anyone is sick (such as being stuffed up or already having an earache), not to take the flight because of the potential damage to the ears. I know my husband and other pilots do not work if they are sick because of this danger.

10.) Bring any medications that you might need for your child should he get sick or that he takes regularly. Remember that if they are not prescription medications, the 3oz rule applies to them and they must be kept in a clear plastic bag.

Do NOT give your child medicine with the hopes of it making him sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.

11.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it.


I hope they have a great trip, and if I can be of any more assistance, please feel free to contact me

Help! Traveling alone with 4 year old and 1 year old?

two.sweetk

I'm going to be traveling with my 4 year old daughter and 1 year old son in three weeks. My husband cannot come. We are flying across the country to visit my brother and his wife and kids. I'm freaking out! I've been really busy up until now with other things, and now that I have time to focus on this trip I realize that this is going to be extremely difficult. =(

I'm not going to bring a carseat for my 4 year old because my brother's son just moved up to a booster and so they have a carseat in good condition that has not expired or anything. They are installing that for us, and their car is the only one we will drive around in, so we are all set. Unfortunately they do not have a seat for my baby, so I'm going to have to bring his. He is 18 months old and forward facing in a Britax Marathon. I'm planning on bringing our cheap umbrella stroller for my son to sit it. My daughter will walk. I will only have a large backback with all of our carry-on things in it, and I'll check
Our one suitcase with our clothes, shoes, etc in it. My questions (sorry that this is so long!) are: How am I supposed to get the carseat thru the airport?? What are good ways to entertain my kids on the flight? I'm so nervous. I have always had my husband to help me before this trip, and I don't know what I'm going to do!! I wish he could come! Please help!! Any advice would be great. :)

Answer
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot with my three children. We usually fly between Europe and California about twice a year, plus other shorter flights. My husband can *never* come. Even when he does, he flies in later and leaves earlier.

We also always have a car seat with us.

There are several solutions.

One is to skip the umbrella stroller and see if you can wedge your Marathon into your more solid car seat. There is not advantage to taking an umbrella stroller since you have to gate check it anyway (never bring any stroller on board an aircraft, no place to stow and dangerous in overhead bins). Use a bungee cord to anchor it together. At the gate, bring the car seat on board and gate check the stroller.

You can also try bungee cording your Marathon to the back of the stroller, depending on the model. Works for some parents.

Another option is to either check or leave the stroller and strap your car seat either on to a GogoKidz (a product specific to getting car seats through air ports);

http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html

OR save $90 and do what I do with my Radian and strap it to a small all-metal luggage cart. I use an extra bungee cord. I skip the stroller and my child can actually ride in it.

There are some other products sold. These are just examples;

http://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Toddler-Attach-Rolling-Carry/dp/B000JHN3AS
http://www.onestepahead.com/product/osa/363756.html

Just go to a travel website or look on Amazon and check out all the travel options they have.

If you think you can't handle the Marathon, you can get a cheaper, lighter seat for travel. I used to use an old version of this seat;

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4083774

Sometimes it's on sale for as little as $40. It gets good reviews from car seat techs and you can then use it as a second seat.

For your 4 year old, this is a good product, although expensive;

http://kidsflysafe.com/

They are being rented on Ebay and Craigslist, as well as having good resale potiential.

Try to use the car seat on board. The marginal inconvenience of taking it to the gate is well offset but making life easier on board. Children are quieter and calmer in their familiar seats and technically, lap children are not safe in an emergency. It's so nice to have mine sleeping safely in their seats and I could get some rest too.

Car seats should never be checked in with luggage. They can easily be lost and/or broken en route. If you can't use it on board, it will then be gate-checked which is gentlier than checking it in at the desk. If you have booked a seat for your son, it's your legal right to use the Marathon on board.

If you haven't booked a seat for him, find out if there are any empty seats and ask if you can "block" a seat next to you. They often do this for families and only use the seat if absolutely necessary. Keep your seat till you get to the gate to find out if you can manage this.

Try to sit in the "bulkhead" seats. These are the ones with a wall in front, located in different places depending on the aircraft. With no one in front, it's easier with children.

I also recommend a really good baby carrier. No way can he go in one of those awful Bjorns but a sling, Becco, Ergo or wrap is fine for him. This really made transatlantic travel with three small closely spaced children much, much easier. I'm not sure how I would have managed without my sling. Magic for calming babies on board and saved my back!

For more information and tips, I wrote an entirely non-commercial article based on both my practical and personal experience. I go more into details on packing, security, etc.

http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com...

My contact details are at the end if you have further questions.

Good luck and have a great flight!

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Help! Traveling alone with 4 year old and 1 year old?

toddler travel lap desk image

two.sweetk

I'm going to be traveling with my 4 year old daughter and 1 year old son in three weeks. My husband cannot come. We are flying across the country to visit my brother and his wife and kids. I'm freaking out! I've been really busy up until now with other things, and now that I have time to focus on this trip I realize that this is going to be extremely difficult. =(

I'm not going to bring a carseat for my 4 year old because my brother's son just moved up to a booster and so they have a carseat in good condition that has not expired or anything. They are installing that for us, and their car is the only one we will drive around in, so we are all set. Unfortunately they do not have a seat for my baby, so I'm going to have to bring his. He is 18 months old and forward facing in a Britax Marathon. I'm planning on bringing our cheap umbrella stroller for my son to sit it. My daughter will walk. I will only have a large backback with all of our carry-on things in it, and I'll check
Our one suitcase with our clothes, shoes, etc in it. My questions (sorry that this is so long!) are: How am I supposed to get the carseat thru the airport?? What are good ways to entertain my kids on the flight? I'm so nervous. I have always had my husband to help me before this trip, and I don't know what I'm going to do!! I wish he could come! Please help!! Any advice would be great. :)

Answer
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot with my three children. We usually fly between Europe and California about twice a year, plus other shorter flights. My husband can *never* come. Even when he does, he flies in later and leaves earlier.

We also always have a car seat with us.

There are several solutions.

One is to skip the umbrella stroller and see if you can wedge your Marathon into your more solid car seat. There is not advantage to taking an umbrella stroller since you have to gate check it anyway (never bring any stroller on board an aircraft, no place to stow and dangerous in overhead bins). Use a bungee cord to anchor it together. At the gate, bring the car seat on board and gate check the stroller.

You can also try bungee cording your Marathon to the back of the stroller, depending on the model. Works for some parents.

Another option is to either check or leave the stroller and strap your car seat either on to a GogoKidz (a product specific to getting car seats through air ports);

http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html

OR save $90 and do what I do with my Radian and strap it to a small all-metal luggage cart. I use an extra bungee cord. I skip the stroller and my child can actually ride in it.

There are some other products sold. These are just examples;

http://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Toddler-Attach-Rolling-Carry/dp/B000JHN3AS
http://www.onestepahead.com/product/osa/363756.html

Just go to a travel website or look on Amazon and check out all the travel options they have.

If you think you can't handle the Marathon, you can get a cheaper, lighter seat for travel. I used to use an old version of this seat;

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4083774

Sometimes it's on sale for as little as $40. It gets good reviews from car seat techs and you can then use it as a second seat.

For your 4 year old, this is a good product, although expensive;

http://kidsflysafe.com/

They are being rented on Ebay and Craigslist, as well as having good resale potiential.

Try to use the car seat on board. The marginal inconvenience of taking it to the gate is well offset but making life easier on board. Children are quieter and calmer in their familiar seats and technically, lap children are not safe in an emergency. It's so nice to have mine sleeping safely in their seats and I could get some rest too.

Car seats should never be checked in with luggage. They can easily be lost and/or broken en route. If you can't use it on board, it will then be gate-checked which is gentlier than checking it in at the desk. If you have booked a seat for your son, it's your legal right to use the Marathon on board.

If you haven't booked a seat for him, find out if there are any empty seats and ask if you can "block" a seat next to you. They often do this for families and only use the seat if absolutely necessary. Keep your seat till you get to the gate to find out if you can manage this.

Try to sit in the "bulkhead" seats. These are the ones with a wall in front, located in different places depending on the aircraft. With no one in front, it's easier with children.

I also recommend a really good baby carrier. No way can he go in one of those awful Bjorns but a sling, Becco, Ergo or wrap is fine for him. This really made transatlantic travel with three small closely spaced children much, much easier. I'm not sure how I would have managed without my sling. Magic for calming babies on board and saved my back!

For more information and tips, I wrote an entirely non-commercial article based on both my practical and personal experience. I go more into details on packing, security, etc.

http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com...

My contact details are at the end if you have further questions.

Good luck and have a great flight!

Self travel to Hong Kong with 2 kids ....need some tips?

Smart_mama

1)can i get a prepaid mobile sim card at the airport
and how much ?
2)Is the electrical outlet the same as in Singapore ?
3)Child fare on public transport- up till what age does one trvel free?
4)Best cheapest place to get sneakers..hiking boots

Answer
You can purchase prepaid sim cards at 7-eleven or Circle K in the airport. They usually come in HKD$100. I've found some that come in a smaller amount at Peoples (wireless company).

I'm not sure if your electrical plugs are compatible with our outlets here in HK. You may call your hotel front desk and ask. But if needed, they are available in all hardware & household stores and are pretty cheap. (I bought one that was US compatible for under hkd$10, if I remember....)

Public Transportation- Children 12 & under are half price. Babies and small toddlers that ride on your lap are free.

Sneakers or hiking boots-- relatively inexpensive here. There are many stores everywhere. Even brand names are not too bad, price wise.

Have a nice trip!

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