Asked on 3rd April 2008  |  5 replies

Answered on 2nd July 2009:

Some tips: 1. If you check your stroller or your car seat as baggage, you don't have to pay for it on most airlines because it is an exempted item. I just recently flew with my son who had his own seat. We took a car seat for the first flight and opted to check it, for free, on the return. 2. you can take liquid food or formula for the baby. Just follow these TSA guidelines: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm. If you take dry formula, though, it's much easier. I have kept it separated out in a ziplock. 3. Give yourself extra time to check in and make it through security. 4. If they have family lanes at security, even though it's slower, make use of them. Few people get impatient with a parent who is taking his or her time with a carrier, diaper bag etc. 5. I have found it's easiest to keep the baby as much on his or her schedule as possible. Keeping them up past their naptime is unbearable if they get overtired. 6. Rely on the kindness of strangers if you are traveling alone. When I took my son on his first flight (over 7 hours) (before he turned one), I carried him in my ergo, no stroller etc. When I had to go to the bathroom, he came with me, but there were people who offered to help me and I said yes when I needed to. 7. Help a little one clear their ears by giving them something to drink at take offs and landings. 8. Having an extra seat is a blessing. Even if you plan on lap-holding an infant, getting the baby his or her own seat affords you some extra space, if you can afford it.

5 replies