How to travel with a car seat and a stroller

If you’re checking your stroller, maneuvering the seat through the airport can be a pain. Fortunately, there’s a solution for that: grab a lightweight, collapsible cart and attach it. (But not with your child in it.) Or you can get a travel car seat like the WayB Pico, if your child is forward-facing age. It folds up and comes with its own carry bag.

Note: The car seat must fit on the plane. However, if it does not, the airline is responsible for providing a child restraint system, or accommodating the child in another seat with the same service.

Where and how to check it

First: You’ll need a car seat bag to cover it. Be sure to label it everywhere, as most car seat bags are similar. Then you have to choose where you will check it. If you’re not using it on the plane and it’s not attached to the stroller, it’s best to check it on arrival like you would your luggage. Let the attendant know it’s a car seat – these go in last and out first.

If it is attached to the stroller and you want to use it through the airport, check it at the gate. Again, it’s best to take it on the plane and use it, for the safety aspect and also because that way you know it won’t be mishandled. let’s face it The airline could damage the car seat. Inspect the car seat immediately after you retrieve it.

The basic question

Most bases are not compatible with aircraft. But remember that all car seats must be able to be installed safely in a car without a base, so it’s probably best to leave them in the car or at home. If you really want to have this base, I suggest buying an extra base to be delivered to your destination, rather than checking it or risking putting it in an overhead compartment. The most expensive bases are around $150, with most around $60. The extra cost sucks, but alas. The same applies to train journeys and long-distance bus journeys.

The Pram

Honestly? When traveling with a car seat and pushchair, the pushchair bit is much easier. First, I’d suggest buying a lightweight stroller or travel stroller that folds up small enough to fit in the overhead bin, like the Stokke YoYo3. Not only is it great to have, but it makes traveling with a baby as smooth as possible. More than one mom has told me that they bought a travel stroller for trips, and now it’s their main stroller. Convenience is king, sometimes.

However, if you need to check it out, once again, you’ll need a bag. And make sure this bag fits your entire stroller. If you carry a Vista V3, it will not fit in a stroller made for an UppaBaby Minu. You can check it with your luggage or at the gate. If you have a double stroller, especially a side-by-side one, you may want to consider checking it in with your luggage and taking some luggage for your little ones if they’re old enough.

Professional travel advice

• If you are traveling with two parents or traveling with two adults: Have one of the adults check in early to get on the plane and find all the things. The bags, the stroller, the snack kits and the Lysol cleaning. While they do, the other stays with the kids in the terminal, running around to tire them out. Then the dead last board. It seems counterintuitive, but it’s really the best strategy.
• If you’re checking the car seat, wrap it in bubble wrap before putting it in your bag.
• Carry a folding toilet seat in your diaper bag. Airplane toilets are terrifying enough; it’s good to make it easier.
• It has happened to me several times that someone sitting in front of us is looking at something on the plane screen or on their phone that the little ones shouldn’t be seeing. Usually the security card will slide between the seats to lock it. But you might have to use a baby blanket or something similar. Bring a thinner blanket for this.
• Please take pictures of your car seat and pushchair before checking them in, so the airline can/cannot dispute any damage that may occur.

Traveling with a car seat and stroller isn’t as important as it used to be, and we should all be glad for that. Buckle up for a fun ride.