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We've made 20-25 family travel flights like this (including two international ones) and only had the bag break once. (I still got the car seat back. Just make sure you tape a business card to the bottom of the seat.)
Since they do get roughed up a bit, make sure to bring a second prepared bag (with a business card attached) for the return journey. I usually keep it in the outside pocket of my luggage and then just pull it out at the airport.
Q. I have to bring so much stuff for the baby! How can I fit it all in my luggage?
A. Here are some tips for cutting down on "baby bulk" in family travel:
- Diapers - Unless you're traveling to a very expensive area, don't fill up your luggage with them: buy them at your travel destination.
Just remember to bring enough in your carry-on (I would bring at least 6 for your flight) and maybe another 3-4 in your luggage. Use your judgment based on how many your child usually goes through in one day, PLUS how easily and quickly you'll be able to buy them within a day or so of your arrival.
Note: Apparently, the absorbent gel in diapers acts as an immediate "red flag" for TSA screeners at the airport (I guess it scans like something, shall we say, bad). So be prepared that any bag with diapers WILL be opened. - When possible, buy disposable - for example, you can now get disposable (paper) bibs.
- Look for collapsibles - when we first traveled with our oldest, I bought a collapsible travel high chair. Made of hard plastic, it broke down into several pieces. Pros: you can attach it to any chair and it has a tray just the right height for baby. Con: it can take up to a good quarter or more of the suitcase.
If space is your biggest issue for family travel, you can buy one of those cloth harnesses that you can snap onto a chair (Pro: great space-saver. Con: no tray). Or, just seat baby in your stroller during mealtimes. - Umbrella strollers - As long as your baby is old enough to sit up unassisted, travel with an umbrella stroller rather than a regular sized stroller. Look for one that folds up as compactly as possible.
A. Good question! Click here to learn the latest rules for bringing liquids on board.
Q. My child always screams uncontrollably during landing. What can I do?
A. In a word: Tylenol*. Until our kids were two or so, we always gave them a dose of Tylenol just before we board. We found it really helps brunt with the ear pressure pain.
Next, we always made sure to give them a sucker or hard candy during take offs and landings. The sucking forces them to swallow, which is the best way to clear the ears. We rarely gave them candy at that age, so this was a real treat and had the added benefit of keeping them occupied for awhile.
*Although Tylenol is generally considered safe for infants, always check with your doctor.
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