When traveling with kids it is important to plan ahead to make your getaway with your family as comfortable as possible. We have a few recommendations for you if flying with your kids and whether to take a car seat or not.
Airplane regulations
Light Stroller
FAA recommends that the safest place for your child is in an approved child restraint system (CRS), such as the CARES Safety Harness, or device, not in your lap. FAA recommends that a child weighing:
o Less than 20 pounds use a rear-facing CRS
o From 20 to 40 pounds use a forward-facing CRS
o More than 40 pounds use an airplane seat belt
o A child may also use an alternative, such as a a harness-type restraint, if it is approved by FAA. FAA has approved one restraint appropriate for children weighing between 22 and 44 pounds. This type of restraint is not safe for use in motor vehicles.
Based on this information we have a couple of options we would like to provide you.
FAA Approved Child Restraint SystemsIf you prefer not to take car seat with you, or even if you do and prefer to gate check the car seat, the FAA recommends you use a child restraint system that provides a five point harness to safely secure your child. was approved by the FAA September 2006, read here for details. The CARES safety flight harness can be purchased for .95 or rented for as little as .50. It is only 1 lb and comes in a nice compact bag that can fit in your diaper bag or carry on luggage. It's very easy to use.
Need or prefer to take a car seat
If you need a car seat at your destination or just prefer to have a car seat then you have a couple of options for convenience:
1.Renting a car seat at your destination. This is very convenient, but please be cautious though of where you are renting it from. Read these safety tips from Delicious Baby.
2.Purchasing or renting a car seat/stroller combination.. The Sit N Stroll by Lillygold is the preferred method by frequent travelers. Suitable from newborn to 40 lbs, convert this FAA certified car seat quickly and easily to a stroller so you can get around easily.
3.Checking in a car seat with your luggage. Most airlines do not charge you for checking in your stroller or car seat. I would recommend contacting your airlines to see what their regulations are for checking in. At this time, none of them charge for checking in, but some have strict regulations that they must be in a box if checking in or can't weight over a certain amount.
4.Gate Check your car seat. If you have an infant you want to cart around in a travel system stroller through the airport, you can gate check the stroller and car seat at the gate. If you don't want to take a stroller you can also use gogo baby travel accessory that attaches to your car seat and allows you to conveniently stroll your child in their own car seat. We also recommend using a car seat gate check bag that will keep your car seat germ free and clean when gate checking. There is also one available for strollers.
5.Taking it on the plane. You might personally prefer using a car seat for your child during flight, especially a long flight. I have traveled with my children in several ways and the most convenient was having a seat for them even as an infant. I tried once having my 10 month old in my lap and that was a MISERABLE flight. He needed his space. It of course all depends on the child. The #1 concern though is getting around the airport with the car seat. The gogo baby travel accessory is again a really great option. It's so easy to use and allows you to stroll the child in car seat through the airport with ease.
Prefer not to take a car seat
For the sake of convenience we recommend finding other options to taking a car seat with you. As we mentioned above, you could rent a car seat while there or if you visit family frequently see if you can get car seats that they can keep with their cars.
If going on a cruise or visiting a large city then a car seat is not necessary and would be more of a nuisance.
When flying without a car seat, we then recommend you use a Child Restraint System such as the CARES safety harness, which is FAA approved. If you prefer to have your infant sitting in your lap, you can still use a flight vest, such as the Baby B-Air, that secure the children why sitting in your lap. These are NOT FAA approved since they recommend children do not sit in your lap and they are not allowed to be used during take-off, taxi and landing.
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Cosco Umbrella Stroller, Giraffe Feature
- Easy scissor fold
- Fixed handles
- 3-point harness
- 4" front and rear wheel size
- Holds child up to 40 pounds
Cosco Umbrella Stroller, Giraffe Overview
This giraffe ornament can be personalized with your child's name on his belly. This is great to hang on a wall or with a suction cup on a mirror or window. You can also use it as a name tag on a gift. 4"H x 2.5"W. ResinAvailable In Stock. |
