Questions re: Traveling with a baby

Hi everyone - I am due 11/2 with our first baby and I am hoping that you will be able to shed some light on traveling with a baby.

DH and I are considering heading to Florida in mid January w/ the baby. At which point she will be 2-3 months old.

Has anyone booked an airline ticket for their DC in advance of arrival? Do airlines do this? I just think it is weird since we don't have a name etc and I thought you may have some insight on this.

Also, is it required that you have a seat for the baby? I would assume that we would want one so that we can put her car seat carrier on there, but with the crazy prices are there other options?

Do we have to travel with the car seat base or do the rental car places typically have them available?

And finally, what do you think we absolutely need to bring with us on the trip? Pack N Play? Swing?

This is all going to be very interesting. I am already have crazy visions of me, dh, baby and our dog bailey at the airport causing a scene!

Any insight you can provide is greatly appreciated....I just don't want to start calling around to all the airlines and car rental places with no info on hand. Figured I was better off starting with those who have BTDT!

Thanks in advance for all your help!!
Jill

ETA: We would not be staying at a hotel....we would be at DH's parents condo .... which doesn't currently have a PNP etc. Thanks again!

Message edited 9/17/2008 10:05:21 AM.

Re: Questions re: Traveling with a baby

1. We traveled when DS was 3 months old, we bought the ticket when he was a week old, so I odn't know about that. But even if he is a lap child, you have to have her on there, so once you name her, I'd call.

2. You do not need a ticket, and honestly at that age, having done it, holding her would be better IMO. You can gate check the infant seat and stroller so you can use them as much as possible.

3. You do not need a car seat base, you can install it in the rental car without it.

4. If you are staying in a hotel, they may have pack and plays, I'd call. THere are also rental companies to get stuff from too.

Have fun! My birthday is 11/2

Re: Questions re: Traveling with a baby

Re: Questions re: Traveling with a baby

Re: Questions re: Traveling with a baby

I wouldn't purchase a seat for the baby. What I would do is book the aisle and window seat for you and DH. Often people will not choose that middle seat unless the flight is overbooked. If noone books that seat, they will let you bring the carseat on and use that seat. You can cheack the stroller at the gate. I woudn't bither with big toys or ever a Pack an Play. Most hotels will either have a P&P or crib. Call your hotel to find out what they have and bring your own sheet from home. Do your best not to overpack. You can go food shopping in FL.

Re: Questions re: Traveling with a baby

Thanks for all the quick responses!!

I should have mentioned (and just edited the original post) that we are not staying at a hotel. We would be staying at my in-laws condo. So that is why I felt we might need the PNP.

I didn't know that you can install the car seat without the base. Is that really safe?

Message edited 9/17/2008 10:11:36 AM.

Re: Questions re: Traveling with a baby