Traveling with a baby

We are traveling to Florida for a few days, we did not purchase a plane seat for Claire we will hold her, she is 8 months. I am wondering is it a problem to check in her car seat as baggage? Do we have to box it up or bring it as is? I dont want it damaged.....Also what is the best way to travel with her in the airport stroller or sling/carrier? Will they check the stroller right at the gate? is it a problem for security checks at all?.......Thanks for the help!

Re: Traveling with a baby

We just flew to Florida with Cole (he was 6 months). We also didn't purchase a seat for him, but were lucky enough that there was an open seat for him both ways, so we brought the carseat right onto the plane. We kept him in the stroller through the airport. At securtiy the baby has to be out of the stroller and the stroller itself went on the conveyor belt. We check all of our bags curbside except the diaper bag and one carryon so we weren't lugging a ton of things around. We kept him in the stroller right up to the door of the plane (they tagged it at the gate); we just folded it and left it on the jetway with the staff. When we got out of the plane the stroller was opened and wiating right outside the door.

I also brought the boppy with us in case he didnt get a seat. I thought it would be more comfortable for him and us. Another couple I saw actually had their carseat on some sort of backpack carrier thing. ANyone have any info on this? i know they sell travel bags for the carseats too.

Re: Traveling with a baby

We went to Florida when Aidan was about 8 1/2 months I did not purchase a seat for him, he sat on my lap. The carseat was checked with the luggage, but I had bought one of those carseat travel bags at Buy Buy Baby to carry it in and protect it. My husband LEFT IT IN FLORIDA so I also know first hand that Delta will put the carseat in a big clear bag when you are checking it.

I liked having the stroller, where he could eat play and sleep (especially when we were delayed for hours on the way home) putting it on the conveyor belt was a pain in the azz trying to juggle the baby and bags, etc. But it was worth it.
Then they took the stroller at the gate and it was waiting for us when we got off the plane.

We are travelling again to FL in a month and I bought him a seat so I def have to get another one of those carseat bags to carry it through the airport, its nice to have your hands free for something else.

HTH