Travelling: Car Seats, Carriers and Strollers

Here are a few further reflections on the use of car seats, strollers and carriers while travelling with a baby or toddler.

Car Seat:
We rent a car while on vacation in locations that don't have great public transportation or we're not visiting family.

Options for car seats:
Bring your own on the plane if your child has their own seat - best option!
Bring your own and check it at the gate (some people report damage to seats being an issue)
Rent one from the car company
Rent one from a baby supplies rental company
Borrow one from someone you trust at your location

April 2014, Colorado.

We have rented seats from the rental car companies. It's by know means a perfect/good choice. In fact here's an article that explains why it's a terrible idea. Andrew and I do inspect the car seat for any obvious damage, look up install instructions online if there's no manual attached and have even asked for different seat options if they give us the wrong one or something doesn't look right to us (even waiting up to an hour while they go fetch a better one).

However you get a car seat, you'll also want to check the rental car's manual for install instructions. On rare occasions you may need an H clip to properly install a seat and it may not come with it, so not a bad idea to pack your own.

Forward-facing him was not what we wanted to do this early (though legal and within seat limits) but we couldn't get the seat to fit securely rear-facing. And a good fit is super important!

Another thing to look into are the child restraint rules for the country (or even province/state) that you're visiting. You want to make sure you're complying, even on public transportation/taxis.

Stroller:
I have brought a stroller on every trip except our last one (cruise). I use the stroller more on vacations than I usually do at home. This being because often on vacations we are doing a lot more walking and/or are wanting to bring a lot more with us during the day. Also, on work trips Andrew's busy during the day and E & I are on our own. I cannot physically carry him (with or without a carrier) for 10+ hours.

On E's first trip, the stroller with bassinet was a great option. He was sleeping a lot, and being flat was great. I also didn't have to buckle him in so he could be transferred while sleeping.

3 months old - Winnipeg

We've also used the stroller to carry a TON of stuff especially when we're moving between cities and packing/unpacking in different locations like we did on our trip from the Netherlands to Belgium and back.

1.5 years old- Belgium

Day to day on vacation, I pack up the diaper bag full of diapers/wipes and toys, wallet and keys. I pack a soft cooler with freezer pack full of snacks and water. I also bring umbrellas and at least a light blanket. Everything is carried in the stroller.

Almost 2 years old - Austin, Texas

Carriers:

Babywearing has been great for us when travelling (really all the time). We were super happy with our Manduca, one highlight was that Andrew could also comfortably wear E in it.

Front carrying in Manduca, February 2014.

Back carrying in Manduca, August 2014.

We borrowed a ring sling for our trip to Austin and I enjoyed being able to throw E up when he'd had enough walking around or it was crowded and I wasn't comfortable with him walking around.

Front/Hip carrying in Sewfunky Ring Sling, April 2015.

For my birthday Andrew bought me a Tula, which I love. My main reason for wanting one was because the version I got had a embroidered hot air balloon on it - that's it, just looks. Secondly, it was a bit bigger than the Manduca and a bit more padded on the shoulders, making it a bit more comfortable to carry E for long periods as he got big.

Back carrying in Tula, August 2015.

We may consider getting a toddler-sized (25-60lbs) carrier at some point this year, as E's legs are growing and the seat in a bigger carrier will be more comfortable for him on long trips.

I can't find a photo of us using the mesh ring sling, probably because we're close to or in the water when we're using it! But I will say they're great for a trip to a warm locale and can be used even when you're not going in the water, they are a little more breathable and cooler.

Swaddle Blanket:

Whether a carseat, carrier or stroller, a swaddle blanket is very useful! 

1. Help to keep the rain off.

2. Pull half over a baby's head to stop him from looking around when it's nap time (make sure there's lots of room to breathe and mouth/nose isn't covered) in the carrier.

3. Double it up and use it to keep warm from the shoulders down in the stroller.

4. Keep bugs or sun off when in the carseat.

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