Our extended family lives across the country from us so we do a lot of plane travel with our two little ones (1 and 2 1/2). Travel is unpredictable. Toddlers are unpredictable. Put them together and you have a very combustible combination. Between the load of gear, the screaming, the running away in the security line and the on-plane crying jags even the most even tempered parent can feel a bit like a homicidal axe murderer by the end of a flight. In this post, I am going to recommend some of the gear that has really made plane travel with our baby and toddler much less stressful. *I'll do a follow up post specifically on things that have helped us survive in-flight.
Awesome Gear:
1. Brica travel booster- $25 Amazon
This great booster works well for any kid that can sit up independently but is too short to eat at the standard table. The best thing about this booster is that it folds completely flat which means you can stick it in your luggage (even your carry-on luggage) with no problem. My husband and I credit this little beauty with making it possible for us to get sustenance on our trips (have you tried to eat while holding a baby?-I don't recommend it!). And we don't use it just on trips- we throw it in the car or diaper bag (yes it is that compact) so we are always ready for situations where we need a booster.
2. Kelty TC 2.0 Child Carrier- $150
Wearing you kid in through the airport is the only way to go. The Kelty TC not only carries your child but it carries all their stuff. When we fly my husband carries our oldest in this and we take it on the plane as our carry-on. Now I am a baby-wearer who loves my Ergo totally and completely...but...there is not a lot of storage in an Ergo. There is however, a ton of storage in the TC- you can fit loveys, sippy cups and diapers galore. It has an adjustable lumbar panel so it fits me at 5'6" and my husband at 6'5" with no problem. It also it has a couple pockets on the carrying belt where you can put your ID and plane ticket.
We also use this all the time on the Bart- way easier than lugging a stroller or carrying an additional diaper bag. It is a bit pricey but not crazy expensive. Look out for sales we got our on Zulily for $60. Also, their is a sun/rain canopy that you can buy separately that fits on the TC beautifully. It is great for that stage where your baby keeps taking off their hat...
3. KidCo Pea Pod Travel Bed- $89
Ok, this seems like it is constantly sold out on Amazon, why?...because it rocks. Anyone who has dragged around a "portable" pack n' play will throw up their hands in a hallelujah when they get their paws on this. It weights less than five pounds and fits..yes...in our carry-on. We have two; a pea pod with a self inflating mattress and a pea pod plus with a mattress that inflates with a small pump which is included. We have used these SO MUCH and what is more our kids love them. We have used them everywhere..on camping trips, at friend's houses etc... No more worrying about where your baby is going to sleep when you get to your destination. We love them!
4. Traveling Toddler Car Seat Accessory- $13 Amazon
This has made getting through the airport a breeze. We just strap our car seat to our carry-ons, put our youngest in the Ergo + the oldest in the Kelty and off we go...zip..zip. When we get to the gate we pop the strap off, throw our gate check bag on or take the car seat on the plane with us. As a bonus you can actually strap your kid into the car seat and they can ride. This would be a great option for families with 3 or 4 kids or when you are traveling alone with two small children.
5. Kidco Go-Pod- $48 Amazon
This is basically an excersaucer that folds small enough to fit in most standard luggage. It has a lot of straps to add toys to and you can change the toys out once your baby gets tired of them. We use it for travel but we also use it for the playground where I often have to stick my baby in it and run off to save my toddler from imminent disaster after imminent disaster.
No comments:
Post a Comment