On the Go > Baby Travel > By Air > For the Airport > Leaving Home
Leaving Home
Leave the large baby carriage at home and take an umbrella stroller. There are also car seat carts (we’ve tried the GoGo Babyz Travelmate Deluxe), but a car seat-compatible umbrella stroller worked best for us. Our favorite is the BABYZEN YOYO+, which allows us to avoid both counter and gate check at airports because it can be easily collapsed and carried right on board the plane. A strap for convenient over-the-shoulder transport while collapsed, approval for stowage in the overhead bins of most aircraft, and a literal one-hand, flick-of-the-wrist-to-open are what we consider its biggest assets for comfortable airline travel. A parent-facing bassinet option from birth and an outward-facing seat with 145 degrees of recline for 6+ months make this umbrella stroller a longterm travel solution for frequent flyers. Read our full review on STWFU.
Already invested in a large stroller travel bag, like our Bugaboo Comfort Transport Bag? We bought one before we caught wind of the YOYO+ and actually took our Bugaboo Cameleon3 as far away as Los Angeles. Now, instead of lugging our larger baby carriage, we use the transport bag to haul and protect our BabyBjörn Travel Crib to destinations where we won’t have access to a hotel rollaway crib. We’ve seen parents check the BabyBjörn Travel Crib at the airport in just its unpadded storage bag, and that is probably just fine, but we also use the Bugaboo Comfort Transport Bag to load up on extra packs of diapers, wipes, toys and even a blanket for longer trips. And if you’re slick and lucky (and restrict the contents of your stroller transport bag to an inconspicuous weight), let the airline representative at the check-in counter believe that there is actually a stroller inside and check the bag for free. We still haven’t been “caught” (knock on wood).
Don’t forget to pack snacks for the kiddo(s) or allow extra time to purchase veggies, fruit and other treats at an airport kiosk prior to boarding your flight. Some international airlines offer jarred baby food, but we preferred to feed Sydney whole foods when possible. Four-ounce OXO Tot Baby Blocks Freezer Storage Containers are perfect for steamed veggies and sliced fruits. See what else is in our travel diaper bag here.
MOMganized 