For many parents, the idea of traveling with an infant or toddlers can be overwhelming, to say the least. The number of items needed to ensure the comfort and safety of the child should always be considered before the trip. One of the most common dilemmas when flying with a child is to take a stroller for a child with it or not.
A baby stroller can be a great help on a trip that will entail a big walk or transportation of a small child. However, be sure to remember to check when or not your destination will be convenient for walking.
Here are 10 tips for flying with a pram.
1. Make an educated decision about bringing a pram. First check your airline for their baby stroller policies. This can determine whether you think this is a hassle or an asset for your trip.
2. Know which area you will go to. Consider the terrain, the width of the walkways and openings, and the number of stairs you can climb. Pushing a stroller on a bumpy stone walkway or transporting it between trips on the subway can be more difficult than just carrying a child.
3. Before you even get to the airport, be sure to mark your stroller (on the handle or side bars) with a permanent marker or paper label. Record your contact information, address and flight information. You will be given a label when you check your stroller, but it is better to use BOTH to insure you so that your stroller will return when you landed.
4. You have a plan B for those times when you need to leave your stroller outside or in the trunk. For babies weighing no more than 20/30 pounds. storing a baby carrier, lanyard or backpack is a good second option. For older children who may walk by themselves, think about the seat belt to keep them attached to you in crowds and strange places. If you do not like the idea of harnessing for your child, just be sure to start explaining to them a little each day about the importance of being with you or other carers when you are in a different place. They need to understand who you can talk to safely and give them what contact information they have to wear when you are in public.
OK Now you are ready to go to the airport!
5. It is best to use your stroller at the airport and just check it at the gate of the plane. Most airlines will allow you to walk straight to the gate of the plane before checking it out.
6. If you want to count your stroller with luggage at check-in, be sure to find out if you will be charged extra. Some airlines do not consider a pram part of the baggage you can take on, and you may have a rate that you do not want to pay.
7. If you load at the gate, you will be asked to remove the child yourself and roll the stroller down to save it. (It's nice to have a helping hand to hold your child during this part.) Adding adhesive tape is a good idea if your stroller is not compact enough to be stored in the upper compartment on a plane. Simply fasten the edges of the stroller tightly or completely wrap the stroller around the center. This will help keep it closed when it is loaded and unloaded into the cargo hold, which minimizes possible damage.
8. Then your stroller will be tagged and given the appropriate receipt that you will need to hold in order to receive your stroller after landing.
9. Be sure to confirm with the attendant when checking the gate where you will be lifting your pram when landing. Most airlines will return your stroller at the gate when you leave, but you can send it along with other baggage to your baggage.
10. At your exit, submit your receipt to require that your stroller or head be sent to your luggage in order to get it there. Do not forget to take your stroller and load it with any luggage to reduce the strain on your arms and shoulders.
It is important to note that if you bring a light umbrella stroller that can be folded compact enough to fit into your top carrier (get dimensions from the carrier), you will not need to check your stroller. Just fold it and take it to your place. There are some things you might want to consider before choosing between your lightweight, standard stroller and the heavier, more attractive stroller. Here is a list of profiles and matches for both.
The main umbrella stroller is 10 to 13 pounds.
Pro & # 39; s:
- Compact, easy to fold and maintain.
- Light and easy to carry if you need.
- They can probably be stored in aircraft, so there is less opportunity for damage in flight.
- It is cheaper to replace if you have any damage.
- Easier to fit through standard doorways, walkways, sidewalks and stairs.
- There are not many storages for storing bags or toys or anything that was acquired during the walk.
- It is not easy to maneuver on rocky or difficult roads or terrain.
Pro & # 39; s:
- A good amount of storage for bags for diapers, purses and bags.
- Usually there is a canopy and many accessories for fun and protection from the sun or rain.
- Much easier to maneuver because of the big wheels and design.
- It can be compatible with the car seat that you use or rent, so create a complete travel system.
- Takes more space in the trunk on pavements or buses.
- Heavier to wear.
- Must be stored with luggage on the plane.
Based on this list, you must choose a stroller that you think will be the best for you and your child. There is nothing better if the stroller helped when it came to hitting their children. The stroller is the next most important element in the crib when it comes to having a baby.
