Take Stroller or Sling to Airport?

I would definitely take a stroller. I took my daughter when she was quite young and the stroller helped so much to get her around the airport with my carry on luggage and for carrying her bottles, toys, etc.

I strongly recommend taking the lightweight stroller with you to the airport. You can stroll the baby all the way to the door of the plane, and once there the attendents will tag it for you, load it in the luggage, and have it waiting for you when you unload, by the door outside the plane. If I were you I would go ahead and buy a nice lightweight stroller like the Chicco red one. It folds up like an umbrella but it has a basket underneath, a canopy overhead, and is more supporting for the child. Oh, and it also comes with a bag w/ strap like the folding chairs! It was about $50 when I bought it 3 years ago, and they may have come out with better ones since, but it is well worth it and you will use it again as baby grows into a toddler. Hope that helps!

I LOVE having my stroller in the airport. It makes things so much easier to get through the airport. I can pile up all my stuff on it!

C.,
The nice thing about a pouch versus a sling is you can walk right through security while "wearing" your baby. With a ring sling you have to remove because of the metal. Pouches either have no metal or a few zippers.
With the stroller you might think about checking it with your bags so there is one less thing for you guys to break down when going through security.
If you need advise on where to find pouches we have them at my store Bloom Maternity in San Antonio or you can visit our website to get an idea - www. bloommaternity.net.
Hope this helps. Have a great time!
C. K.

The Bjorn is SOOOO much better than a stroller. I travelled 8 hours with my 5 mo. daughter with 2 lay-overs, and had no problems. I saw other parents struggling around with stollers, and I just walked right past them. Breast feed during take-off and landing for ear pressure relief.

I would vote sling. The Bjorn was great for walking but the sling is great for sitting on the airplane.

The stroller always helped with the luggage as I rolled through the airport but there seems to be better solutions these days. I would vote to leave the big stroller at home.

Have a great time!

Hello Catherine,
We have two boys now ages 61/2 and 8. We have always taken them on trips with us to Europe since they were babies. We would always take a light weight umbrella stroller, checking them in at the airplane door. Then picking them back up when we deplaned. We also brought our Bjorn, it was easy to pack and lightweight, but we used it a lot as well. The umbrella stollers are inexpensive, so if they break or wear out on your trip, it is disposable and you can purchase another one at your visiting destination if needed. R.

I have traveled so many times with my son who is just now 11 months and I have to say the bjorn was amazing to have. I could put him in there and he was less squirmy then if I were holding him and I still had two hands. It worked like a seatbelt on the plane since on the 8 trips the poor boy has taken (one to Australia at 2 months) we were too cheap to buy him a ticket. You might want to call the airlines and beg for a bulkhead seat depending on how heavy your son is he might fit in the attachable bassinet they have in the bulkhead seats. The downside of bulkhead is you can't put your diaper bag and arsenal of entertainment under the seat in front of you. You might want to check a stroller so you have one while you are at your destination. Hope you have a great trip.

i am a sling lover so i definitely recommend that over the bjorn. it has many more options that the bjorn. i have also traveled thinking that a stroller was unecessary b/c i love the sling so much and that was a mistake. i would take an umbrella stroller for sure. if baby is not in it then diaper bag, etc will be. and you can gate check it right before you enter the plane so it is super easy.
good luck

Take both sling and stroller if you can. The stroller will help you getting in and through most of the airport. It is a pain when it comes to going through security, but when you're taking a baby, you have all the other stuff that goes with baby (diaper bag, purse, any other carryons...) it'll be nice to have something to push something with. And after you get through security, you can put baby back in and not have to carry around the weight of the baby if you don't want to. Also, if you are traveling alone with the baby, it'll make getting luggage that much easier. I wouldn't want to have my baby in a sling while trying to get luggage off the conveyor belts.

I never had a sling but take either the sling or the bjorn. My little boy who is 18 months has flown about 10 times including going to Scotland (even in Scotland he was in the bjorn more because of the rain or lots of stairs etc and he was 20 pounds!) and I always had him in the baby bjorn. A couple of times we flew with both and the stroller was a bother. I ended up checking it a couple of times esp when he was still in the infant seat for the car. I am sad that he is now too big for the baby bjorn- it was heavier carrying him around but worth having 2 free hands!!!

My husband is in the Air Force and deployed a lot. I had three kids in four years and I always had an infant (or 2) to take with me when I went home. I had a Graco travel system with the carseat that fits into the stroller and I LOVED IT. The only time it is a pain is when you go through security, usually you have to take the baby out of the carseat and fold the stroller up to fit it in the scanner, but people always fell over themselves trying to help. Then, you have the stroller to put your purse in and diaper bag and carryon stuff. You can take the stroller to the gate where you ask the desk clerk for a "stroller tag." You can take the stroller even onto the jetway right up to the door of the plane. Then you pop out the carseat with baby and they will take the stroller for you and put it under the plane. (If the plane is not full, you can move seats and strap the carseat right in to the seat next to you - or it usually will fit in the overhead bin...if not, the flight attendents will take it for you and stow it.) When you get off the plane, they will put it back at the door like where you left it, so you pop it open, put the carseat in it and go! It is ridiculously convenient. When you get to the islands, almost all transportation will have room for a strolller and it is not as hot as carrying baby heat generator the whole time. Again, the stroller pockets are great for storing wallets, sunglasses, extra suntan lotion etc. Good luck and have fun!

Lots of people have already replied but I thought I would add that it's easier/quicker to get a baby in and out of the sling then a front/back carrier. It's not as comfortable long term, but for that I'd use a stroller.

I have a light weight Baby Trend stroller that is really great, sturdy, has a basket. I take this along with my Over the Shoulder Baby Holder with me everywhere. They are both very handy in their own right!

S. in Houston, mom to four girls under five

I've been traveling with my son since he was 8 months old (now almost 15 months) and we've put in a lot of airmiles over the past few months. I always brought both a sling and stroller. The last trip, however, my husband was along (had been deployed) and he suggested leaving the stroller at home. It was a mistake for us! We ended up having to wait a couple of hours for boarding and we had to entertain him for most of that because he was tired and wouldn't sleep in the carrier. He finally did pass out while I held him, but I would have been happier if I'd had the stroller. Yes, it's bulky and I definitely would still bring the sling. For me, if he didn't want to ride I put all of our bags in it!

We did both when my oldest was 3 months old, the stroller is useful for holding things even if baby isn't in there and it is nice to have a sling on the airplane (especially if you are nursing). AND it was nice to have the stroller for him to nap in when we were at relatives houses.

Having not read any of the other responses, I will tell you this:

We are a military family and have traveled all over the world. Here is what I have learned. ALWAYS take a stroller. AND take a sling or the Baby Bjorn. Put the baby in the carrier or sling (I have used both, and it just depends on which you are most comfortable with). Use the stroller for the baby bag, carseat, your purse, and all of the other flotsam and jetsam that you need to carry on the plane with you.

Is the stroller a little bit of a hassle when you get to the gate? Yep. But you will appreciate it if you have to change planes and especially when you are going through customs.

Have a wonderful trip! I envy you!!

It depends, do you want a stroller or a sling when you get to your destination? Way the pros and cons of each. A sling you can carry to the beach, a stoller does NOT stroll on sand, etc.

If it's an issue about getting on the plane. Most Airlines let families and people with equipment board first, so that really shouldn't be an issue.

Best of Luck!

check out the home-made slings at www.wearyourbaby.com
I used one of them when I traveled and it's much better in a crowded place, and baby feels secure in the hub-bub.
One of these moms says "they" won't "let you use a sling"... I don't know what she's talking about, of course you can use a sling. And then you won't have to fold, store and haul that stroller!

I agree with the other moms- take a stroller, take both! But be aware that it can be a BIG hassle. We flew with our baby when he was 6 months old and we had to take him out of the stroller and put the stroller through the x-ray machine. They switched our flight that was in another terminal. Then we got "picked" for random security checks- no body told us this was a possiblity. They pat us down, and our baby, went through all of our carry on bags- including his diaper bag, even put some sensor in everything and ran a check for bomb residue. Then we had to run across DFW, catch a tram, run to the gate- it was a HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE experience, but that God we had a stroller to push him all across the airport. Otherwise I think I would have died from carrying everything! The way back was perfectly fine.

I think the slings are much easier. I carry my baby girl everywhere in our wrap. They love being close to you, and are less likely to get fussy. The umbrella stroller is so light though, you could probably bring both, just to change it up a bit. Have fun!

I've taken it all at one time or another. Here's my advice:
1. No matter what you take, you have to take the baby out to go through security.
2. The umbrella stroller is always good because you can check it at the gate or even take it on the plane and hang it in the coat closet. If you have to take the baby out and carry it for a while, the stroller also makes a good luggage cart :)
3. A bjorn is nice, but you will have to remove the baby on the plane. It is good in that your arms are free.
4. Slings are GREAT! I recently traveled with my 11 month old and 5 year old. I got the baby to sleep in the sling while standing at the gate and then she slept in it for 1 1/2 hours while on the plane! They did not ask me to remove her from it while I was on the plane like they do with a bjorn. In general, I find slings very versatile in that you can position your baby many ways. But make sure you are comfortable wearing it before you go. I find it best to get the baby in and stand up, swaying until they are asleep. To keep them asleep while sitting, gently rock them or jiggle them a little.
So there are advantages and disadvantages to all of them. Think about what you'll be doing at your destination and what you'll need there.

I would take the sling or bjorn. My children never last long in strollers, so it is easier for our family to just start with the baby carrier.

I would take both!! I think there will be times that you want to carry your little one, and others that you want to push. You can walk up to the plane with your stroller and they will check it for you and then have it out for you when you get off of the plane...it is that easy! Having a stroller with you will allow for your little one to rest when you are walking around (I would bring the larger of the two...room for diaper bag, anything for you should you want to take anything or intend on picking anything up if out shopping! ) Are you planning on being in any type of vehicle (carrier needed too)? There are so many things to think of!

Hope this helps!

With the baby bjorn you have to take it off going through the check because of the metal snaps a hotsling you can wear the whole time. The stroller with have to break down to be check also. I like the stroller the hold the diaper bag and things I am taking on the plane but use my sling for my baby girl.It is very easy to gate check the stroller and car seat if you need too.

My husband and I have traveled several times now with our 6 mo. twins. I would highly recommend bringing the bjorn AND an umbrella stroller. You will likely find yourself in situations where one or the other is more convenient to use.

We take our big stroller and gate check it. That way we can also put the carseat in it, which we also gate check. (Too many stories of people's luggage arriving, but no carseat!) I also like to have a sling or Bjorn (Bjorn may be more secure, but I used a sling.) You shouldn't have to take baby out for security, which is great! Stroller also works well for throwing stuff in. Our jogging stroller is too big for the x-ray machine, so they do a hand check on it. Sling/Bjorn also gets great friendly looks and "aww"s, which can help with the stress of traveling! Good luck!

You've had lots of good advice. I've traveled a lot with now three children using a stroller and with a bjorn carrier, so here are my two cents. :)
The last responder said you don't have to take off the bjorn carrier in security, but EVERY time I've gone through security &/or customs I've had to take the baby out and send the carrier through the x-ray. BIG HASSLE! I also had to take the baby out of the carrier in the plane because it was not an "approved" safety device. So what's the point of wearing the carrier/sling if you have to keep taking it off? I have since just used my stroller in the airport because I could also use it to help me carry all my baggage, bottles, etc, etc. Having said that, the carrier will be great once you get to your destination. I love mine, when I am shopping/sightseeing because both hands are free (with slings not so much freedom esp. with a 5 mo old.) Tons easier than the stroller. Of course, you will be in the carribean and it will be hot - for you and the baby, but I would pack it to take with you.
Have a great time, wish I were going!!!!
L.

If you can find one, the best thing is a combo car seat and stroller. They convert from seat to stroller and can be used in the taxi or if you rent a car.

I never had enough hands to make using the sling practicle. I took it the first time I flew and found myself needing to carry a diaper bag, a backpack, and my purse, not to mention having mine and the baby's passport and boarding cards ready at all time! Everytime after that I have taken an umbrella folder and been able to hang the carry on bags off the back. If you are traveling alone, remember that just before you step on the plane, you will be ezpected to fold up your stroller while you are holding onto your baby (that is why I took an umbrella stroller instead of our big one) so make sure whatever you take you can collapse with one hand. I have flown been overseas 7 times with my son and everytime has been a bit of a challenge, but everytime it has gone smoothly. Have a great trip!

Hi Catherine! Congratulations on travelling with your baby. At this age, it seems so hard -- but you will look back and say, "Wow, that wasn't that bad!"

Choosing a carrier is going to be a matter of personal preference. I took my older daughter on something like 20 flights in her first year (including various legs) and she had travelled internationally twice before she was two.

I generally chose to wear her and bring the lightweight, cheap-o stroller to tote the stuff. This is particularly convenient as you go through customs and you have to tote both the child and all your other stuff. Having a stroller that you don't have to gate-check is great, because otherwise it may have to wait for you to get all the way to your baggage claim before you can get to it.

As for the sling vs. bjorn -- it really depends on what you are most comfortable with. The bjorn leaves your hands completely free, but my babies always slept better in the sling -- and it was easier on my back. In either case, you are going to have to take them out of their carrying device during takeoff (Stupid FAA policy).

Anyway, have a good vacation and try not to overpack!

Hi Catherine.
I would take both.
When we traveled with our then babies we always took a stroller and the snugli. When our baby was not in the stroller the snugli held smaller items that we did not wish to hold or carry and the stroller was great to carry everything and free our hands when baby was in the snugli or in our arms. We never felt overwhelmed with all the items/bags needed when traveling with children.
By the way, the stroller we took had the stroller/carrier seat combination so we were able to secure them into whichever vehicles we traveled in after the flights and during our trip.
Have fun!
D.

I would recommend the Bjorn over the sling! I have done quite a bit of travel (within the US) and enough to have tested it all out. Nothing is easy, but The Bjorn accommidates more of the situations you might find yourself in - and that is the truth!

Hi Catherine,

I used the Bjorn when we traveled and Ian love dit! We used it when he was four months old and when he was nine months old. he slept well in it and it was so easy to around. i would take an umbrella stroller, too, in case you have a layover or flight delay. using the carrier, i was able to take him to the bathroom with me, have my hands free and it is also easier when you go through security because you don't have to take him out of the Bjorn. Hope this helps!

Sincerely,
L. Davis

I would take the sling, I've flow alot with my daughter when she was younger. With all the Security you have to go through in the airport a stroller turns into a pain in the butt! You have to take the baby out when you go through securty, plus on the plan the sling will help, those seats are so uncomfortable already, that having baby sleep and your pretty much hands free is really nice. Well good luck.

You have to take the baby out for security check points and for takeoff and landing.

Decide on the sling / bjorn from that.

The umbrella strollers are awesome for that - because they fold up easily to go through the scanner, too.

S.

Take your stroller and your baby bjorn. You will not regret having your stroller with you and more t han likely if you don't take one with you I bet you will be bringing one home. I have done a lot of traveling with the little ones and as big of a hassle as it can be, the stroller is essential. Just check the stroller at the gate of the terminal. It is super simple and you don't have to do it until right before you board.

I have flown with my son Jacob about 12 times in the past 3 years. I have found that the less you take the better. It was easier for me to use a sling or carrier and check the stroller. You can gate check it and they have it ready for you when you get off the plane, but it still really slowed us down. I think it depends on how free you want to be and how active your child is. If your child is peaceful in the carrier go for it. I do not like a front carrier. Feels ackward on the plane b/c is such a tight fit in the rows. I prefer my sling-esp. if you will be nursing during flight. The first time is always a learning experience. You will know how better to fly home for sure.

when going thrue security they will make you take the sling of same with the stroller they will make you take him out and put the stroller in the scanner.i preffered the sling when i went to florida.my sister used the stroller for her daughter and liked it better.if you are going to need a stroller while on vacation i would take it instead.have fun.E.

We took a stroller and it was very convenient to have. It's not counted as regular luggage and you check it right at the gate. I took the Bjorn too.

I would suggest a moby wrap. I used one with my two month old at the aiport, and it was very helpful. It doesn't have any metal on it, so I could wear it through the metal detectors without disturbing the baby.

The sling for sure! Strollers are a pain to stow

I would definitely recommend a stroller and a bjorn. We've traveled several times with our now 9 month son (once to Hawaii at 5 months) and it is far easier to have him in a stroller while at the airport and then use the bjorn/sling for getting on/off the plane. We have a combi stroller that folds up fairly compactly and is lightweight but is more comfortable than an umbrella stroller (he can actually sleep in the stroller). It is so easy to gate check the stroller.

I would take the umbrella stroller and the bjorn. You can check the stroller at the end of the jetway and the get it right as you deplane. I think the bjorn is better for travel because it holds the baby securly out in front of you for narrow plane aisles but still allows both of your hands free. Anyway, I hope this helps. Don't forget to have your baby suck on something during take off and landing to help with the pressure change on the ears. BTW I have two small children that I have flown with and I am a flight attendant.

I travel when my daughter was 2 months old and I took her infant car seat and the stroller. You can gate check both of them and if there is room on the plane you can take the infant seat which I highly recommend. Also have a pacifier or bottle for take off and landing. Best wishes.

I would just take the sling it is one less thing to have to check in and carry. You might not even use it much anyway if you do take it.

I have a 17 month old son and we have traveled across country 6 times since he was a month old. I have found that taking a stroller works best for us. It gives him an opportunity to stretch out and not be held while we are in between flights and gave me a chance to have my hands free for a little bit too. If you have a stroller that you can easily pull open and close, then it really isn't that much extra work to have it. They will tag it for you when you are boarding your flight and you leave it outside of the plane. When you get off it is there waiting for you! One other travel little travel tip I would give you is have something for him to suck on while you are taking off or landing, this will help his ears. Good luck and have a great trip!

It is no longer true that you have to take the baby out of the carrier to go through security. Just make sure that you don't have a coat or sweater on under the carrier. I flew with my daughter this summer and did seven flights in three weeks. She was nineteen months old. I never had to take her out of the carrier. I had her in a Kozy carrier on my front. You do have to take their shoes off, though.

I never bothered with a stroller the entire trip, as my daughter either wanted to be in the carrier or walking. I did bring my own carseat, though. I was soooo thankful to not have to worry about hauling a stroller around, as it's so much easier to have her next to me in a carrier.

And I would pick the sling over the bjorn for traveling. It's easier to pop the baby in and out, and you can use the tail of the sling to cover the baby up while sleeping, which is nice.

Have a nice trip!

I have had much better luck with the sling for traveling (you could still pack the Bjorn in your suitcase for once you get there). For me, the sling was wonderful on the plane as I used it to help nurse discreetly on the plane and to hold the baby so my arms didn't get so tired. Even when your baby is awake or bigger, you can use the sling to wrap around your waist and theirs as a little added protection when they are sitting on your lap. It works wonders until they sit in their on own seat. To me, it was just an added safety measure for a lap child AND incredibly convenient!! Once I even tucked my arms inside it with the baby to stay warm on the plane!!:) As far as an umbrella stroller.....they are also incredibly convenient in the airport, and they will check them at the airplane door (or hang them inside the plane) and have it waiting for you when you deboard, but I would leave your big stroller at home. Have fun!

We bought the Chico lightweight stoller when we traveled to NY. It worked out great- it has a travel bag so it doesn't get so beat up and dirty when you gate check it and it was helpful to have once we got there. However, my daughter was older (bigger) at the time so the sling was not an option. If you don't think you'll mind wearing the sling then that may be the way to go.

We always traveled with a sling or a mei tai, easy to use, easy to store and not heavy or bulky. Some airlines will request that you take your child out of the sling or mei tai during take off and landing...other airlines don't seem to have a preference. : )
I thought the sling was extremely convenient for nursing on the plane and once at our destination.
I usually try to travel as light as possible on the airline - because it's less to lug around when we arrive.
Have fun on your trip!

I found that taking the sling or the Bjorn was best for us. I didn't like having to lug the stroller through the airport. And, my sons (now age 3 and 1 1/2 yrs.) were not great about riding in the stroller. I usually took the Bjorn since it gave me both hands free. As they got older, we used a backpack baby carrier, like some people use while hiking. It was great because it put the baby up high so they could see everything and kept both hands free. It also stows in the overhead baggage compartment.

I have flown with my son numerous times and I recommend stroller. They will not let you use the sling on the airplane, for one. If you get delayed or have to walk far in the airport, the stroller is better. It also give you a place to put your carry ons.