Brave? Foolish?

Later this week I am taking a trip to go see my parents.  I'm bringing both daughters but no husband, and I am terrified.  Did I mention that I'll be flying with two very young children, neither of whom can walk very well, by myself?  With no help?  At a low point in the history of airline kindness?  That somehow I'll have to bring two car seats along with everything else we need?  That I'll have to get through security at an enormous, crowded airport?  And manage feedings?  And diaper changes?  And a 3.5 hour flight?  How do people do this?  If I bring the enormous double stroller, will they gate check it for me, or will they balk at its bulk?  Can I even fit the enormous double stroller and our suitcases in the car at the same time?   I could bring a single stroller and keep Mojo Jojo in the front carrier.  That would be hard on my back and would mean not having use of the double during our trip.  Miss B has her own seat on the plane, so should I bring her carseat on the plane to put in it?  If so, how will I carry it through the airport?  The logistics of this are overwhelming.  If you happen to be in one of the nation's major airports this week and see a harried woman pushing a toddler in a stroller while wearing an infant on the front and an huge backpack on the back, to which she has somehow strapped an enormous toddler-sized car seat, be kind.

I hereby solicit your advice.  Please! 

Comments

[cate]

Brave! You can do it.

Bring the double stroller. The airport people have dealt with it before, and they will know what to do. Just assume that they're all there to help you, your fleet of personal servants. Ask them to help.

I'd bring the carseat on the plane, because having her strapped in is useful. To carry through the airport -- I don't know if this will work, but with ours, I pull the straps that go on her shoulders all the way out and then I wear it like a backpack. Very stylish, but it works. (I'm assuming you can put the actual backpack in the stroller, if you have it along.)

Good luck!

[Tricia]

OK. The thought if this honestly scares me to death, however, I agree with Cate on all counts. Bring the stroller they'll have to just deal. And I'd bring that carseat too if you can manage it.

I am sending a zillion trillon frillion good travel thoughts your way.

[Katherine]

Definitely bring the stroller, they can deal with it and it will give you a place to put things. (You will probably need to fold it for them when you gate check it.) Also take her seat onto the plane (I did this and also took the manual and read the instructions for installing it on the plane ahead of time.) Locate the sticker on the seat that says it is approved for use in a plane (on one flight I had to show it, on the other I didn't.) Make sure you arrive at least 45 minutes before the flight so that you can check in your luggage (so really, make sure you are there at least an hour ahead of time to get through the check in process.) Put all baby food/bottles/baby supplies into a small separate bag because you can take larger quantities of those things but you have to declare them at security. You can take gel ice packs to keep breastmilk/formula cold. After you get through security, you can have them call a cart if you need help getting your things to the gate. I just flew with our baby for the first time last week and I was amazed by how many people were willing to help me out. It will be fine, you can definitely do this! Just give yourself plenty of time so that you won't feel rushed.

[Kym]

Go with God, little one. You are more of a woman than me. I would be reduced to a blithering idiot by the mere thought of what you are about to do.

[Kim]

Maybe try this? It has saved me numerous times. re lurking... :)
http://www.theportablebaby.com/gogokidz.html