How To Carry A Car Seat Through The Airport

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Using a lightweight travel car seat is the safest way to travel on an aircraft with a small child. We've traveled the world with our kids since they were several months old, and we have some car seat suggestions to make life easier.

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Cheapest Option: Car Seat Straps

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The cheapest options are straps that let you strap your car seat to your suitcase.

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This is an easy option if you don't want to bring extra gear, and it's easy to store in a suitcase when you're done.

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However, it doesn't allow your kid to ride in the car seat through the airport, and larger car seats tend to overpower lightweight carry-on suitcases, especially 4-wheel spinner-style bags.

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Carts: Rolling Carriers for Child Safety Seats

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A car seat travel cart make things easier when you have to walk a long distance.

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These carts connect to car seats, making them much easier to transport, but it's also one more thing to carry around, and find somewhere to put it on the plane.

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They won't take the place of a stroller when you get where you're going.

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One of the top-rated carts is this one that folds up to a compact size and is made by the well-known Britax company.

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Car Seat Bags / Backpacks

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Using a car seat bag is convenient and cheap. We often gate-checked our car seat or checked it at the ticket counter. We used a carrying bag for years, to keep the car seat from getting dirty, damaged, or wet.

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The downside to these bags is some car seats aren't light, and you can feel the weight after walking around the airport with one for a while.

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The other (obvious) downside to the bags is that your child can't ride in the seat while you are on the move. But it's a good option if your kid is old enough to walk and you just need the car seat at your destination.

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Some of the cheaper bags, such as our older version of the KangoKids bag, also have thin shoulder straps, which would dig into my shoulders.

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You don't want to carry a heavy metal-framed car seat on long walk to your hotel in one of these things! It was always a relief to drop this bag off and have that weight gone!

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Booster Seats

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Like being able to leave the pack-n-play crib at home, parents celebrate when their kids graduate from a car seat to a booster seat, making travel much lighter.

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You can carry a booster seat using the built-in handle, but the best way to protect it is to put it in a protective bag like these ones below. Most can which can be hooked around the handle of a rolling suitcase, or carried over your shoulder.

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Another great option is buying a cheap booster seat to use at your destination; you can often buy one for less than it costs to rent one through a rental car company:

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Another great option is buying a cheap booster seat to use at your destination; you can often buy one for less than it costs to rent one through a rental car company:

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Best Car Seats for Travelling

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The Nuna Stokke PIPA Infant is one of the best car seats for air travel, though it comes at a cost (around $350).

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For a lower-priced alternative, check out the Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat at around $90.

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Other Kids Air Travel Essentials

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Here are some other things we've found helpful when traveling with kids.

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Lusso Gear No-Drop Traveling Airplane Tray: This travel tray is a lifesaver for parents traveling with kids.

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It's sturdy, easy to install, and provides a flat surface for eating, playing, or drawing. The no-drop design is a nice feature, keeping everything from snacks to toys in place even during flight.

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Busy Board for Toddlers - Montessori Travel Essentials: The Busy Board is an engaging and educational tool for toddlers.

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With its various buckles, zippers, and laces, it helps develop fine motor skills while keeping kids entertained.

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It's compact and lightweight, making it perfect for travel.

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Dramamine Motion Sickness Relief for Kids, Grape Flavor

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Dramamine for Kids is a trusted product for preventing motion sickness. The chewable format and grape flavor make it kid-friendly, and it we always have some on hand for air travel.

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However, some children may not like the taste, and remember that it can cause drowsiness.

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