To travel with a baby and a 3yo to Stansted on my own

[ImYourWomanJonSnow]

Apologies posting here for travel advice but knowing this is the most popular board I need your collective wisdom dearest MNeters.

So I'm coming back home to the UK to Stansted and need to transport myself, my 3yo and 6mo home to the West Country. None of the family will be able to meet us as all are at work or elderly so have to make my own way there. In addition to little ones I will have with me large suitcases, hand luggage, push chair (folds small admittedly) and baby car seat. The difference between getting a taxi to meet us and renting a car is about £100 so I'm thinking driving is probably the best and cheapest thing but how on earth do I get us all with the stuff from arrivals to the sodding "car rental village" that necessitates a shuttle bus transfer. I can put the baby in the carrier and the 3yo can walk while I push the stuff but once I lose the luggage trolley to board the shuttle I'm stuffed.

Is there another way I haven't thought of that won't cost us a bloody fortune or me losing my marbles?

I don't know where in the west country you're going to but is it worth looking at national express coaches. They will store your luggage for you under the coach and you are guaranteed seats so is much easier (and cheaper) than the train. Apologies if it isn't suitable.

Thanks tired. I had a look at this and I would need to change in central London which makes it unmanageable for us.

Meet and greet valet car hire?

Ask the car rental company if there are trolleys near the shuttle bus stop, at the "car rental village". There must be other people with a similar problem. Do you know how far you have to walk from the bus stop to the car rental village? They should be able to tell you. you could also try to have a look on streetview, if there is one .

Pay a porter to help you through the airport.

Get a taxi to the Hilton and rent a car from greenmotion there.

greenmotion.co.uk/car-hire/united-kingdom/london-stansted-airport

Apparently now a novatel not a Hilton.

Can you not change airline and fly further west ? Jsut though I would ask !

The hire company says they don't do meet and greet.

They just said you have to make your own way there.

Have emailed a concierge company to see if they can provide this service and help me get my stuff to the car. I am definitely going to pay for help ferrying the stuff around the airport and getting into the shuttle.

Ricotta good idea to look at google maps will check now.

Rosa nice idea, I wish there was a closer place I could fly to. Where I'm flying from is not very well connected.

Pay a porter? Does this exist?!

Totally doable OP. Done similar myself. Ask for help if need be. Don’t risk. And pay for very close car hire or even they come and meet and greet you.

Flybe go from Stanstead to Newquay.....

I’ve found when travelling with kids people are really helpful - drivers of the buses that take you to the car rental place will help you get bags on and off as will other random passengers (often women and men of the same age who know exactly what you are going through! ). Take your time!

Why don't you try giving the special assistance people a shout tô see if they can offer you any advice? www.stanstedairport.com/at-the-airport/guides-to-travelling/special-assistance/

Otherwise, I usually manage with as much stuff as possible in a huge pull along suitcase, baby in carrier, toddler in buggy or riding a trunki, Back pack on front and car seat bungied over handles of buggy.

Can you get a taxi to the car hire place?

Do not. Under any circumstances whatsoever. Get a trunki!

Thanks for the reassurance everyone!
I'm definitely going to get a porter, just am waiting to get their reply whether they'll be ablebto help on the other end, after the shuttle.

I'm sure it's doable, I guess I'm getting my knickers in the twist because I thought with car rental I finally found a way to get home after considering a million options and finding out about the shuttle threw me.

Can you hire a car seat from the hire company? Save you bringing your own

Wishing haha too late it was a gift that's always seems like a good idea and I always have to end up bloody lugging it on top of million other things or worse the little one wants to ride on it which is another level of liability.

lightcola this is our carseat, we're coming back home and I don't want to leave it behind and have to get another one.

Trunki and carseat have to stay come.

There is an arrivals service available at Stansted. It will cost you £130. If you can afford that I would reckon it is the best money you will ever spend. And there is a return service too if you need it.

no1lounges.com/service/other-services/vip-departure-service

• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What can I expect?

On arrival we offer a fast and discreet service, assisting with all processes right from the moment you land to your final destination. This includes full assistance with immigration and customs, organising baggage porters and chauffeurs, handling lost luggage and hotel check-in.
How does it work?

our arrival experience will include: Being met from the aircraft gate, Whisked through the terminal on an electric buggy (subject to airport), Assistance provided for any visas or landing card requirements, Expedited through immigration and customs process (where relevant & subject to airport), Baggage porters arranged to collect luggage and transfer it to your chosen method of transport.

I have no connection with them, just came up on a search I made.

Foldable luggage trolleys can be bought quite cheaply (in the UK anyway) which you could bring with you. Might not be an option if you're planning to use up all of your luggage allowance/flying a budget airline.

Trunkis are ok. They Hang on the handles of the buggy if not being used, and otherwise provide distraction to small child.

Porter service just got back with a quote £125! I'm sure I didn't pay more than 20 last winter from Heathrow.

If I go for it that's all money gone that I saved from getting a car rental instead of taxi home. Arghhh

If you are coming home could you get your luggage sent by a parcel carrier/shipping company and just carry the minimum?