Flying with 3mo DC in baby carrier?

[flybabyfly]

DC (3 months) and I are flying shorthaul in a few weeks' time. I'll be on my own with her so was planning on just using a baby carrier the whole way.

Wondering if anyone has any experience of using a baby carrier without also having a partner (or a buggy!) with them, and how did it work? I'm particularly worried about situations in the airport where I'd have to take the carrier off and having nowhere to put the baby down while doing so (for example at security)...

Any advice/tips?

I'd take the pushchair as well tbh (I flew a lot with DD1 until she was 3 and then with her and DD2 together from when DD2 was 6 weeks). If all goes well the carrier is fine, if you get delayed you have nowhere to put baby. People bend over backwards to help when you fly solo with tiny ones, just leave yourself plenty of time . Good luck.

I had to go through the whole search/X-ray thing at Newcastle airport whilst I had my lo in the connecta. They couldn't have been more helpful, one of the staff gladly held him whilst I was in the machine. As far as being saddled with loads of stuff to carry, if you're carrying a baby too, they're very helpful if they see you struggling.

And make peace with idea of letting security person/steward(ess)/nice looking person on plane/at airport hold baby for you if you need it. And baby can always be plonked on floor at that age (perhaps on your coat/jumper) for brief periods.

I'd take the pushchair too. I've done it several times with several children. Just buy a very cheap umbrella fold buggy if you don't have one.

As another PP said, people really do help you, have a quick scan for anyone who may be sympathetic...usually someone like me who has slightly older children (but still remembers the difficult times!!)

Thank you for your replies! Good to know that people are so helpful when travelling with such little ones.

@underneath and @OrangeDaisy: I would like to get one of those umbrella fold buggies but from what I’ve seen, very few of them seem to be useable for babies under 6mos old (to do with reclining the seat I believe), so there doesn’t seem to be much choice if buying for such a young baby. I’ll have to look into it further. If you have any recommendations though do let me know!

We have a chicco liteway-reclines flat enough. We put DD2 in it at 6 weeks for travel-she looked dwarfed in it but it worked!

Get a ickle baby auora. You will need something to carry bags, let baby nap etc. People in security are used to getting passed babies to hold :)

I had a McLaren XT which is suitable from birth and travelled a lot (some on my own) with DS when I was on mat leave, visiting my parents in Spain etc. I have happy memories of this time!

If you are planning another child then don't get umbrella stroller. Can't push one handed and they are not actually that small

www.madeformums.com/reviews/pushchairs-and-travel-systems/lightweight-buggies-and-strollers/-ickle-bubba-aurora-stroller/1991.html

I had to take my baby of the sling so that the sing could go through the machine to get scanned, along with my shoes, bag, coat etc. I was allowed to carry my baby through the body scanner.

Make sure you have shoes that you can slip in and it of easily incase you’re asked to take them off.

When the seatbelt sign is on, the baby has to be forward facing with their seat belt attachment on, so I kept having to take my baby in and out of the sling, which was a bit of a pain.

I prefer to travel with just a sling, you are far more manoeuvrable. If your sling doesn’t have any metal then you can sometimes wear them thru security - depends on the airport in my experience. Take a bigger bag than you think you need so you can stash coats and the sling in there are you will be absolutely fine!

I regularly traveled with DD in a sling when she was smaller. You don’t need to take them off going through scanners unless you are selected for a pat down.

I always get asked to take baby out of sling before going through the scanner, in order to free up my hands to put the sling back on again I simply handed the baby over to the security agent... a funny sight as she went from stern-faced security guard to maternal goo-goo eyed softie as soon as she was holding him

I've never had to take baby out of sling. TSA actually have rules that let baby stay in now. Not sure about UK airlines. I've never been asked flying out of the UK either.

You can always request a pat down instead of the metal detectors.

Nobody HAS to go through the scanner. I've always refused and they've always been fine with it and done a pat down or let me through metal detector.

If she's 3 months I wouldn't take a buggy. Whenever I did for ds I'd kick myself at having the extra baggage.

When he hit walking age it's a must though.

Even if you take a stroller you'll have to take them out and fold it for security. In my experience a sling is way easier.

Yes you are pretty likely to go through with babe still in the carrier. A buggy will have to go through the X-ray. Unless it's a massive bugger then they have to hand check it (and hate your guts.)

Use the family lane at security if there is one. They will be used to it!

Thanks, everyone. If I do take an umbrella stroller, does anyone have any experience of not being allowed to take it to the gate, but having to check it in at the check-in desk? Apparently my airline’s official policy is that you have to check in the stroller straight away but unofficially, if you’re lucky, you can keep it until the gate...

Never had to check in. Have found airports abroad with no lifts though. People helped when I was alone. Germany of all places!

I’ve flown loads with my boys. I’ve never had to check in a buggy, always taken it to the gate. I did a long haul flight - 18 hours with my baby in a sling. I also had a 3 year old. My husband was also there which was good, but the sling was handy on board too, to help him sleep.

I've never heard of anyone not gate checking a buggy.