Taking my 4m-old’s bulky pram on plane?

[afternoonbiscuit]

Hello everyone,

I’m due to fly alone with my 4-month-old DS in ten days. I’ve been reading all the tips I can find, as I’m a bit nervous about it, but what I’m still not sure about is what to do with his pram…

He is still too young to graduate to a stroller and our travel system is a bit bulky. The frame can collapse (but is quite heavy), while the bassinet attachment clips off but is large, though I think I can collapse it somehow.

Does anyone know if I’m allowed to bring a two-part pram like this (to check in at the gate preferably)? I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone in an airport with a pram, only strollers… Or can someone recommend an affordable lightweight pram that fully collapses in one piece that would be good to travel with? I was hoping to avoid buying another one, but if it will help make the journey smoother then I’ll do it!

I would leave it at bag check, buy a large protective bag for bassinet, and use a sling through the airport. Regardless of the 2 piece thing, which I have no idea on sorry, you always risk it not coming out the other end because baggage handlers forgot it or the destination airport delivers it to the belt and I wouldn’t want to be stuck on my own carrying baby through the airport.

Check the arline's guidance, but usually they say only one piece fold is allowed, otherwise you have to check it in as 2x separate pieces of baby equipment, meaning you can't take it to the gate. Only a single piece fold can be taken to the gate usually. You could take a sling to the airport and check the buggy in at bulky luggage though?

If you did want a single-piece fold, at 4m you just need a decent recline rather than a proper bassinet - you'd be OK with something like GB Pockit or Joie Nitro. I've taken a Britax B-Agile on a plane too so that kind of thing as well, though that would be a bit too roomy for a 4mo I think.

You could always get a seat reducer/support pillow to make the main seat of a larger buggy more supportive.

I've definitely seen people bring two pieces to the gate. I usually check mine in at the desk in a bag to protect it. It's too expensive to just chuck in. I'd then use a carrier in the airport. I found the big travel system so useful on holidays because they'd nod off at dinner and I'd be happy they were super comfy. And we'd have walked a lot and had day naps in the pram and everything. I also found the carrier so helpful because a few times I've seen the buggys not come out until the baggage claim which can be a long walk depending on where you are.... Dublin airport transatlantic flights I'm looking at you.

A sling or carrier (eg Ergobaby) is so handy when travelling with a 4mo. I used mine on planes and trains.

If you want a pushchair too, my advice is to bite the bullet and buy a lightweight, compact one. They are so handy and you'll use it for years. I originally bought a small/light pushchair for travel but ended up using it loads, e.g. shopping in town etc.

You could look a second hand if you don't want to spend a fortune. I thought Babyzen Yoyo was too expensive but regret not getting one now. My light pushchair is ok but not as good.

Hello @afternoonbiscuit
We've got an article about taking a pram on a plane that might be handy. We've highlighted tips from Mumsnetters and we've included a few pushchair recommendations from parents that have travelled with prams. Hope all goes smoothly on your trip! ✈

I took a mcclaren with my 3 month old, but that was 15 years ago!! But the exact same pushchair is still available (and suitable from birth).

Maclaren Techno XLR Arc stroller for newborns up to 25 kg. UPF 50+ extendable waterproof hood, single handle and reclining seat. Includes a removable winter footmuff and raincover. Black/Silver amzn.eu/d/eCFH07U

I would go for the Maclaren techno top, lies flat and can have cosies put in. Ours lasted 10 years of abuse over various children so well worth the outlay.

Other people can advise on whether you can bring on the plane. We took our daughter at similar age and had the bugaboo fox which is massive. We hired a yoyo from tiny explorers. they were great. didn't love the yoyo but it was fine for a week or two

Thank you everyone for such great advice! And for specific stroller suggestions which will make my search much easier if I do decide to buy a second, more lightweight one. I’ll check those all out and double check what BA allows re. prams.

Now just wish me luck for the flight next week 😁