Managing airport layovers alone with a baby, car seat and young child

[InfrequentFlyer2026]

Hoping for some advice. I'm travelling from New Zealand to the UK later in the year with my 5 year old and 8-month old (at time of travel). Unfortunately DP can't come with us. I have booked my baby their own seat on the planes and intend to use a car seat, so that I can try to get a bit of sleep and eat more easily. Has anyone done this when you've had a layover? How did you manage moving through the airport with the car seat? Any tips or things to avoid would be appreciated!

Can you ask for passenger assistance? Otherwise would an inflatable airplane bed work better for the 8 month old than a car seat? Deflate it for the layover

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I wouldn’t use a car seat. Can you ask for a bassinet seat or blow up? I would take a foldable buggy eg babyzen Yoyo that you can fold and take on the plane with you. Lots of snacks and little toys/activities for the 5 year old (bring out gradually). Spare change of clothes for everyone, including you (leggings/t shirt dont take up much space). Good luck

Can you take a car seat that then can clip on to a Yo-yo or similar? Just saying Yoyo as that’s the one I had car seat clips for. Then you can pop baby into a carrier, back pack on and only have to carry car seat and folded yo-yo off plane. Once off, can just clip the car seat on to pram. So you’re just pushing a pram through airport.

I have done that at airport when solo but I picked car seat up off luggage (didn’t use it on plane)

Great idea about asking for passenger assistance, thank you!

I looked into the inflatable mattresses but unfortunately we're flying with Air New Zealand who don't allow them at all.

Some great advice here, thank you! Unfortunately we're flying with Air New Zealand and baby will be too old for their bassinet, and they don't allow inflatables. Fold up buggy is a great idea, and definitely changes of clothes!

Great advice, thank you so much!

Can I ask what car seat you used?