Cosco Kids - MightyFit LX Convertible Car Seat

If you're out of the infant stage the Next might be too small. The luggage carrier works with basically any car seat. We used it with the Cosco Mighty Fit which is also super super light weight and easy to install in rental cars/Ubers, and then the carrier folds up into the size of a large book

He probably won’t fit in the doona. Infant seats can not rear face, even on a plane. I would bring a cosco seat and use it on the plane. That’s what we did when we took our 18mo to Europe. She did end up being held for sleep but she was in her seat otherwise. Good luck!

We used it rear facing. Easier to keep her from kicking the seat in front. Movies did not hold her attention at that age so we didn’t attempt it. We have since used it forward facing on planes as well.

Cosco until big/mature enough for RideSafer.

If the child is over two, you’re buying a seat for them regardless, correct? The only negative I ever encountered was flying with my toddler alone meant I was responsible for getting them and the seat onto the plane myself. Both can be heavy and unruly at times. I loved having their seats on the plane though. It was just like the car for them, no trying to get down, or wanting to be held. And they could easily sleep. If you have a helper, even better. Plus you’ll have a car seat where you’re going, and it won’t get broken or lost from checking it. If you can buy a cheap lightweight seat, it’ll help a bunch. We had a cosco seat from Walmart we only used for travel. I think it weighed less than 10 lbs.

I’d bring it. I have kids here, and the subway can be hard…no working elevators or filthy ones. Lots of stairs with bad weather and tired kid. Taxis also go super fast from the airport to the city. The car services might have car seats, but there’s no guarantees about their condition, size, installation and availability. I have a cosco for when I take my kids out…it sits (awkwardly) right on my travel stroller.

We still do a Cosco car seat because it's light and transportable.  When they grow out of that it will be a CARES harness.

Cosco car seat.  Literally lighter than my diaper bag.  While strolling through the airport put the seat in the stroller.  I'm assuming you have a double?

Where are you going that you don't need seats at your destination? We bought a Cosco brand seat for traveling. Much more lightweight and easy to install than our usual car seats. We used it on the plane and in our rental car while on vacation.

Nope not missing anything 😅good news is your next car seats will last you much, much longer! I’d get four extend2fits. We love extend2fit. Easy to install and lasts forever, rear faces up to 50lbs while most are 40. My oldest is 4 and no plans to move him from that seat anytime soon. Coscos are great for air travel with as they’re so light but I think they’re less comfortable and don’t grow with your children as much. Also a total pain to install. My husband has a graco slim in his that’s lighter and slimmer and very similar though it stops rear facing at 40

We had some success with the graco contender go The cosco one is fine, it is lighter and dirt cheap but it has no cushion to it so it is not comfortable for long flights

You can do this! I flew solo with my then-12 month old. Buy baby their own seat on the plane. Opt for a window seat for baby and you’ll take the seat next to them. Buy a Cosco car seat - they are cheap and lightweight. Check your suitcase. Gate check your stroller. You’ll get a tag from the gate agent then usually you’ll leave the stroller at the end of the jet bridge. When you get on the plane, you will have baby in arms, a backpack holding your flight supplies (more below), and the car seat over your shoulder. This is a great time to employ a sympathetic fellow passenger but not necessary! When you get on the plane, you will first put baby down in your seat and strap them in using the lap belt. You will then reach over baby and install the car seat by threading the lap belt through the back of it. The car seat will have to face forward because there just isn’t enough space to install rear facing. Then, install baby in the car seat! Now, sit down yourself, let out a sigh of relief, and begin the next phase of the trip: the flight. In your bag, you will have: Your standard diaper bag supplies Spare outfit for baby Spare short for yourself A few Tupperware or lunchbox full of non-smelly, not messy snacks. I like veggie straws, a chicken and bean quesadilla, a clementine, blueberries, and a banana. A selection of toys that cannot roll. Bonus: new toys or hide some favorites about a week before the trip so they are exciting again. A roll of painters tape or post-it notes make for mess-free fun. A pacifier, even if it’s not part of your routine, for air pressure changes. A water bottle At your destination, you’ll do everything in reverse - I usually wait until everyone else if off the plane. Your stroller will be at the end of the jet bridge. Ask your friend to come in to baggage claim to give you extra hands. Check to see if there are baby gear rental available in your friends city. If not, I’d recommend buying one and having it shipped to her. And then she can either keep it, donate it, or give it to a friend with kids. There are ultra-packable pack and plays but our experience is that they are not as comfortable for baby after about 25#. Plus, your suitcase will be full with everything else needed for baby. If you can afford it, it’s nice to not have to stress about the pack and play.

I flew US east coast to west coast with my husband and baby at 10 months, and then a short 90 minute solo flight with baby at 1 year. What a world of difference. At 10 months, baby snoozed and was easy going. At 1 year, baby was still easy going but much more antsy and interested in everything going on. Our flight was much shorter, but prepare for a lot more walking around the plane, waving at other passengers, whining, etc. We had a separate ticket for baby each time and carried on the cosco car seat. I highly recommend having a bag of diversions for baby. You could buy new stuff, or put away some favorite toys a couple weeks before the trip so baby is excited to see them. Suggestions - things that don’t roll away too easily! a magnetic tray and some big magnets, one of those cheap battery operated drawing tablets, a roll of painters tape or post it notes, books, Pom poms, a light blanket, a favorite stuffy, and a pacifier to help with pressure changes. And of course pack up plenty of easy to eat foods that baby can snack on - quesadillas cut into little squares, blueberries, pouches, clementines, veggie straws, etc. The name of the game is keeping baby happy!!