Travelling with baby

caevans

Hi
Looking for advice on travelling with a baby. We are thinking of going to Spain or France with our 4 month old baby, but am starting to think how it would work with transport. If we were to hire a car, could we also hire a car seat for baby? Or, my preference would be to get a taxi (neither my partner or I are confident drivers) - but how would we be able to travel safely with baby in taxi??? or bus??
So confused!!
Thanks everyone

cte1111

Car seats can be hired along with the car. I have found that they are not as good as the ones I use at home, often more suitable for older children, so it might be an idea to take your own with you (they can be checked in like any other item of luggage).

In a taxi or a bus, they would expect you to hold the baby I think, the same as in this country.

jackomdj

If going to France you could always go on the ferry or tunnel so you have your own car & all the bits that go with a baby to hand. It will also mean you are able to go at your own pace & stop/feed etc as & when you need to.

We did this a couple of years ago when DD2 was just 4 months old & it worked really well for us. Actually we have just come back from France again, this time though we drove right through France to the South coast & had a brilliant time travelling with our girls (age 4 1/2 & 2 now)

caevans

Hi
thanks for the advice. Ferry would be great, but we live in Scotland so would be a bit of trek to travel all that way!

jackomdj

caevans wrote: »

Hi
thanks for the advice. Ferry would be great, but we live in Scotland so would be a bit of trek to travel all that way!

in that case I would go with what a previous poster has said & take your own. For the same reason as I would not buy a second hand one I would not trust one where I did not know the history of it (off topic - but I also hate it when you see second hand bike helmets for sale).

Wherever you go have a great time.

Nicky

feelinggood_2

On the subject of taking a carseat with you, would there not be a risk of damage to the seat if it is mishandled when checked in?

We are facing the same dilemma, want to holiday with our LO but concerned about carseat.

wendyphant

Does your car seat go on your buggy as a travel system? if so you could take it and the buggy to the gate at the airport and take it with you

maggie21

I wouldn't put your car seat in the hold though. Have you seen how they throw your luggage about? It would just be like it having been in a crash and would need replaced.

Whats wrong with holidaying in sunny Scotland?!!

caevans

meigle21 wrote: »

I wouldn't put your car seat in the hold though. Have you seen how they throw your luggage about? It would just be like it having been in a crash and would need replaced.

Whats wrong with holidaying in sunny Scotland?!!

Haha that is definitely our back up option!!! We tend to always go up north which we love, but would like to go abroad for a change

fernliebee

I might be wrong or it may have changed, but when my aunt used to fly with my cousin as a baby, she would take him in his car seat onto the aeroplane but I think they may have had to pay for his own seat? Depending on how cheap the seats were I think personally I would be tempted to do it as then you know both baby and car seat will be safe, however if not could you take the seat on as hand luggage? I'm sure it is smaller than one of those wheeled suitcases you are allowed to take on and almost certainly lighter. Maybe ring airline and double check though.

mrcow

Who are you flying with?

All airlines will have different policies with regards to car seats. For example, Easyjet will let you strap your child in it's car seat if it has a 5 point harness.

You just need to do some fact finding before you book.