Travel Gear Questions

[MamaKath]

Okay here’s the deal- We are going to Orlando, FL at the end of May. [We refers to dh, myself, dd (age 3), and ds (will be 3.5 months at time of trip).] I figure I can handle a 2.5 hour flight with them. We’ll be in a hotel, renting a car, and touring the parks. I need some suggestions on travel gear.

Q- We’ll be renting a car down there, so I’ll bring the baby’s FPSIV. I am thinking of getting a booster for DD (41 inches, 38 lbs.) who is outgrowing her FPSE and thought maybe the low-back Evenflo booster, the Britax laptop, or something like the Cosco 5 pt travel vest (I don’t like Cosco though). Any suggestions? Also is this a good age/stage to move her to a booster?

Q- I am a sling/baby trekker mom most of the time, but use a stroller for long walks (my back can’t handle carrying him for long walks) or to nap him in. I’m sure I’ll need one for him on this trip. I also anticipate my 3 year old wanting an occasional ride and possibly a nap in as well. She is very tall, so I need something that has an extendable footrest to make a bed for her. I want to have one hand steering, full recline and not be too huge to gate check (are there limits on size weight? I’m thinking under 20 lbs.). I do have a long stride (I’m 5’7” and dh is 6’ 2”) so need to consider that as well.

My Emma is a sbs, and would be perfect except it is way too heavy. The Zooper Double Up is also too heavy, although I think it would work well for this trip, I don’t know if it could be gate checked. The Silver Cross is just something I’d be too ticked about if it got ruined or stolen.

So I am thinking a single maybe with a buggy/kiddie board. Budget max $150. I was thinking of Peg Pliko, a Chicco 2002, an Inglesina Max, a Zooper Z-street, an Emma Husky or EC1, or a Kidco double. I know the Combis are out, I kick the backs.

Also any stroller accessories that would make the trip easier? I may get a stroller bag for when we do gate check to protect the stroller. Is there anything else suggestable (new word!).

Q-Is there anything you can suggest to make the trip easier? I am nursing, so I don’t anticipate needing much in the way of feeding supplies for my infant (although I travel with a handheld pump and bottle just in case). I figure I can purchase diapers down there (so I’ll pack enough for 1-2 days). I can’t think of what else I might need to get

[suzska]

I can't help with the booster seat/stroller suggestions. I'll leave those to someone else. The only thing I might say is maybe bring a single stroller and rent one for your daughter at the parks when she needs one. We took our own (Combi Convenience--so we didn't rent), and only have one child, so I don't know if that would work or not, but it's an idea. Some people say "Take your own." Some people say "Rent!" Are you staying on Disney property or planning to do things on Disney property that would require using the buses/monorail/boats? In that case you probably don't want a stroller that is too big or too heavy. We went in January, when park attendance was WAY down, so the buses were rarely crowded, but I hear it can get bad at other times of the year. And double strollers have to be folded to go on the monorail--singles can be rolled right on.

Compared to our local prices (Pittsburgh) diapers/wipes/etc. were more expensive in Orlando--at least where we shopped (we didn't have time to drive around and find a BRU or something). I had to buy formula, too, so in the end I spent maybe $15 more than if I had bought the stuff and taken it with me (and that was after coupons). But then I would have had to pack another suitcase, so it was worth it to me to buy the stuff there. I packed 2 days worth in my carry-on (just in case) and bought everything else there.

I didn't use a carrying bag for the stroller, but we did gate check it. You can check with your airline on restrictions for what is considered carry-on, etc. We flew USAirways, and they don't count carseats or strollers, and they took care of the stroller and it was waiting for us when we got off of the plane. The canopy did come unattached on one side, but it seemed okay and snapped back on, so I never "complained" to the airline.

What else?...Assuming you are going to Disney World, make use of there baby care centers--one in each park. They have changing tables, a small kitchen area for heating up food, private breastfeeding rooms, and a small play area where your older daughter can hang out while you take care of the baby. And dad's are welcome, too. Some of the places outside of the parks have "family/handicapped restrooms" which are nice if you need an extra hand changing the baby and it's only you and DH.

Okay, I've rambled on enough. But you mention Orlando and I get all excited! :-)

--Sue B.
SAHM to Evan Jeffrey 03-11-01