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Often it's the littlest family members that need the biggest number of items when they go on vacation. Depending on their age, infants and toddlers need cribs, car seats, breast pumps, high chairs, swings, strollers, potty seats, toys and playpens. No wonder so many parents drive mini vans to haul all the baby gear around! Obvious parents want their little ones to be comfortable and happy while on vacation but how can parents schlep everything they need and not go broke with airline luggage fees?
1. KNOW WHAT YOU'LL NEED - Some Hotels and Resorts are more kid friendly than others. Check to see if your hotel offers crib or cot rentals. If they do offer cots or cribs, are linens supplied? Generally speaking, the more expensive the hotel room, the more ammenities offered for children. Be sure to ask if these items are complimentary or if there are fees involved so you are prepared. If you're visiting relatives, see if any kid gear can be borrow from local family and friends. An inexepensive, collapsible umbrella stroller is one tool many travel wise parents find indispensible on family vacations.
If you're planning to use a rental car on vacation, often you can ask to rent a car seat too. Charges for car seat rentals generally run from $2-$10 per day depending upon your location. Be sure to check local driving rules. Many states now have laws requiring booster seats for children so know the height requirements.
2. PACKING Remember, children under the age of two flying as a lapchild are not given any luggage allowance. Most airlines will allow the parent to bring one suitcase and one carry-on bag which must be shared between parent and child. Many airlines are beginning to charge fees for luggage. For the safety and comfort of all passengers, Vacationkids recommends that ALL children have their own airline seats and are seated in an airline approved car seat appropriate for their age and weight. As a bonus, this child, despite it's age will be allowed the same luggage amounts as any other full paying passenger. Often with diapers, formula, clothing, linens and gear, this luggage allotment can come in handy.
3.RENT BABY GEAR- Parents can rent just about anything their little ones could possibly need. Items can usually be rented either by the day, month or week. Prices vary by products and locations. Babys Away is one of the largest rental companies of it's kind with dozens of locations across the U.S. Lots for Tots Mexico offers similar services for families vacationing in the Puerto Vallarta Area. Parents can also do an online search for local rental agenies for their specific vacation destinations.
4. CONSIGNMENT SHOPS - If you'll be away from home for an extended time you may want to consider shopping for gently used baby gear at local consignment shops. This may work out to be a cheap option than renting equipment. Used items can then be donated to a local shelter or church when you're finished using them.
5. SAFETY -
When you borrow, rent or buy used baby equipment, double check to be sure this equipment is safe and had not been recalled. This is especially true when your family is traveling outside of the U.S. as product safety standars may vary in different countries. Parents can simply do a search on The U.S.Consumer Product Safety Commission website.
6. SHIPPING - Another option is to ship your baby gear ahead. This often works best when visiting relatives. Most resorts and hotels will allow this but may charge additional fees so be sure to ask. UPS and FedEx are the most obvious but do an online search for luggage companies specifically for vacationers.
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