I have realized one thing however- I don’t plan on taking my infant car seat with me (Munich is fantastic for transit and that’s what we’ll be using – even when departing the airport). So I won’t have it on the plane. should I reconsider just for the seat option? I’d still have to take the actual stroller seat with me too as I should mention that baby isn’t a big fan of her carseat…
Honestly, you should still look for seats in the back. As Shelly said, she can’t occupy the seat without a car seat, but you can still put up the arm rests and use the room to spread out and have room for all your stuff. At 10.5 months she’s much more likely to sleep on you in an Ergo or other type carrier than in a bassinet in the front. (and likely sitting up on her own which makes the bassinet dangerous). Just remember you can’t use the carrier during take off or landing. But we do red eyes all the time with the kids and found this the best way to travel. Kids sleep and everyone thinks I have well behaved children! Good luck and enjoy your trip!
Hi Leti! Robin beat me to your response and makes good points – be sure to read! Yes, even if you can have the extra space without using the car seat that could be very helpful (especially while you are eating…), though you will need to hold her on your lap during takeoff and landing. At this moment I can’t remember if Air Canada provides infant safety belts for lap-held babies, but if not, it is always a good idea to use a Baby Bair flight safety vest to help protect against turbulence. More on this page if you aren’t familiar with it: http://www.travelswithbaby.com/gear/car_seats_alternatives.htm
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Hi Shelly,
Thanks so much for posting this!
I have realized one thing however- I don’t plan on taking my infant car seat with me (Munich is fantastic for transit and that’s what we’ll be using – even when departing the airport). So I won’t have it on the plane. should I reconsider just for the seat option? I’d still have to take the actual stroller seat with me too as I should mention that baby isn’t a big fan of her carseat…
Honestly, you should still look for seats in the back. As Shelly said, she can’t occupy the seat without a car seat, but you can still put up the arm rests and use the room to spread out and have room for all your stuff. At 10.5 months she’s much more likely to sleep on you in an Ergo or other type carrier than in a bassinet in the front. (and likely sitting up on her own which makes the bassinet dangerous). Just remember you can’t use the carrier during take off or landing. But we do red eyes all the time with the kids and found this the best way to travel. Kids sleep and everyone thinks I have well behaved children! Good luck and enjoy your trip!
Hi Leti! Robin beat me to your response and makes good points – be sure to read! Yes, even if you can have the extra space without using the car seat that could be very helpful (especially while you are eating…), though you will need to hold her on your lap during takeoff and landing. At this moment I can’t remember if Air Canada provides infant safety belts for lap-held babies, but if not, it is always a good idea to use a Baby Bair flight safety vest to help protect against turbulence. More on this page if you aren’t familiar with it: http://www.travelswithbaby.com/gear/car_seats_alternatives.htm