I recently stumbled onto a video about the BedBox by JetKids—a ride-on suitcase for kids up to 7 years old that also helps convert a regular airplane seat into a small bed. What a concept! If you haven’t heard about (or seen) the BedBox yet, here are some points to consider in deciding if it might be helpful for your family.
Pros of the BedBox:
Keeps little legs from dangling restlessly—or kicking the forward seat—by providing support even during waking hours.
Can be used with the safety belt when sitting upright, using as leg support.
Provides a clean, lie-flat sleeping surface in flight for babies through kindergartners with their own seats.
Gets kids moving through the airport whether pulled or self-propelled.
Cons of the BedBox:
Not to be used during taxiing, take-off, or landing, and must be stowed like carry-on at those times.
May not fit beneath seats in smaller, regional airplanes like Spirit or Horizon.
Might interfere with forward passenger’s seat recline in some situations—but may not be a concern if used on the bulkhead row.
At $170 U.S. retail, the BedBox may not be a worthwhile investment for everyone, but for a some family travelers it may be well worth that (or even more—what price would you pay for sleeping toddlers in flight?! Especially on an overseas flight?). A global directory of BedBox retailers is available here.
If having a crib, baby swing, child safety gate, or an exersaucer at your destination could make the difference between a happy holiday or a ho-ho-horrible one, don’t chance it. Reserve the gear you need in advance with a local rental agency. While some agencies carry just the basics: portacribs or play yards, strollers, car…
Here is one of those “million dollar” questions I know many of us face at one time or another, recently posted to the Travels with Baby wall on Facebook: Hey there – We are flying to Brazil in May. The flight will be from 8pm to 10:30am. Prime sleep time. I’m trying to figure out…
Just as flowers are suddenly popping up outside, a whole new crop of “Ask Shelly” questions are popping up in my in-box as well (thank you!), including this one I’ll dive into re: flying Air Canada with a baby and possibly an airplane bassinet–or fingers crossed for a “freebie seat.”
This is the third post in the “Fit more travel into your family’s new year” series this month. If you missed the earlier posts, you can start here. Following last week’s post: “Get (at least) one roundtrip flight with a mileage credit card,” I want to address one of the other best ways I’ve learned…
Welcome to the first “Pack This!” Once a month I’ll be featuring something I’ve found to be indispensible in my own travels or that I’d wish I’d known about sooner that you may just want to pack along on your next adventure. Chances are your suitcase is full enough without packing along your cool…
If you’ll be car camping with a baby or toddler this summer, the Superyard play yard or “safety fence” may prove helpful in several possible ways. The 6- or 8-panel, flexible system can be used to corral your crawler and cruiser, while giving them a safe space to play with toys while you set up your…