Posts filed under 'air canada stroller policy'
Airplane seats and car seats come in different sizes. While the trend towards carseats with special safety features continues to grow, so too does the width of the carseats. Unfortunately, the width of airplane seats is not following this same trend, and many travelers are finding their carseats are wider than the airplane seat. One of the narrowest and lightest seats around is the Cosco Scenera. This convertible car seat can be used rear-facing from 5-30 lbs, and forward facing from 22-40 lbs. Weighing in at around 10 lbs, this seat is lightweight and bulk-free. With a width of 17.5 inches, it fits nicely into the average airplane seat (the narrowest Air Canada seat is 17.83”). Don’t have a Cosco Scenera? You can rent them from Wee Travel Baby Equipment Rentals (Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria) for just $35/week.
June 13th, 2010
Whether this is your first family vacation and you don’t know what to expect, or you’ve done this before and it’s memorable for all the wrong reasons, we’re sure you’ll find these travel tips useful. After 6 years in the baby equipment rental business and contact with thousands of families, we’ve come up with some tips that address the questions we’re most often asked.
- How can I change a diaper in that teeny weeny not-so-clean airplane bathroom?
We’re sure you’ve thought about using the big clean airport bathroom before you board. While on the airplane, try using the Business Class bathrooms. They are generally bigger and cleaner as they are used by fewer people. Not only will you get sympathy smiles instead of the glares you might otherwise encounter if you tried sneaking in solo, but you can also use this bathroom yourself!. If you
plan to travel a lot, you might want to invest in a diaper bag that also functions as a changing station. There are a number of them out on the market, such as the gr8x Baby Traveller Deluxe Diaper Bag.
- I really don’t want to bring my carseat on the airplane, but how else can I keep my two year old safe (and contained?) Airplane seat belts are designed for adults, but we’ve got good news. Consider purchasing or renting a CARES Aviation Restraint for your trip
. CARES is a device that attaches to the airplane seatbelt, turning it into a 5-point harness. It is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for use on all planes, weighs less than 1 lb, and is designed for children 22-44 lbs. Best of all you can fit it in your purse!
- I’m afraid my baby will cry for the entire flight! This is a common concern. But worry not. Most babies do not cry for the ENTIRE flight! Give your baby a soother or something to drink during take-off and landing so their ears won’t get plugged. If your baby cries during the flight, go for a walk, or even let them watch TV. Sometimes the colours and movement will mesmerize babies. You could also be plan ahead and stock up on a few dozen sets of earplugs. Pass them out to nearby passengers. It’s a great ice breaker and they’ll appreciate your sense of humour!
- How will I keep my toddler entertained during the flight? Bring a small DVD player with a new DVD. Although most planes now have personal screen in the seats, you can’t always find a show that will interest your child. Colouring books, Lego, puzzles and books are
also life savers…so is the red-eye flight!
- My baby has just started sleeping through the night. Is the time change going to mean a big step back?Try taking an evening flight, or overlap the flight with your child’s nap time. Your kids will sleep better if it’s their natural circadian rhythm…and you won’t have to worry about entertaining them.
- I’m traveling on my own with my baby. How am I going to manage a carseat, stroller, pack n play, luggage,
carry-on and my baby?There is no need to haul your nursery along for the trip. Most cities have baby equipment rental companies
where you will be able to get top-of-the-line baby gear delivered right to your door, all safety checked and sanitized. This will also save you from having to pay the excess baggage fees that most airlines have implemented.
- Do a stroller and car seat count towards my baggage allowance? Different airlines have different policies. Generally each paying flyer is allowed 2 pieces of baggage. Some flights will let you take a carseat or stroller on in addition to this at no cost. Visit your airlines’ website well before your flight and search for the section on traveling with children. It will tell you stroller restrictions, weight limits and special seat bookings. Most airlines allow you to take your stroller right to the airplane gate, which makes getting around the airport easier.
- We have a two hour stop-over. How do I entertain my child? It’s not easy to entertain a child. But get your child a boredom busting Trunki and they’ll stop asking you “how much longer?”. The Trunki Ride-On Suitcase is just that - a suitcase that your child can ride
on, pull, and pack with all their own special things. They can ride it around the airport while you’re waiting for the plane or sit on it to rest their tired legs. It comes with a handy strap so you can pull them too (if they’re lucky). You can also bring a balloon for entertainment- let them bat it around and chase after it. it will give them a focus for their running and tire them out for the next leg of your journey!
- It’s a long flight for a small child. I just know he’s going to get bored and cranky. Bring snacks! It’s amazing how much latitude you can get by presenting your child with his or her favourite treat! Make sure they drink lots. Planes are dehydrating and a dehydrated child is often a cranky child. When booking your flight, check to make sure it has seat back televisions. This is one time when you can treat them by letting them watch as long as they like.
- I’m traveling alone. What do I do with my baby when I need to go to the bathroom?Ask a flight attendant to watch your child. Better yet, hope Barbara Walters is on your flight. She recently commented that she always loves to hold babies when she is on the plane! If your child doesn’t want to let you out of their site, just bring them with you…but make sure they don’t play with the door handle…we’ve learned from experience!
May 30th, 2010
Do you have friends coming to Vancouver this summer? If so, check out the Family Book for tons of money saving coupons you can pass along to them- things to do, things to buy, places to go. All are family-friendly and best of all they can save money when they rent equipment from Wee Travel as we’re in the book!! And if you’re traveling to Toronto, take the Wee Travel coupon with you and save on your equipment there. Just make sure to book well in advance for your summer vacation!
May 11th, 2009
The holiday season is just around the corner. Visions (aka nightmares) of crowded airports, wailing children and mountains of luggage are already occurring far too often in our heads! Wee Travel Baby Equipment Rentals both sells and rents a few items that will surely make traveling with your young ones easier and safer.
The CARES Child Aviation Restraint attaches directly to the back of the airplane seat and augments the regular airplane seat belt by restraining the torso to the seat and not just the waist. It’s FAA approved, and is the only alternative to a carseat permitted on planes. Wee Travel rents it for $5/day and $25/week or you can purchase it for $85 plus shipping and tax.
The GoGo Kidz Travelmate is is a car seat attachment that allows the seat (and child) to be wheeled around the airport just as you would wheel a suitcase. It’s the perfect solution for parents who want bring a car seat on the plane, but are wondering how to manage carrying it through the airport. The gogo Kidz Travelmate fits most convertible and toddler seats. Wee Travel rents it for $5/day or $25/week.
The GoGo Kidz car seat protector travel bag accommodates most standard car seats. If you have a gogo Kidz Travelmate, the car seat protector bag has 2 openings at the bottom for the Travelmate wheels, and an opening at the top for the Travelmate handle, so you can wheel the seat through the airport. It’s the perfect solution for parents who need a carseat at their destination. Wee Travel rents the car seat travel bag for $25/week and sells it for $50.
November 25th, 2008
What is essential for traveling, weighs only 12 lbs and will fit in the overhead bin of an airplane? No, it’s not your carry-on (Wee Travel knows that weighs more than 12 lbs). It’s the Quick Smart Easy Fold Stroller. Much more than an umbrella stroller, this revolution is perfect for travel. With 2 recline positions, a 5 point harness and a retractable canopy, this is more than a few steps up from an umbrella stroller. It holds up to 40 lbs (which means it will hold your toddler but not your carry-on), has four 4 inch front swivel wheels and two 8 inch back wheels, and includes a travel bag. You can buy it online from Sears for $149.
July 29th, 2008
This amazing safety restraint has been approved by most US and European airlines. It is now officially approved in Canada by Air Canada, Air Transat and, in the next few weeks, WestJet. In case you haven’t heard, this child safety restraint for airplanes attaches directly to the back of an airplane seat and augments the regular seat belt by restraining a child’s torso to the seat, rather than just their waist as per the regular seatbelt. It weighs only 1 lb and takes just a minute to install. What this means for you is that you no longer have to shelp your carseat through the airport just to keep your child safe on the plane. CARES are not sold in any retail stores in Canada, but you can buy them online from Wee Travel and they ship all across Canada. They sell for $85 and rent for $5/day or $25/ week.
June 25th, 2008
If you are traveling with small children you are going to need a car seat. Now, do you bring your own or not? Many people opt to rent a car seat at their destination, however, if your destination doesn’t have a baby equipment rental company, or if you just want to bring your own, be sure to check out the gogo Kidz Car Seat Protector Bag. It’s made of a heavy woven fabric that will protect your seat so you can safely send it cargo. Sounds like a no-brainer, right? Well, believe it or not, car seat protector bags are hard to come by in Canada. Wee Travel sells them for $50. If you live in Vancouver, Toronto or Victoria, you can even rent one from them for $3/day.
May 29th, 2008
Wee Travel Baby Equipment Rentals (Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria) now rents CARES - an innovative FAA approved restraint for kids that attaches directly to the back of an airplane seat and augments the regular seat belt by restraining a child’s torso to the seat, and not just their waist. It weighs only 1 lb and takes just a minute to install. You just need to ask the person sitting behind you to lower their tray so you can put the red strap around the seat back. You thread the airplane seat belt through the loops on the bottom, and adjust the straps, and you’re done. You child is safe, you can nod-off with ease, and you don’t have to lug a car seat around the airport solely to keep your child safe on the plane. Wee Travel sells them for $85 and rents them for $5/day or $20/ week. That’s a small price to pay for safety and convenience!
February 9th, 2008
Wee Travel Baby Equipment Rentals (Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria) thinks traveling just got easier thanks to the Lilebaby Eurotote. Ideal for parents on the go, the Eurotote is a bunting bag and baby carrier that will fit into your car seat, stroller or even just over your arm as a carrier. It’s good from newborn to 3 years, and comes with 2 interchangeable covers: a quilted microfibre outer cover with a flannel lining that protects from the wind and rain; and a breathable mesh blanket that keeps the baby cool in warmer temperatures. It also functions as a play blanket, and a convenient diaper changing pad when you’re on the go!
The Eurotote adjusts in length and width so it always fits just right, and it also comes with a removable carrying board. It comes in four great color combinations. Available through babyguru.ca for $155 CDN.
December 18th, 2007
Wee Travel Baby Equipment Rentals (Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria) first came across the Trunki from a post on the Optimist (a site full of gorgeous things well worth checking out).
The Trunki is the world’s first ride-on suitcase. Your kids can sit on and ride their own luggage - the caveat being you of course, have to play sherpa.
Specifically designed for kids 3-6 years old, this bag is roomy (18″x 7.9″ x 12″) and light, weighing only 3 lbs (sans toys, games and treats). It has an 18 litre capacity and easily stores in the overhead luggage compartment, making it ideal hand-luggage for kids.
The Trunk is available in green, blue, cow and tiger prints from Wee Travel starting at $70 Cdn.
December 9th, 2007
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