We're going to Boston soon and our hotel is VERY near all the things we want to see. Most of which is walking distance, the rest is a very very close uber ride.

Should we even bother taking a car seat? My only hesitation is A: the ride to and from the airport, and B: will Uber accept our fair with a lap child?

This is our first trip with the kiddo so we're in our learning curve right now.

We lugged those big *******s with us. It sucked.

If your kids are really small, look into strapping the seat to your rolling luggage. There are youtubes on it.

Take the car seat. It's not that big of a hassle. We've been on 20+ flights with our 23 month old and it's really not an issue.

We bought a second, far cheaper, seat belt friendly car seat and a $50 padded car seat travel bag on Amazon. Just check it to your destination.

If you don't bring one, just take the bus from Logan to your hotel. It is free and easy.

Yeah, you'll have to take the car seat.
It's more to carry, but doesn't count as a checked bag (at least on American).
We got the backpack and carrying it wasn't bad.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07J34HP5Q
(tip: you can stuff diapers and such inside too)

Strollers are nice to use inside the airport. If you end up carrying baby, put your bags in the stroller.
The stroller will be gate checked and waiting for you on the jet bridge when you land.
Get a cheaper stroller. Don't risk the ground crew damaging your Bob/Doona.

Actually, this is one of the times that a Doona is super handy (car seat and stroller), but you run the risk of it getting damaged.

We're normally "never check a bag" group and travel with carry on only, but since you'll have to wait at baggage claim for your car seat, you might as well check other bags too and not have to deal with them in the airport.

How old are the babies?
Remember milk is food product. It can travel frozen and don't let TSA give you too much grief about it.

Naveronski said:

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Yeah, you'll have to take the car seat.
It's more to carry, but doesn't count as a checked bag (at least on American).
We got the backpack and carrying it wasn't bad.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07J34HP5Q
(tip: you can stuff diapers and such inside too)

Strollers are nice to use inside the airport. If you end up carrying baby, put your bags in the stroller.
The stroller will be gate checked and waiting for you on the jet bridge when you land.
Get a cheaper stroller. Don't risk the ground crew damaging your Bob/Doona.

Actually, this is one of the times that a Doona is super handy (car seat and stroller), but you run the risk of it getting damaged.

We're normally "never check a bag" group and travel with carry on only, but since you'll have to wait at baggage claim for your car seat, you might as well check other bags too and not have to deal with them in the airport.

How old are the babies?
Remember milk is food product. It can travel frozen and don't let TSA give you too much grief about it.

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It doesn't even have to be frozen. We have flown with multiple bags of liquid breast milk and regular milk when she got older with zero issues.

Baby is 10mo. We decided to take it and just check it at the gate.

We're renting a stroller in Boston and the seat can lock into the stroller we're renting so at least we have that versatility.

Lap child rides free and unticketed on United, formula can be brought in liquid form in any quantity as it's considered medically necessary fluids.

Thanks for the confirmation of what I figured was our necessary path. Didn't want to risk getting turned down by an uber and being stuck somewhere with the baby in a strange city.

Just not worth the risk.

Good call

We did Chicago with a two month old without a car seat and just relied on public transportation. We also did two weeks in Europe without a car seat and took trains, busses, and subways. Both trips were great. We did take our massive stroller with a bassinet and the padded case for it, but on other trips we have just taken our travel stroller that goes in the overhead bin.

DiskoTroop said:

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Thanks for the confirmation of what I figured was our necessary path. Didn't want to risk getting turned down by an uber and being stuck somewhere with the baby in a strange city.

Just not worth the risk.

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now that you've thought through it, you probably realize that your question wasn't even necessary!

I would never for one second consider flying somewhere with an infant and not having a car seat on the other end.. whether we take it, or whoever picks us up has one, or we are adding it to a rental.

Kiddo slept the 2.5 of the 3 hour flight, loved the last half hour and was a delight.

Did Quincy Market tonight and are set up with our rental stroller etc.

Babyquip is a great service.

DiskoTroop said:

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Babyquip is a great service.

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I didn't know this existed.

A tip from experience - give your baby a bottle at takeoff and landing. It will help their ears with the pressure changes. Similar to chewing gum for adults.

And when they are past bottle age, dum-dum suckers do the trick

Naveronski said:

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DiskoTroop said:

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Babyquip is a great service.

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I didn't know this existed.

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Us either until this trip. Near idea though… uber for baby gear.

GreenAggie said:

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A tip from experience - give your baby a bottle at takeoff and landing. It will help their ears with the pressure changes. Similar to chewing gum for adults.

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Indeed. Worked like a champ.

Babyquip is the only right answer.