Chicago has two big airports, and each one feels different with a baby in tow. Here's how to pick between them, where to find a quiet spot to feed or change, and how to get to your hotel without a meltdown (yours or theirs).
O'Hare or Midway: which is easier with a baby?
O'Hare (ORD) is one of the busiest airports in the country and a hub for United and American. It has the most flights and the most nonstop routes, but walks between gates can be long. It's about 17 miles northwest of downtown.
Midway (MDW) is smaller and easier to get around. Southwest flies the most routes there. It's about 10 miles southwest of downtown, so the ride into the city is usually shorter.
If you have a choice of flights, Midway is often the simpler airport with a baby. If you need a nonstop or a specific airline, O'Hare will have more options.
Feeding and changing at the airport
Nursing rooms: Both airports have private nursing and lactation spaces. Check the airport map or ask at an information desk when you land.
Family restrooms: Both airports have family restrooms with changing tables, which are easier with a stroller or carrier.
Plan a change before you leave the terminal. The ride into the city can take 30 to 60 minutes in traffic.
Getting from the airport to your hotel
Rideshare or taxi: The easiest option with luggage. Bring your baby's own car seat for the ride.
The CTA "L" train: The Blue Line runs from O'Hare to downtown in about 45 minutes, and the Orange Line runs from Midway to the Loop in about 25 minutes. Both airport stations have elevators. A baby carrier makes the train much easier than a stroller.
Hotel shuttles: Many O'Hare-area hotels in Rosemont run free shuttles from the airport.
Staying near O'Hare?
If you have an early flight out, a late arrival, or a convention at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, hotels in Rosemont are only minutes from O'Hare. We deliver there too.
Arrive to a room that's ready
The hardest part of landing with a baby is that first hour at the hotel: unpacking, setting up a bed, and realizing you forgot something. With Arrive Ready Baby, your box is delivered before you land. A travel bassinet, stroller, white noise machine, diaper pail, diapers in your baby's size, wipes, and formula in your brand are waiting at your hotel or rental. Add in-room setup for $39 and the bassinet will be ready when you walk in.
Land and settle in
Reserve your baby box for your trip, and walk into a room that's ready for your baby.
