Travelling long-stay to USA alone with small child, need to ship some luggage

Hello,
I was wondering if anyone has ever used an airline or shipping company to ship a suitcase (or two) back to the USA?  Basically myself and my 2 year old toddler are flying back to the USA for 4 months next month to see my family.  Since her and I are travelling alone, I'm concerned about the amount of luggage I will be able to handle during airport transfers, etc.  I figure I will only physically be able to handle 1 large suitcase and her stroller. 

But my first question is, I'm flying from Heathrow to Chicago O'Hare and then transferring out to my destination from O'Hare.  I know that we will go through immigration/customs at O'Hare.  Does anyone recall if they make you collect your luggage before immigration/customs and then drop back off after clearance to be sent to your final destination?  That is my concern.  If I knew that I wouldn't have to collect the luggage, I think I could bring more than 1 suitcase as my family could help when I reach my final destination.

Alternatively, I was thinking to ship it and avoid any hassle.  Has anyone used an airline or shipping company before to do this?  If so, any suggestions?

Sorry to make this so long-winded, but it is a concern as I want to make sure we have everything we need!

Many Thanks

But my first question is, I'm flying from Heathrow to Chicago O'Hare and then transferring out to my destination from O'Hare.  I know that we will go through immigration/customs at O'Hare.  Does anyone recall if they make you collect your luggage before immigration/customs and then drop back off after clearance to be sent to your final destination?  That is my concern.  If I knew that I wouldn't have to collect the luggage, I think I could bring more than 1 suitcase as my family could help when I reach my final destination.

I just did this on Friday - flew Heathrow to O'Hare, and then connected to another city.

After you go through immigration, you walk straight over to baggage claim, then to customs a few yards away, through a door and then you drop off your luggage a few yards from there.

In all, you only have to transport your suitcases a hundred yards or so from the baggage claim carousel to the connecting flights re-check carousel.

You could always get a cart and/or ask an airport staff member to help you move your bags between the two if you can't manoeuvre them all in one go.

We fly into Ohare all the time too.  You definitely drop your stuff off just after you clear so like already said you do only have to move it a short way.  I used a porter a few years back to get all of our stuff out to the family so I know they are there but I'm not sure how'd they feel about going a short distance. (FYI they just earn tips - no set charge)

Another thought (as I usually have 2 under 4 on my own plus luggage) is that the carts do have a seat for the kids to sit in so you could try and pile everything up??

I am usually loaded when we fly back (3 bags, stroller, car seat, carryon) and can just manage with DS sitting in the cart seat and DD walking as well till we get out.

I do this all the time, travelling on my own with my two small kids and four giant suitcases.  A few years ago I was going through baggage claims with one kid walking, baby in pushchair, and I was also pushing a trolley with four suitcases on it. I get stopped by an immigration officer on my way out, I was like oh no way, I am going to get searched...and she gave me a very valuable piece of advice.  She said, push the stroller and pull the luggage trolley.  Best advice ever.

Nowadays when I do it I get a skycaps attention when I go through customs and he helps me with my bags through to the gate if need be. They do expect a tip though
Also, when my daughter was little I wore her in a Mei Tai wrap that freed up my hands.  Good luck.

Thank you all for your helpful advice!  It is nice to know that I'm not the only one who has needed help with this before!  

I think I'll go with getting some help at the airport with the luggage, it is definitely the most cost effective way.  Do you know if there is a charge to rent the luggage carts?  Even though it is only a short distance I'm sure that I will need it.  I will definitely ask for help too and make sure I have some USD to tip the porters.

Thanks again, you have eased my mind!!  Happy Thanksgiving

Glad to help!!!  As of June when we last flew there was no charge in the baggage claim area.  There is a charge to get one outside that part (like curbside) though.  We'll be flying in a couple weeks so if its changed please post.

I would def try the cart and if that's not going to work just grab a porter- even a higher tip would be more cost effective than other shipping options.  The one we used we tipped $20 but we had a flatbed flu of stuff and 2 dog kennels he helped with-- worth EVERY penny!!!

Oh- another tip to keep in mind that I never knew is that you can take a cart through security all the way to the gate!!  I always thought it wasn't allowed until one TSA person told me "you paid for it you get to use it!!" It wasn't until then that I noticed lots of other people with them.  I'm not sure how it works if you are transferring terminals since I've not needed to.  I don't bother anymore but the when the kids we smaller it was helpful.

Good luck

I think that must depend on airports.  I've always been told to return the carts before security.  I've never been allowed to take the carts in to the gates.