Traveling with an infant can be daunting, especially if it’s the first time. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but with careful planning and a few essential tips, it can also be a rewarding adventure filled with memories to look back on for many years to come.
Whether you’re taking a road trip, hopping on a plane, or checking into a hotel, this guide will provide valuable insights to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey with your little one.
Preparing for the Trip:
1. Plan Ahead: Before your trip, list all the essentials you will need. I found it helpful to break the lists into categories such as clothing, feeding, diaper changing essentials, and extras such as toys.
Think about the itinerary you have planned for each day. For example, on one of the days of our trip, I knew we would be swimming, so I packed all the swim essentials, including a swim diaper, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Planning ahead allows you to anticipate your infant’s needs and reduces stress during the trip.
2. Check Travel Regulations: Different modes of transportation and accommodations have specific infant rules and regulations.
Familiarize yourself with airline policies, car seat guidelines, and hotel amenities to make informed decisions and avoid surprises.
- Infant Ticket: Determine the airline’s policy regarding infant tickets. Most airlines allow infants under two to travel on your lap for free, but informing the airline in advance is important. We were able to complete this while booking our flight.
- Bassinet Availability: Inquire about the availability of bassinet seats if you’re traveling on a long-haul flight. These seats offer a secure place for your baby to sleep during the journey.
- Car Seat Guidelines: Understand the airline’s rules for using a car seat during the flight. Some airlines have specific requirements for approved car seats.
3. Pack Strategically: We used packing cubes to organize and separate the clothes in our luggage. Once we arrived at the hotel, our items were easily organized, so I knew where everything was.
Prioritize packing essential items such as a changing pad, diapers, wipes, formula or breast milk, and a change of clothes. Pack enough for the journey and a little extra in case of any accidents. Having a spare set of clothes is invaluable.
My 9-month-old son had a major blowout on our flight home, and having the essentials easily accessible on the flight helped us be prepared.
I also recommend packing a few freezer-size zip-lock bags. When he made a mess of the clothes he was wearing, I was able to throw them in there instead of getting everything else dirty. This tip saved us on that flight, preventing his smelly, soiled clothes from lingering throughout the flight.
We also packed Christian’s favorite toys and snacks in a toiletry bag so they were easily accessible. Packing his favorite toys and comfort items helped to create a familiar environment. You can also pack a few new fun toys to keep your baby entertained and surprised.
4. Health Precautions: Consult with your pediatrician before traveling, especially if you’re heading to a different climate or region. Discuss any health concerns or necessary vaccinations.
Carry a few baby-safe medications, like infant Tylenol and a nasal aspirator, or consider a basic first aid kit just in case. Being prepared for potential health concerns can bring you peace of mind.
Navigating Air Travel:
1. Choose the Right Flight Time: Opt for flights that align with your infant’s sleep schedule as best you can. I know this can be challenging if they are still not on a specific schedule, but what I found helpful was booking a flight that I knew would have us arrive at the perfect time to get to the hotel and get situated before he went down for the night. I tried to prioritize his sleep schedule the best I could.
Consider booking flights during non-peak hours to avoid crowded airports and long security lines if possible. My husband and I decided to apply for TSA PreCheck a few weeks before our trip, which helped us tremendously. We were able to do this at our neighborhood Staples but check enrollment locations online because they could vary for you. Once we were at the airport on the day of travel, this allowed for a much shorter wait time had we not done so.
2. Strategic Seating: Check with your airline before traveling, as you may be able to reserve a bassinet seat for long flights; who would have known this existed? But if your airline offers it, this is an excellent way for your baby to rest on the flight.
If you book an additional seat instead of having your baby on your lap, ensure your car seat is airline-approved if you plan to use it during the flight. You can confirm these arrangements when booking your tickets.
3. Entertainment Essentials: Pack various toys, books, and soft, quiet activities to entertain your baby during the flight. I found it helpful to rotate toys out every 15-20 minutes.
Depending on your little one’s age, they may sleep for a long duration of the flight.
Yet, I find it helpful to be prepared if they are awake and need things to do. We also brought along colorful painter’s tape to stick to the tray. My son liked pulling at the pieces, which kept him occupied on the way there and on our way home.
4. Checking Your Car Seat and Stroller At The Gate: Checking your car seat and stroller at the gate when traveling by air can be more convenient rather than checking them at the ticket counter.
Invest in gate-check bags or covers designed for car seats and strollers. These can provide protection from dirt, germs, and potential damage during the handling process.
Other things to consider:
- Inquire Early: When you arrive at the gate, approach the gate agents and inform them that you would like to gate-check your car seat and stroller.
- Confirm Details: Double-check the gate-check tags provided by the gate agents. Ensure that the tags have the correct information, including your final destination.
- Prompt Retrieval: Upon arrival at your destination, check with the gate agents or ground crew to ensure your car seat and stroller will be brought to the gate.
- Inspect for Damage: Inspect your car seat and stroller for any damage or signs of wear before leaving the gate area.
Lastly, do yourself and your family a big favor and arrive at the airport well in advance to allow extra time for unforeseen circumstances; doing so can significantly reduce your chances of stress and getting overwhelmed.
5. Consider Bringing A Carrier: We used a carrier at the airport to be hands-free when needed. A baby carrier can help you conveniently move around the airport and during layovers. My son also happened to fall asleep on me in the carrier, ten minutes before take off.
Road Trip Essentials
1. Secure the Car Seat: Make sure to install the car seat correctly and securely before hitting the road. Ensure it meets safety standards and is appropriate for your infant’s age and weight.
Give yourself plenty of time once you are in the car headed to your destination, as you’ll need to plan regular breaks for feeding, diaper changes, and playtime.
2. Organize a Travel-Friendly Diaper Bag: Keep a well-stocked diaper bag with essentials like diapers, wipes, a changing pad, and extra clothing, such as onesies within easy reach.
3. Prioritize Comfort: Dress your baby in comfortable layers, considering potential temperature changes during the journey. I also opted to bring a blanket to cover him while he slept.
Either my husband or I always sit in the back next to Christian while one of us is driving, but you could also use a baby mirror to monitor your little one in the car.
Accommodations:
1. Request Baby-Friendly Lodgings: Choosing family-friendly hotels or rentals is important to ensure a comfortable stay. Airbnbs and hotels often have cribs or playpens available when booking accommodations.
2. Baby-Proof Your Space If Need Be: Christian was not crawling when we traveled to Florida, so we didn’t have to worry about this. However, depending on your baby’s age, it’s important to baby-proof the area by identifying and removing potential hazards. Use outlet covers, an outlet cover box, remove sharp objects, and secure loose cords. Creating a safe environment contributes to a stress-free stay.
3. Stick to Routine: Maintain your baby’s sleep and feeding routine as closely as possible. Bring familiar items like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal to provide comfort and security in a new setting.
On-the-Go Feeding Tips:
1. Breastfeeding Strategies: Identify breastfeeding-friendly spaces at airports or public areas. Invest in nursing-friendly clothing for discreet and convenient feeding on the go. Consider a lightweight nursing cover for added privacy.
2. Formula Feeding Hacks: Whether we are at home or on the go, my son always preferred a warm bottle. For that reason, we found it essential to invest in a portable bottle warmer. A bottle warmer without a cord made it seamless to warm up the bottle anywhere. Sometimes, we used the portable bottle warmer on a park bench, at the hotel, or at a restaurant. However, you could also carry a thermos with water to mix the formula when needed.
Having a portable formula dispenser can also make feeding on the go more convenient. It also helps to pre-measure formula portions for quick and hassle-free feedings. Also, this travel baby bottle drying rack was one of our most used items. It was super helpful when it came time to clean all the bottles in the hotel room.
By planning ahead, staying organized, and embracing a flexible mindset, traveling with your infant can become an experience you can begin to feel more comfortable with.
Whenever you travel with your baby or child, I find it an excellent opportunity to bond and create lasting memories.
Although it’s unlikely that a trip will be completely stress-free, I hope these tips help you feel more equipped to take on your adventure with confidence and reassurance that traveling with an infant is possible. The more you travel, the more comfortable you will become.
Safe travels!
Xo,
Tiffany