Traveling with Baby
So as a mom who lives far from my family I’ve had to travel often with my baby, my toddler, and now my toddlers! I have learned some tricks to traveling with infants or toddlers.
1. Bottle/Sippy’s are essential-with my baby’s I always had their bottles with formula or breast milk at hand. With all the rules of travel regarding bringing liquids on board, make sure you check current TSA guidelines, find them here: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm. Looks like for now, as long as the milk items fit in your quart size bag a mother can bring them on board, just make sure you declare them through security. For the toddlers, I usually make sure I buy a bottle of apple juice in one of the concessions before boarding the plane. You never know what to expect from the airlines these days. Did you ever see that episode of Jon and Kate plus 8 when they got stuck for hours on a plane with all their toddlers-let’s just say a mother’s worst scenario. Of course I carry my bottle or sippy in my Aquabag. My passports, boarding passes, credit cards, and cell phone are right at hand and my baby’s bottle is insulated. Don’t leave home without one, order yours today to get it in time, http://www.myaquabag.com/store/. You will get so much use during your flight and after while out and about, you won’t want to carry a purse anymore!
2. Everything organized-I usually ditch my normal diaper bag and bring a bigger bag. While packing for the trip I make sure that everything in this bag is organized. I have a couple diapers and wipes usually in an outside pocket to make it even more accessible. Something I don’t always have with me and have on airplanes is a changing pad and I try to have one that is large enough to cover at least the upper torso area of my baby or toddler. Have you ever noticed the dirt on the carpet on a plane or the changing table in the bathroom? Just make sure you have something to lay your child on.
3. Extra set of clothing (maybe two for the bottoms)-I know this means that you’re going to bulk up your carry on, so try and choose outfits that have thinner fabric. Plan for the worst case scenario of diaper leaks, drinks being spilled, etc. I know my baby doesn’t adjust well to sitting in wet clothing, so plan to have a couple changes with you.
4. Bulkhead seating pros and cons-I have purposely asked for the bulkhead seating before. There’s some advantages to sitting in these seats when traveling with a child that’s a toddler. There’s usually a little more leg room in these seats. Therefore a child that has a hard time sitting for hours can have a little extra space. The downside to these seats is that there’s usually no place to put your carry on so access to all your toddler essentials can be tricky. When I requested this seating I would make sure I got on the plane in plenty of time and then would take the time to get out all the items I thought my child would need for at least half the flight. Then would put the bags up and would only have to get them out if needed.
5. Something new to play with-On past flights I have tried to create activities that would be new and novel for my toddlers. Newer activities tend to keep them excited and occupied longer. Ideas for good in flight play; crayons and coloring pad, Colorforms (reusable stickers), pipe cleaners, books, MP3 player, Video player and Aquadoodle Travel size. If you are bringing any electronic items, make sure you fully charge them the night before and if you can bring another back up battery!
6. Sling (baby carrier)-I can’t believe I’m on #6 on this list and haven’t mentioned my sling yet. I didn’t discover slings until my second baby came along. Slings are a little easier to use through airports than baby carriers like the Bjorn because you can just lift your baby/toddler out and usually keep the sling around you like a piece of clothing. Normally in going through the security check point they’ve let me walk right through with this on. This is a huge difference with another type of carrier as these you would have to try and take on and off quickly through security (not an easy task). If you can get your baby or toddler used to a sling than this is a travel must have! I also found the sling is nice to have for a sense of security on the plane if it gets a little bumpy. I’ve place my baby/toddler on my lap and slid the sling around me and baby’s waist to act like a seatbelt. Okay so it’s not FAA worthy but it’s at least something and makes them feel secure in your arms as well.
7. First Aid Kit-I wouldn’t expect the airplane to have any of the normal items when it comes to boo boos. Make sure you bring the basics for first aid; antibacterial cream, band aids, Tylenol, etc.
8. Disposable empty bags-You just never know when your going to need an empty bag while traveling. I usually just bring my empty grocery bags, but there’s also the nice baby powder smelling ones you buy. Of course there’s the normal uses for these of throwing out diapers, however you may find you need to clean up a snack mess, seperate and hold wet clothing, or even for airsickness!
9. Plenty of snacks-Snacks on planes seems to be a thing of the past these days. Bring plenty of your baby’s or toddler’s favorites. Again review the TSA guidelines for baby foods, but most are fine if you can fit into a quart size bag. You can always quickly make baby cereal or even bring some bananas you can quickly mash up! For the older toddler, I always pack the staple snack, fish crackers and cheerios (which can be fun to play with too!)
10. Jacket or blanket-Planes can tend to get too hot or too cold, so I always like to put my kids in layers. A light zip up hoodie or light jacket is great to have on flights. I do always bring my baby’s favorite blanket as this not only can be used to bundle them up but also acts as a security item to hold on to. Just be sure it isn’t left behind!
I hope this list has helped in preparing you for your travels. There’s many great resources these days for parents getting ready to embark on the challenge of traveling with your little ones. I think with a little planning, you can eliminate alot of your travel with children anxiety. You’ll be surprised how the excitement of the day and all the new things to see and do keep your little ones looking like they are pros!
Happy Travels!
Tags: air travel with toddler, airline travel with kids, aquabag, tips for traveling with toddler, traveling with a toddler on plane, traveling with baby, travelling with baby
