We’re fast approaching one of the busiest travel seasons with Thanksgiving and Christmas almost upon us. Whilst we all love a good holiday, traveling, even alone these days is difficult enough, but with children, especially babies or toddlers is even more daunting, particularly if you are doing it for the first time. However follow the tips below to make the travel slightly less stressful...
PICK THE RIGHT FLIGHT
It seems like the most obvious place to start but picking a good time to fly is the easiest place to start. Go with a night flight if you can, especially for a long haul flight so your baby is more likely to sleep through, at least some of the flight and you don’t have to spend 10 hours entertaining your little one!
CALL THE AIRLINE AND RESERVE YOUR SEAT
If your baby is 15 months or younger, you can reserve the bassinet seats. This will enable you to lay your baby down so you don’t have to hold them the entire flight. Do be warned though, these aren’t always guaranteed and come on a first come first serve basis. Also another slightly annoying thing about these basinet seats is every time you hit turbulence and the seatbelt sign goes on, you will have to remove your baby from the basinet even if they are sound asleep and likely you’ll wake them which as a parent you’ll know is a pretty painful thing to have to do!
SKYCOUCH
Some airlines now provide SkyCouches on their three row seats (Air New Zealand have a great one), meaning you can pull the entire three seats out to create a bed. It’s not common but if the bassinet seats are taken or your toddler is over 15 months, try reserving a seat on a SkyCouch (if you reserve just one seat it's considered a 'Priority' seat and is $50 USD more. If you happen to get lucky and the flight is relatively empty and the staff are feeling generous, they might move people around to give you the entire row to yourself to give enable you to use the SkyCouch feature. Shout out to Air New Zealand who did this for me on a flight from Los Angeles to England when I was flying solo!
PACKING: CHECK IN
Some airlines allow you to take one check in bag for your baby (British Airways for instance on their regular economy flights and above, note not on their basic-economy) Check with each airline before traveling for full baggage allowance details.
CLOTHES
If you’re going away on holiday for a week, it might seem obvious but be sure to pack at least two onesies a day for your baby and the appropriate number of shorts / trousers depending on the weather and then a night onesie per night for every night you’re away.
DIAPERS / FORMULA
If you’re traveling somewhere that might not sell diapers nearby, if you can, pack at least a few days worth in your luggage until you get situated and are able to find somewhere that sells them. If you are staying in an Air B’n’B, and Amazon delivers there, it might be worth just doing an order of diapers and wet wipes and getting them sent to your rental to save on space and weight in your case. If your baby is on formula, once again, be sure to pack it in your case unless you have researched and are sure you can buy it wherever you’re traveling to.
SUNSCREEN
If traveling somewhere hot, make sure you pack sunscreen and put it in your main case.
MEDICATION
Be sure to pack a thermometer (incase your baby gets a fever when away), Benadryl and tylenol, Although I recommended taking a small version (100 ml or under) of both Benadryl and Tylenol in your hand luggage too.
TRAVEL SIZE CREAMS
I always like to use small travel pots when traveling that will last one week or two depending how long I’m going for. Johnson’s baby shampoo is available in small travel sizes, as are Neils Yard baby organic creams (Available in the UK). Alternatively you can buy some travel pots and use your regular creams and baby wash to fill the travel pots up with. These are also a good idea for your own liquids and save a huge amount of weight.
BOTTLES, BOWLS AND SPOONS
Pack extra bowls, spoons and a bib if your baby is on solids, as well as extra milk bottles and water bottles in your case.
TRAVEL STERILIZER BAGS
If your baby is under 6 months and you're still using a sterilizer, pick up a pack of sterilizer bags that can be used in a microwave to clean your baby's bottles.
TOYS
Don’t forget to pack your baby's favorite lighter / smaller toys to keep them amused whilst away. If your baby isn’t crawling yet, bring a mat or the bottom of your baby gym without the mobile so you can use it to lay them down to do tummy time in your hotel room.
PACKING: HAND LUGGAGE
Oh the hand luggage with a baby! It might feel like you’re packing as much hand luggage as your check in case! But be sure to keep it as light as possible with some of the following tips and only packing the real essentials. (Note you are allowed to travel with two carry on bags for yourself but when traveling with a baby you can also travel with a diaper bag as an additional piece, however I still recommend trying to keep it to two bags max to keep things as simple as possible!)
THE BEST HANDLUGGAGE BAGS when trAVELING WITH BABY:
BACKPACKS
FACT + FICTION
Backpacks when traveling with your baby are really convenient, one of my favorites is Fact + Fiction’s backpack. It has separate compartments to make finding things easy once on board.
Backpacks when traveling with your baby are really convenient, one of my favorites is Fact + Fiction’s backpack. It has separate compartments to make finding things easy once on board.
MARC JACOBS DIAPER BAG
The Marc Jacobs diaper bag is also a really good bag for travel. It’s a good size and one of the best things about it are the two big pockets front and back to put things into make them easily accessible. It also have two big side pockets for the baby’s milk bottle one side and your water bottle the other side. There’s also numerous large pockets inside that you can organize your baby’s snacks and diapers etc.
ROLLER WITH BABY SEAT
If you are traveling with a toddler and don't fancy taking a stroller to the gate the Mountain Buggy ($99.99 USD) might be the ideal option for you. Your child can sit on the seat, and you can even continue to seat them on it whilst you board. I'd then recommend having a smaller diaper bag with you to keep your essentials near you for the duration of the flight.
CHANGING MAT
Be sure to pack your changing mat for changing your baby one board and whilst you're away.
ZIPPER BAG FOR DIAPERS AND CREAM
It’s a good idea to get a small zipper bag and put a couple of diapers inside it with wipes and cream. This way you don’t have to take your whole bag with you every time you use the restroom on board. This one by Bumpkins does the job well.
FOOD / FORMULA
-If you’re still nursing, then bring a nursing cover for the flight. It will help block out the distractions for your baby and help them focus on feeding.
-If using formula, use a travel formula pot to keep extra feeds in. This way on board you have them measured out and you can just ask for some hot water. Another good tip is to have one bottle with the right amount of formula in the bottle before you board, and once on board you can just ask for some hot water. Then your bottle is ready to go to feed your baby once on board, or even better at a cafe before you begin boarding so it's ready to go.
-If using formula, use a travel formula pot to keep extra feeds in. This way on board you have them measured out and you can just ask for some hot water. Another good tip is to have one bottle with the right amount of formula in the bottle before you board, and once on board you can just ask for some hot water. Then your bottle is ready to go to feed your baby once on board, or even better at a cafe before you begin boarding so it's ready to go.
LIQUIDS FOR BABY
Make sure you pack any liquids for your baby in a large zip lock bag. They don’t have to comply with the 100 ml and less rule, but they will have to run them through security tests so have them ready to hand over in a bag.
SOLIDS
If your baby is 6 months and older and already on solids, pack some organic food liquid packets to feed them. Also some organic rice cakes and chips are a good idea to keep them amused during the flight. Don’t forget to pack some bowls and baby spoons with a bib in your hand luggage if your baby is on solids. You might also want to pack some extras in your check in, but make sure to bring one set with you on board.
CLOTHES FOR BABY
Pack at least two changes of clothes for your baby incase they spill anything, spit up etc especially for a long flight.
CLOTHES FOR YOU
Pack yourself an extra pair of thin trousers (so they don’t take up too much room) and a spare top. There’s nothing worse than getting spilled on or worse and having sit in it for a few hours or more! Ideal travel outfit with a baby is something similar to the above. Soft black trousers (these were from ASOS), a sweater, (leather jacket optional!) warm slip on mules and nice warm overcoat that can double as a blanket style cover if an overnight flight and you're headed somewhere cold.
DIAPERS
Make sure you pack at least 6 diapers for the flight, maybe more depending on the length. Don’t forget you’ll likely be at the airport for around three hours (if flying internationally) before you depart.
MEDICATION
Be sure to pack 100ml or under size of Tylenol or any medication your child needs or might need. If your child gets a fever or has a food reaction on board you’ll want to be prepared.
TOYS
Don’t go overboard on packing toys for your baby. Most likely they’ll be just as happy with a water bottle to play with (if they’re under two) so just bring one of two of their favorite smaller toys at most that you can amuse them with for some of the flight.
BOOK
If your baby has a regular book they like, bring that on board with you. It will help keep them calm, and bring a sense of familiarity for them. If it’s a night flight, bring their night book with you to read before you try and put them down or cuddle them to sleep if you don't have a basinet seat.
IPAD APPS / NETFLIX DOWNLOADS : PREPERATION
I am not an advocate for screen time for babies or young toddlers in normal circumstances but on a long 10 hour plus flight an educational app or children's educational episode might just save you at some point and I think a fair exception to the usual no screen time rule.
If you think you might need one, download it ahead of your flight as a last resort. If your child is at their wits end on a long flight, no doubt you will be too and one of the following might just save you:
RECOMMENDED APPS / SHOWS
Smart Rattle for two or under is a good app to amuse your baby for a little bit.
Smart ABC for age three or over teaches children the alphabet
Breath by Sesame Street for older toddlers works well to calm them down.
NETFLIX : Baby Bum is a popular educational TV show for toddlers. This can be downloaded and watched without wifi on board.
TRAVEL STROLLERS / PACKING YOUR STROLLER
You can take your stroller with you and either check it in with your luggage or take it through security and check it in at the gate. I personally think it’s beneficial to take it through to the gate. You can load your hand luggage on it and if you’re at the airport a while before boarding you can have your baby in there so you don’t have to carry them around before even more holding them on the flight.
Tell the staff at the check-in desk you plan do gate check in and they will tag all the pieces of your stroller and car seat for gate check in.
If you’re using a travel bag, make sure they tag the travel bag and not the stroller itself.
If you’re planning on taking your regular stroller with you, I highly recommend purchasing a travel bag for it. If you own an UppaBaby they do a great one (see photo above). It stops any damage that can occur when being put in cargo. The other benefit of a bag is you can actually fit additional items in there. Wet wipes and diapers can all put inside so you can save room and weight in your luggage. They don’t weigh your stroller when you check it in, so you don’t have to worry about it being over weight.
Tell the staff at the check-in desk you plan do gate check in and they will tag all the pieces of your stroller and car seat for gate check in.
If you’re using a travel bag, make sure they tag the travel bag and not the stroller itself.
If you’re planning on taking your regular stroller with you, I highly recommend purchasing a travel bag for it. If you own an UppaBaby they do a great one (see photo above). It stops any damage that can occur when being put in cargo. The other benefit of a bag is you can actually fit additional items in there. Wet wipes and diapers can all put inside so you can save room and weight in your luggage. They don’t weigh your stroller when you check it in, so you don’t have to worry about it being over weight.
CAR SEAT
If you’re planning on driving or taking taxis on holiday don’t forget your car seat, unless you plan on renting one once you get there.
You can also check this in either at the gate or with your luggage. One benefit of taking the car seat with you to the gate is if your flight is looking quite empty, the airline often (depending on the model) let you take the seat on board if there is a spare seat next to you. You can have your baby in it for a couple of hours at a time (no more than this is recommended at any one time as it can damage your baby’s back).
It might seem impossible to take all this with you, however you can use the car seat to have your baby in and use a convertor to attach it to your stroller and then place the regular seat underneath the stroller.
You can also check this in either at the gate or with your luggage. One benefit of taking the car seat with you to the gate is if your flight is looking quite empty, the airline often (depending on the model) let you take the seat on board if there is a spare seat next to you. You can have your baby in it for a couple of hours at a time (no more than this is recommended at any one time as it can damage your baby’s back).
It might seem impossible to take all this with you, however you can use the car seat to have your baby in and use a convertor to attach it to your stroller and then place the regular seat underneath the stroller.
TRAVEL STROLLER
 |  |
Pockit Lightweight Stroller
If you want to avoid all the hassle of a large stroller (and do bare in mind you will have to put the whole stroller in parts through security) you might be better off investing in a travel stroller. They collapse really easily, can turn into a backpack or fit into a small bag, like the Pockit model above and will fit in an overhead locker. You then don't have to wait for the staff to bring it up to the gate once you land, and can be on your way as soon as you de-plane.
BABY CARRIER
I think this is an essential piece when it comes to traveling. Once you’ve checked your stroller in, a baby carrier is the best way to board a plane with your baby. It’s also invaluable when you need to visit the restroom at any point, especially if you’re traveling alone. Also if your baby starts to fuss on the flight, you can have them in that and try and calm them by walking around with them in it.
TIPS FOR GETTING THROUGH SECURITY
GLOBAL ENTRY
If you live in the States and have the option, Global Entry is so beneficial when it comes to traveling with children. It means you don’t have to take out the liquids in your bag (with the exception of the larger baby related liquids such as food pouches etc) and the line is always far less than the regular security line. It’s worth noting that the whole family (including your baby no matter the age) will have to have Global Entry and it can take time to get the interview, so plan ahead.
Some airlines don’t accept Global Entry such as Air New Zealand, however you can speak to security and more often than not they will let you go through the business / priority line if they have it to help you get through quicker.
Some airlines don’t accept Global Entry such as Air New Zealand, however you can speak to security and more often than not they will let you go through the business / priority line if they have it to help you get through quicker.
PLAN AHEAD
ELECTRONICS
If you don’t have global entry or even if you do, try and keep yourself as organized as possible ahead of time. Get your laptop and tablets in an easily accessible place to pull out and place in a tray.
LIQUIDS
Have your liquids in a zip lock (in a size that complies with security) and in a separate, larger zip lock bag have your baby’s liquids ready for checking. Remember food pouches and other food related liquids don’t have to comply with the 100 ml rule but medication and other products will. So get smaller versions if you plan on taking them on board (which I recommend you do)
STRIKING YOUR STROLLER
If you are taking a travel stroller bag with you, have it at the bottom of the stroller and zip it up with any of the pieces you plan on packing in there. For instance diapers and wet wipes can be zipped away in there. Keep everything together in there including blankets or any other things you’re packing away for your baby. Put that on the belt in one piece before you strike the stroller. If you're not taking the car seat, put your baby in a baby carrier to free your hands up!
You’ll have to take your entire stroller apart and place all the pieces that will go through the conveyer belt on there, other pieces will be taken through security and tested. You will then have to carry your baby through the security with you. Once you get to the other side, reassemble your stroller, put your baby in there and then pack your hand luggage away.
You’ll have to take your entire stroller apart and place all the pieces that will go through the conveyer belt on there, other pieces will be taken through security and tested. You will then have to carry your baby through the security with you. Once you get to the other side, reassemble your stroller, put your baby in there and then pack your hand luggage away.
BEFORE YOU BOARD
BABY WALKING? LET THEM RUN AROUND IF YOU CAN:
If your baby is walking, a lot of airports now have soft play areas where you can take your child to run around before boarding. Take advantage of this and try and tire them out / let them stretch before you take them on board.
If they don’t have a space for children to run around, as a last resort you can take them to the nursing room before you change them, and let them run around there for a little bit. They’re usually (hopefully!) fairly sanitary and will at least allow your baby to stretch in a confined space before you go on board.
If they don’t have a space for children to run around, as a last resort you can take them to the nursing room before you change them, and let them run around there for a little bit. They’re usually (hopefully!) fairly sanitary and will at least allow your baby to stretch in a confined space before you go on board.
CHANGE YOUR BABY'S DIAPER / CLOTHES BEFORE BOARDING
Before you board, make sure you change your baby and put them in warm comfortable and soft clothes. Even on a day flight, flights can get very cold, so make sure they’re wearing enough layers that you can take off if necessary to make sure they’re warm enough. If taking a night flight, it’s a good idea to put them in their night onesie before boarding so they’re ready to sleep.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PRIORITY BOARDING
Make sure you’re at the gate early enough to take advantage of priority boarding. Remember you’ll need some time to strike the stroller and pack that away so get there with ample time. You can then put your baby in a baby carrier, and be prepared to board saving the space over head for your luggage and getting situated before everyone else boards.
ON BOARD
FEEDING YOUR BABY IS IMPORTANT WHEN TAKING OFF
Be sure to have everything to hand ready for take off. You’ll want to try and feed your baby with either formula or by nursing them to stop their ears popping as you take off. This is often why babies cry on board due to the pressure in their ears. If you’re nursing, have your cover ready, it will keep them calm and create a familiar environment. If using a bottle, make sure the bottle is ready and made up. If your baby doesn’t want either, and they use a pacifier, try and have them take this to create the same effect as feeding.
OTHER TIPS
WHO’S DOING WHAT?
If you are traveling with your partner, family member or friend discuss ahead of time who is going to do what. For instance one of you should keep all the passports / ID whilst the other holds the baby. Therefore you won’t be scrambling and wondering who has your documents or wondering who is doing what.
Make sure just one of your party is responsible for taking the hand luggage pieces out, e.g., electronics and liquids, whilst the other is in charge of the stroller. Having these things figured out before hand will stop you both trying to do the same thing and making you more panicked as you go through.
TRAVELING ALONE
If you are traveling alone, keep your baby in the stroller whilst you take your electronics and liquids out and place them in the appropriate tray. Empty out the bottom of the stroller and place all items on the belt. Lastly (if you are using a car seat with the stroller) take this off the stroller, collapse the stroller (if it fits through the belt, if not keep it up but have completely emptied it, including any stroller compartment bags you have hanging on there and have security take it to check it through security. Then take your baby out of the seat, put your car seat on the belt and walk your baby through the scanner.
-It might seem like an impossible task but people are generally so helpful when you’re traveling with children, especially if you are alone. Don’t be afraid to ask staff for help, at security to help put your items in one place whilst you re-organise, or even ask staff on board for help if you need it. Often they’ll even offer to hold your baby if you feel comfortable, to give you a little break. Remember it might seem like the flight is forever in the moment but the flight will end, and you will get to your destination for a wonderful holiday!
-It might seem like an impossible task but people are generally so helpful when you’re traveling with children, especially if you are alone. Don’t be afraid to ask staff for help, at security to help put your items in one place whilst you re-organise, or even ask staff on board for help if you need it. Often they’ll even offer to hold your baby if you feel comfortable, to give you a little break. Remember it might seem like the flight is forever in the moment but the flight will end, and you will get to your destination for a wonderful holiday!
AT THE HOTEL
Lastly, don’t forget to ask the hotel for a crib when you check in as well as a fridge and microwave. Some hotels will even offer baby amenities, such as baby wash etc. You might not usually ask staff to help bring your bags up to the room when you are traveling solo, but when traveling with a little one and pushing a stroller it’s often worth the few dollar tip to have them help you out!
Enjoy your holiday and safe travels!
RSS Feed
