With that being said, this blog post is full of personal experience and tips I’ve learned throughout the years. This isn’t a “I traveled one time with my one kid so now I’m an expert” type of post. For this blog post, we’re going to focus on traveling with an infant and all of the things to consider before the trip, on travel days, and helpful hints while you’re at your destination. I know all babies are different, and many just can’t handle being out of their element. But if you’re determined to do a little travel and have a little fun, this blog post is for you.
Baby Travel Tips
The biggest piece of advice out of everything here is to stop thinking about how much you can’t do with a baby, and focus on what you can do. While you may not be able to be “on the go” all day like you can with older kids, respect the fact that you may need more breaks. Welcome the rest and breaks. Having a baby is such a short blip of time, and forcing yourself to rest can actually be a good thing! A mindset shift makes all the difference. Now that you’re on board with this and thinking positively, here are a few things to consider before you leave.
Traveling with a Baby – Before You Go
If You’re Flying…
– Consider getting TSA Precheck or Global Entry (comes with 5 years of TSA Precheck) if you plan to do any sort of international travel. I will never be without either ever again. Flying with kids can be stressful enough, but getting through security with TSA Precheck makes life so much easier. No taking items out of your carry on bag, no taking your shoes off. It’s such a time and sanity saver. If one adult on your air reservation has TSA Precheck, the entire family can go through the line with that person. Both Greg and I have it, and I would advise both parents to get it just in case one parent ever has to travel alone with the kids.
– Always check your airline’s policies for lap infants. – Make sure you have proper documentation for the baby. A lot of airlines will ask to see a birth certificate (again, check with the airline). If in doubt, call them. We have rarely been asked to show a birth certificate when we’ve traveled with our babies/kids, but it’s better to be safe than sorry if it’s in the airline’s policies. – If you’re flying internationally with a baby, make sure you call the airline and get the baby added to your reservation. Even though they are a lap child and are not charged for a seat, you do pay a small customs tax and you need to have their passport information on file.
Packing for Baby
It’s crazy how such a small little human needs so much stuff. It can be very overwhelming! My best piece of advice on packing for your baby is do not wait until the night before to do it. Start the week before. Make a list of things you think you’ll use while traveling and on your trip and start setting them aside and packing baby’s bag. If the baby ends up packed with more than everyone else, it likely is too many items. Scale back and reassess.
My Favorite Packing Hack
Create a note on your phone with a packing list that can always live on your phone! That way you always have a list handy and you’re less likely to forget important items. This is a huge timesaver for me, especially now that I’m packing for three kids and myself! To break it up even further, create a packing list per person and always have it stay in your notes app. You’ll obviously add to/edit the list based on where your travel destination is (I also like to be very specific on clothes so I do not over pack). When I started doing this, I rarely forget items and I rarely over pack. Such a simple idea, but a lifesaver!
Packing a Carry-on Bag for Baby
– Nursing pillow – super helpful if you’re flying and it gives the baby a place to rest comfortably. I stow mine in the bottom of my stroller when I’m in the airport. – Baby carrier – This was very helpful to have when I flew alone with Logan and needed to do things hands free. I’m so glad I had it! – Muslin blankets – breathable and nice to have if the plane is cold or you need to nurse the baby. – Diapers and wipes – Pack more than you think. Much more than you think you need.
– Changing pad – to lay down on a public changing table – Change of clothes – You never know what kind of messes will happen – Medicine – I prefer to put this in my carryon bag for the baby in case something happens. You don’t really need to bring medicine unless you’re worried baby is getting sick and will need it. If baby gets sick on vacation, I just buy medicine when I’m there. – Hand sanitizer – Feeding essentials – anything you may need to feed your baby (formula, bottles, age-appropriate snacks, etc.)
Other Helpful Baby Items to Pack
Over the years, I’ve realized there are a few things that are really helpful to have on hand when packing for your baby. Here’s what I’ve loved having! – Velcro swaddles / sleep sacks (depending on age) – Portable white noise machine – Swim diapers (dependent on destination!) – Mineral sunscreen – Natural insect repellant (also dependent on destination!)