10 Tips for Traveling with an Infant

January 11, 2017 by Drafts & Crafts

Before traveling with a baby, I had so many questions. I decided to put together this blog post for any other moms in my position. I also include some helpful tips for flying with a baby for the first time. 

Hope everyone is off to a great 20-17!! I am trying to keep up with a few resolutions myself: cook more, exercise more, and create more blog content. If there are any ideas that you would like me to cover, just let me know! I would love to hear suggestions or any ideas that you would like to see covered on D & C.

I feel blessed that I have gotten to stay home with Tanner since he was born. Since I will not stay home forever, I decided early on that I wanted to take advantage of not working and travel with Tanner. Tanner and I have gone to South Florida to see my parents a few times and to Virginia and DC to visit friends. Traveling alone with a baby gave me some anxiety. I had so many questions for friends who had previously flown with their babies. I decided to create this post in hopes of helping any mamas out there traveling for the first time with kiddos.

1. Make a list of everything you will need for baby a few days before you begin to pack. I found this helpful that way I did not forget anything.
2. Pack plenty of their favorite toys so they can feel a part of home while away.
3. Plan out the babies clothes/outfits to minimize any thinking once you arrive at your destination.
4. Travel with 7 or 8 diapers and purchase the rest when you arrive to your destination to free up any packing space.
5. Try your best to stick with your child’s routine if they have one (i.e nap time and bedtime).
6. I recommend carrying a diaper bag that makes everything easily accessible. I just got this new Babymel diaper backpack from the Baby Cubby and it would have been a dream to fly with.
7. When flying: Either push your stroller through security or wear your baby. My friends let me borrow their stroller and car seat travel bags. Whether you are going to curb check or gate check the stroller & carseat, I HIGHLY recommend getting these covers. Your items will stay clean because the airport workers do just toss your luggage and bags in the bottom of the dirty plane.I opted to push Tanner since I am not an experienced baby wearer so I figured the airport was not a good place to practice. I also was able to use the room underneath the stroller to store our winter coats since my husband would not be there to help hold things.
8. When flying: Make sure your child has their own boarding ticket or that “infant in your lap” is clearly marked on your boarding ticket. My friend, Sam, stressed this to me and it still happened. When I got to check in, the guy told me that they would just add Tanner to my ticket at the gate. So after standing in the security line, the TSA sent me back to check in since Tanner was not on my ticket! Also, Bring a COPY of your child’s birth certificate because it is better to be safe than sorry.
9. When Flying with Milk: If your baby is breastfed, I recommend purchasing a milk cooler so you can pack extra and keep it cold all day. I brought 4 bottles in our Medela cooler and the TSA’s just check it in a separate X-ray machine. If your baby is formula fed, use can pack whatever special water you choose to mix the formula with. You just have to tell the TSA that the water is for the baby.
10. Last, give yourself plenty of time & grace. Remember it is OK to ask for help too!

Hope these tips help! Safe travels in the new year friends!

Keep in touch,
Dani