Tips for Traveling with an Infant

Traveling with babies is never easy. There is so much to think about and the packing list seems never-ending. Here are some tips to make traveling with an infant (or infants) easier:

What to prep ahead of time

Domestic

1. Make sure to add infant in arms with airline if you are not buying a seat for your baby (children under 2 can be infant in arms). If you buy a seat, you can have baby buckled into car seat.
2. Breast milk and formula do not have to meet the 3 oz TSA guidelines. You are also allowed to bring an unopened bottle of water through security to mix with the formula.
3. If you plan to bring an infant car seat, learn how to buckle it into the car without using a base before you get to your destination. You don’t want to have to be YouTubeing while trying to get in the Uber. Once you get the hang of it, it is really easy.
4. Many cities have rental companies where you can rent strollers, car seats, pack ‘n’ plays, etc. if you don’t not want to check them. FYI some destinations have taxi type services that include a car seat. We used Uber Family in NYC.

International

1. Make sure that you have the child’s birth certificate with you when traveling internationally. For domestic flights you will not need this. FYI when traveling to South Africa, you need both the baby’s passport and birth certificate (U.S. Embassy notice).
2. If only one parent is traveling, you may need a notarized letter stating that the other parent knows and is giving permission. Check into this before your flight.
3. The baby is allowed their own bag up to 20 pounds, even if they are infant in arms.
4. Book a bulkhead seat so you can get a bassinet. Make sure you request it ahead of time as they are first come first serve and are only available in bulkhead.

What to pack

Carry on

1. Diapers! Make sure that you bring more diapers and wipes than you think you will need for the plane – you don’t want to run out. However, don’t pack enough for your trip, you can buy diapers at your destination. *FYI Diaper bags do not count as a carry-on. I like these wipes because they are great for face and tush.
2. Pack layers for the little one.  That way you can mix and match outfits and be prepared for hot or cold weather. The plane is going to be freezing so bring a blanket, socks, hat and a bear suit if traveling in winter.
3. Bring hand sanitizer wipes! You will definitely want to wipe down the bassinet, table, etc. on the plane.
4. Stroller/car seat if you need them at your destination. Many strollers do not fit through the X-ray machine at the airport, so know how to take off the big back wheels if you need to. Many people will wear the baby through the airport so you have your hands free. But make sure you have what you need at your destination. I love this stroller with this car seat because it works as a “snap and go” and is sturdy/works well at any destination.
5. Plenty of bottles (formula or breast milk).
6. Bring your baby carrier (I like this one) because you may want it on the plane.
7. Bring a few toys on the plane like this or this for entertainment. Make sure they do not make a lot of noise so you are courteous of the other passengers. For some reason, the cups on the plane are often the best form of entertainment.
8. These are great for on the go bottle/breast pump cleaning.

Checked bag

1. Make sure to bring your noise machine for the hotel room. This can help baby stay on a similar schedule as at home. I like this travel one because it is lightweight.
2. Check ahead of time with the hotel to make sure they have something safe for baby to sleep in. If not, consider bringing/renting a lightweight pack ‘n’ play.
3. Clothes – again pack layers so you have options.
4. Make sure to bring extra swaddles and sleep sacks or whatever baby is used to using at home.
5. I always bring my own pack ‘n’ play sheet. The hotels don’t always provide them, and even if they do, they aren’t always the cleanest.
6. Bottle brush and soap. This is often overlooked and you are left with using whatever you can find to clean them.
7. Bring any medication you may need. The last thing you want is a sick baby and have to start rushing around looking for medicine – especially in a foreign country. Just bring the basics – Motrin or Tylenol, this, and simethicone.
8. This can double as lotion or diaper cream. Flying can cause dry skin.
9. Travel size baby shampoo/baby wash in one (I like this one).

What to do on the plane

1. For babies under one, when taking off and landing, make sure that your baby is drinking their bottle/sucking on a paci. The act of sucking will help decrease ear popping.
2. Babies will cry on the plane. Do not freak out. Do not feel bad. Just do what you do. It is a big change for the baby. Most people will be understanding. If your baby is fussy, after take-off, walk your baby to the front or back of the plane. Take your baby to the area where they prep drinks because it will give your baby a place to make noise and give them lots of things to look at.
3. Try to entertain baby with toys, etc. as best you can!

Once you arrive

1. Try to keep baby on some sort of schedule. While naps in the crib aren’t always possible, make sure the baby is napping in the stroller. Try to have baby eat at normal times. Depending on how long you will be gone for, will determine if you want to switch your baby over to the new time zone.
2. In the hotel room, set up a changing station as much as possible. It will give you some sort of base and make it so you aren’t always scrambling to find everything.
3. When it comes of bath time while traveling, the easiest thing to do is lay a towel in the tub. Fill the tub with 2 inches or so of water. Lay the baby on their back on the towel. There is just enough water to keep them warm, but not enough to get in their ears. Proceed with bath time as normal.

Have fun

And most of all, try not to stress and enjoy your trip! Your first trip is always easier than you think it will be!

If you liked this post, please check out Rachel’s article here.

Alex

Alexandra is a real estate agent in Atlanta. She has relatives all over the world, and is a pro when it comes to traveling with an infant.