Turn on suggestions
Auto-suggest helps you quickly narrow down your search results by suggesting possible matches as you type.
Showing results for
It's the holiday season and that means for many of us traveling! Traveling takes on a whole new level of stress once you have children. My first trip with my daughter was a 3 hour drive to San Jose (do you know the way?). I was nervous to pack and travel with my then 2 month old by myself to meet my husband for the weekend. Much to my relief, we survived and had FUN. I am thankful I did not let my fears prevent me from getting out of the house and traveling. Whether you are taking a road trip or a plane ride there are a few key items to keep in mind when traveling with an infant.
Basics:
- Car Seat (if you purchase a seat on a plane for your infant they will need to be in an FAA approved car seat, if not you can check this item at the gate)
- Umbrella Stroller (they allow you to gate check this item)
- Diaper Bag:
- Diapers and wipes (1 diaper per hour of travel)
- Zip top bag; you never know when a trash can won’t be near enough
- 2 extra outfits for baby
- 1 extra shirt for yourself
- Feeding tools (bottles, snacks etc.) - I like the convenience of the squeeze food packs and puffs when traveling. Here are the FAA guidelines on carrying Food for baby. I have traveled with food packets and a cooler full of breast milk with no issues going through security.
- Antibacterial wipes - I have wiped down our seat, tray table and arm rests when traveling with my infant and was glad I did after seeing the dirty wipe when I was finished…
- Something New - I have had success in distracting my daughter from the long traveling hours with a new book or toy.
- Baby Tylenol and/or any medication prescribed to your baby
- Soothing item like a blanket, stuffed animal or pacifier
- On the plane during takeoff and landing, it is a good idea to feed your baby (breast, bottle or even a snack) to alleviate ear pressure (a pacifier worked for us).
In Your Luggage:
- 2 outfits per day for the baby
- Crib sheets from home (the familiar smell of home, will hopefully make it easier for them to sleep in a new place)
- Monitor (I have a fancy video monitor system at home, but bring a simple audio one when we travel)
-Instead of bringing our noise machine with me, I simply use a white noise smart phone app to keep things quiet if we are staying in a hotel or someone else’s home.
- Staying in a hotel? Many have cribs available for you room upon request. This will save you from having to pack a large portable crib.
- Travel size baby shampoo, lotion and diaper cream
- Disposable bibs, spoons, placemats and changing pads are convenient!
This may be cheesy, but the final thing to pack is your confidence. You are a wonderful parent and can do this! Whether you are breastfeeding or formula feeding or swaddling, or sleep training or whatever baby raising methods you choose; your choices are right for you and your baby and you should never worry about what other people traveling may think. I was so nervous about breastfeeding my daughter in public, but those fears were unwarranted. In all of our travels (many road trips and 6 flights) I have been overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers. Good Luck on your travels!
Have something to add? Share your input below?
You must be a registered user to add a comment. If you've already registered, sign in. Otherwise, register and sign in.