10 Tips on Traveling with an Infant | Make your flight fuss free | Motherhood Unplugged

Traveling with a baby in tow can certainly be more complicated than any of your solo or baecations. There are certainly more things to pack, lists to make and planning to be done but all of these are certainly doable.

Make a checklist

• Diapers and wipes (enough for travel time plus 24 hours extra in case of delays)

• Receiving blankets – they’re great as nursing cover-ups, for naps, for keeping your baby warm, and for keeping your clothes protected from spit-up

• A change of clothes for your baby – at the very least, pack an extra onesie

• Nursing pads and shields if you’re breastfeeding

• Formula and bottles if you bottle-feed – again, plan for travel time plus 24 hours to be safe

• Pacifiers, if necessary – always bring a couple of spares

• A sling or a baby carrier

• Baby-friendly snacks

• A couple of Ziploc bags – they come in handy for storing snacks and keeping soiled clothes separate in your diaper bag

Flying on an airplane

Flying on an aircraft with changes in the air pressure can certainly make your little one cranky so I would definitely recommend nursing moms to breastfeed during take off and landing to avoid the pop in their ears. If you are bottle feeding you can also let them eat during these times as well. It is also helpful to choose a seat that is nearer the bathroom for changing or closer to the door for deplaning the aircraft. Sometimes a seat near the engine helps because the humming nose can lull your little one to sleep.

Decide on a carseat v baby wearing

If your baby is under 2 years old you don't have to pay for their ticket but that doesn't mean you want to hold them the entire flight. If you bring your carseat, which is the safest way to travel, you have the option to set them down when you need to; however I find that toting a carseat makes traveling more difficult and it is quite easy to rent them once you get to your destination.

Check your gear

I loved traveling with my stroller when they were younger, it comes second to baby wearing for me. You always get to board first and it comes in handy for the child, a carry on bag and even holding that cup of Starbucks you may need to get through your travel day.

Bring a familiar toy from home

If your little one has a favorite toy or blanket bringing along this comfort may help ease the excitement of traveling to an unfamiliar place. They may also enjoy looking out of the window so booking a window seat would be ideal.

Dress for mess

Dress your baby in something that is quick and easy for diaper changes. If you've ever seen the changing table in the planes bathroom you know it isn't any bigger than a laptop so this is crucial to getting in there and getting the job done with minimal mess. If you have a baby or toddler that is mobile and wiggly already this point is even more vital.

Stick with your normal schedule

If your baby has a certain nap or meal time, sticking to this will lessen tantrums from being tired or fussy from hunger.

Check the hotel crib

Check to make sure the crib meets your safety requirements, sometimes the hotel cribs are older and not as up to date as the model you have at home. I usually just need them as a safe space to keep the baby while I shower, get dressed or eat since we most often co-sleep.

Use travel as an education tool

Traveling to a new country can be an opportunity to unschool with your child. Teach them about the new language, culture and food. Your child will grow to love traveling and will come home with some new skills + knowledge.

How to Deal with other passengers

People tend to become uncomfortable when they see you boarding with a young child as they assume that their entire flight will be filled with crying and tantrums. Let's not be totally naive here, that may happen but most of my plane rides were calm and fuss free and I believe yours will be too. I usually make it a point to be extra nice to the flight attendants, as they are there to be of service to you and they can also help your little ones in a pinch with extra snacks or water etc I also try to make sure my kids are not causing an issue for those around us like being too loud, kicking the seat or turning around to the person behind them. I think as long as you are being courteous to others they will return the favor to you.

It's not always going to be smooth sailing, there may be diaper blowouts, temper tantrums or flights where you forgot to pack something but I'm here to tell you through all of that traveling with your kids is totally worth it.

Do you have any tips you can share that makes your trips easier? Let us know.

Happy Traveling!

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