Hello, parents! How’s your life been lately? We know it’s been hectic. You’re juggling a lot of balls – home, kids, work. And now you’re planning a trip with the little ones. That’s a lot to think about!
Your life has taken a beautiful turn, and you want to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Now, your little cuddle buddy might not be the best traveler. They might get fussy or scared in new situations. But you can’t leave them behind.
There’s just something contagious about those big eyes and chubby cheeks. You have to take them with you! So, how do you make sure everything goes off without a hitch? You plan! And packing the right things in the correct quantity will become your knight in shining armor on this journey.
Carry-On Essentials While Traveling Via Airplane with an Infant
There can’t be just one of you lugging around everything while the other enjoys a leisurely stroll through the airport. That’s why it’s essential to plan what goes in your carry-on.
You’re going to want to have the following:
- A change of clothes for both you and the baby, in case of any accidents.
- Snacks and drinks for the family. Airport food is expensive, and you’re going to want to keep your energy up!
- Entertainment for the kiddo. Bring their favorite toy, or download some new games on the tablet. Cocomelon can never get old, right?
- Diapers and wipes. You know this one.
- A small blanket. It might get chilly on the plane, and you want to be prepared.
There are all sorts of people traveling with all kinds of babies. You’re not the only one! Talk to other parents at the airport, on the plane, or in line for security. They might have some great tips for you. And, your not-so-big-kid might make a new friend or two.
If you have an infant who depends on a hearty meal consisting of breast milk or formula, you can bring that on the plane! Just remember to pack enough for the flight, as well as delays.
It is always safe to check the TSA website for their most current policies. However, formula and breast milk aren’t included in the 3.4ounces (100 milliliters) or less of liquids, gels, and aerosols allowed in your carry-on.
Packing Your Checked Luggage
You’ve finally made it through security and are ready to relax before boarding. But there’s still one more thing constantly nagging at the back of your mind – have you packed all the right things in the baby luggage? Let us help you out!
Babies need things. A lot of things! So, you’re going to want to make a list of everything you need before you start packing. You may check things off as you progress, so there’s no need to stress about forgetting anything.
Here are a few essentials you might want to consider packing:
- Clothes according to the climate. You want your baby to be comfortable!
- Diapers, diaper rash cream, and wipes.
- Toiletries, including baby lotion and baby shampoo.
- A first-aid kit, including children’s Tylenol and band-aids.
- A favorite small toy to keep them occupied.
- An extra blanket and some travel-sized pillows.
Remember, you can always pack more clothes than you think you need. It’s better to have extra clothes and not need them than to need them and not have them. The same goes for diapers! And for pureed food! Don’t forget that one, please!
When it comes to your infant’s car seat, you have a few alternatives. You can either check it or bring it on the plane with you. If you decide to check it, make sure you pack all the straps and covers in a carry-on bag. You’ll still have everything you need if your luggage goes missing.
If you decide to carry the car seat on the plane, you can wear it as a backpack or strap it to your rolling luggage. Wearing it as a backpack will free up your hands, which is always a plus when traveling with a baby.
Traveling Via Car or Train
If you’re not flying, you might be wondering what else you need to pack. After all, it’s a lot easier to pack when you don’t have to worry about the TSA!
Although flexible and convenient, you’ll still need all the things listed above for air travel.
If you want to add a few fun elements, consider an inflatable kiddie pool, a small tent, or outdoor toys. These will come in handy if you’re traveling to a warm climate and staying in a hotel with a pool.
Pack Your Patience
Yep! No way, you can leave it back at home under a rock. It will be a challenging trip, and you need to go in with the right attitude. You might have to deal with diaper accidents, tantrums about the food, and a lot of “are we there yet?”
With the right dosage of patience, safely bubble-wrapped in your carry-on, you will be able to deal with anything that comes your way.
Wrapping Up
Babies and their necessities can take up a lot of space. You can try looking for creative ways to downsize some of their things.
You can compress clothes by rolling them up tightly and storing them in Ziploc bags. Use space-saving hacks like hanging a wipes container on the side of the diaper bag. And if you really want to go all out, you can also use a small, soft cooler bag to store baby food.
And, once you’ve arrived at your destination, take a deep breath and give yourself a pat on the back. You did it! You traveled with a baby!
Now, go enjoy your well-deserved vacation!