We have been traveling with our kids from the time they were both very young. Some trips were easier than others. When Eleanor was 6 weeks old, I flew with her from Michigan to North Dakota where I spent a week-long visit. I was a bit intimidated to make the trek alone, but was pleasantly surprised at how non-stressful it was. There were a few key components to that successful trip: preparation, confidence and trust. The most difficult trip I took was to North Carolina when I was 7.5 months pregnant, it was the dead of August, and Eleanor was just over a year old. I was enormous, she was busy, it was unearthly hot…it was a less than ideal situation and I do NOT recommend attempting this alone. Fortunately, there were a few cousins and a best friend waiting at the end of the flight to enjoy our company so that by the time we had to return, most of the suffering had been forgotten. Here are a few tips (and anecdotes) for stress-less (it will never be stress-free) traveling with babies.
ORGANIZATION REIGNS SUPREME
Do not OVER pack (someone has to carry it all to and from the airport, to and from the rental car, to and from the hotel). Likewise, do not UNDER pack. God forbid you find yourself in the middle of Nebraska without Billy’s Beloved Binky.
Carry-on necessities
• Diapers and wipes. Pack more than you think you’ll need in your carry-on bag. The last thing you want is to be stranded in the airport without a clean diaper. Yes, you could purchase one from the gift shop in the airport, but do you want to trust an un-vetted diaper in a closed environment? I also pack a few disposable changing pad covers because airport bathrooms rarely have changing pad covers. Also, many planes we’ve traveled on do not have changing tables in the bathrooms. If you need to make a switcher-oo on top of the toilet, it’s nice to have a clean pad.
• Pacifier, food, formula, snacks, juice. Don’t forget the instruments to deliver the goods, too. Double check the FAA guidelines, but last I checked you may carry on food and beverage for the baby. It just needs to go through the x-ray. 35,000 miles in the air is NOT the time to attempt to introduce a food to junior. Take something that you know the kid will eat no matter what.
• A receiving blanket. Very handy for breastfeeding (if you don’t have a fancy hooter hider) and for covering the baby when tired.
• Entertainment. We all know entertainment can come in a variety of forms. Please be considerate and leave the loud, flashy, big, annoying toys at home. Better yet, ship them to grandma’s house.
• An extra outfit. Do not get caught on a flight without a blow-out back-up outfit. Not a person on the 757 will be happy with you.
• Any required medication. We cannot leave the house without an epi pen in case of an allergic reaction. Make sure you have all important meds with you. No matter how much you beg and plead, the cargo folks will not open the underbelly to get your kid’s Zyrtec for you.
Packing Tips
• If you must bring a car seat, invest in a car seat bag. You can pack not only your car seats in them, but also diapers and other bulky items you can’t fit in your luggage or your carry-on.
• Keep, don’t pack, your stroller with you. Especially if you’re traveling alone, the stroller can be a back saver! When you arrive at your departure gate, see the agent and request a plane side check ticket for the stroller. Attach the neon ticket, roll the kid down the jet bridge and leave it (the stroller, not the baby) for the ground crew to stash. When you arrive pick the stroller up at the door.
• Think through one day in the life of your kid. Bathing routine, eating routine, dressing routine. Don’t forget the extras: burp cloths, blankets, food, pacifiers, bottles, etc. Resist the urge to pack all of baby’s favorite toys. They WILL survive a trip with just one or two toys.
• Resist the urge to pack every “favorite” outfit. People will think your kid is adorable naked, in a diaper, or in a food covered onesie…This is the hardest category for me to edit.
• If you know there will be a washing machine at your destination, plan to use it.
• Do not be afraid to use minimalist principles. If you’re traveling alone, you will have to manage the baby and the bags and the equipment on your own. Make sure you take only the necessities (for you and for baby). Practice carrying and maneuvering in your house.
DO NOT BE INTIMIDATED
You are neither the first, nor the last person to travel with a little person (or people as it may be the case). Babies can get away with a LOT more than grown-ups can. People tend to be helpful and courteous -usually. Not always. Once, we were flying with Eleanor when she was about 6 months old. Chris and I were seated side by side in the aisle and middle seats of a three row airplane section. When we found our spot, the melancholy teenager in the window seat mumbled under his breath “Great. A baby.” He rolled his eyes, popped his hood, slumped into the corner and blasted his IPod for the next 350 miles. Pleasant.
What works to pacify your baby at home will also work to pacify your baby on a flight. We found it helpful to feed the babies on the way up and the way down. The swallowing helps pop their ears. And the food helps them to fall asleep.
UTILIZE YOUR NETWORK
Do you need to drag a pack 'n' play per kid across the continent? No. Most hotels have cribs that they will set up prior to your arrival, just be sure to request one when you make your reservation. We always pack an extra baby sheet so we know our sensitive skinned kids are sleeping on something that was washed in “free” detergent. If you’re not going the hotel route, ask around to see if your host has, or knows anyone who might have, a pack 'n' play you can borrow. Same rules apply for car seats, exer-saucers, bouncy seats and any other huge bonus equipment. Before our babies were mobile (rolling, crawling, walking, driving…), we could make a “bed” in a dark corner in the hotel room. If you’re comfortable with it, little ones can also share your bed.
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
When you arrive at your destination, familiarize yourself and your travel partner with where the baby goodies are located. Everyone is in an unfamiliar place and it will alleviate a lot of stress to know where the diapers, extra clothes, first aid kit, food, etc. are located.
Our kids are getting bigger and it’s been a while since we’ve flown. I’m sure there will be a new set of challenges the next time we brave the friendly skies. If anyone has tips for traveling with a toddler and an infant, please share! Also, we have yet to attempt a long road trip for which I am sure the rules are different.
