My cousin emailed me and asked for some tips on traveling with a baby, and I thought it might be useful to post here, both for other people's information and so that she and I can get tips from other parents who have done it. Here are my thoughts, based on my two trips (and nine flights) with first a 2-month-old and then a 6-month-old:
1. PLAN AHEAD. This is pretty much my motto for life, but I think it is especially important when you're going to be away from home with an infant. You have to very carefully think through all of the items below (and everything else I forgot) before you even think about stepping out.
2. Food. She can't eat just anything you buy at the airport or rest stop; make sure you've got the necessary grub (if you're breastfeeding that includes a nursing shawl or blanket in the carry-on and a pump if you're going to want to give the baby bottles while you're gone). When we went home in January this was complicated by the fact that she was eating solids already, so I had to physically make stacks of food for the trip in order to think it through - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. If you're flying, consider only taking food for the day of travel and the next day, and going to the store when you get there (to save space on luggage which the airline will charge you to check!).
3. Diapers. I think the buy-when-you-get-there rule applies equally well here, but make sure you have diapers aplenty, even more than you think you'll need, while you're traveling. And also get some of those disposable changing table covers. I don't trust bathroom changing tables at ALL, not even for our changing table cover. Yucky.
4. Clothing. This goes without saying, and anyone with a five-second-old will know this, but pack extra outfits. Poop, spitup, etc. will invariably happen at the most inopportune times. And this is sort of related, but bring blankets. You never know what they'll have where you're going, you never know about temperature on planes, and don't even get me started on airport floors.
5. Carseat. This might be the second most important tip, actually. (#1 is most important, of course). If you're flying, gate check the carseat. Even if you're not going to take it on the plane, do not check the carseat at the counter with your other bags. What if it's delayed, or lost? You wouldn't be able to leave the airport without it!! Also, I think next time we go we might take the base attached to the carseat as well. I hate having to strap her in old-school style. (Anyone have thoughts about this issue?)
6. What to pack where. This is the lawyer in me, I know, but always think about worst-case scenario. If your bags got lost, what would you absolutely need, especially right away? Pack that in the carry-ons. For us, this is food, extra diapers and wipes and the aforementioned changing table covers, my pump and bottles, a change of clothing for Little Missy, and any medicine, etc.
7. Getting around the airport. Keeping #6 in mind, pack light carryons. You're going to be toting a baby and a carseat. You don't want to have to tote a ton of other stuff too. And you're not going to get any reading done on the plane with the baby on your lap, so forget the book.
8. Distraction. Two words: pacifier and toys.
9. Schedule. Try to plan your flight times around the baby's schedule if you can. It's not always possible (and I am not about being a slave to the baby's schedule) but it's way easier (and better for everyone around you) if her natural naptime is while you're 30,000 feet in the air (or even better, just about to get there, so she sleeps through takeoff). Think about logistics of feeding on the plane or in the car, etc. If you're alone and the baby's taking solids and you travel during that time, well, you're braver than I.
10. Relax. I swear Eden picks up on my stress and it makes her cranky. If you are well-prepared, and you've done all of the thinking ahead of time, it will be no biggie. Even with delays.
Anyone else have thoughts???
Dear Eva (12 Years)
1 year ago
3 comments:
absolutely take the stroller to gate check. Then you can pile everything on it while you are in the airport. AND if you take your car seat you just might get lucky and get an open seat next to you, which you can use.
When you get to the gate you must get tags for your stroller and car seat.
AND most importantly I think is to call ahead before you travel and try to get a seat with an open seat next to you. Just tell them that you don't want your baby to bother anyone.
It makes everything easier if you have that extra seat and can take the car seat on.
and when you get to the gate just check and make sure it is still vacant. They are pretty helpful when you are with your baby and wanting to make the flight better for those around you.
I also take my boppie just because it is more comfortable to hold her while she sits on it. (Plus I've gotten used to it and find it comfortable for myself.)
Then, there's the question (if traveling alone with the baby) what to do when you need to go to the restroom on the plane. Someone suggested to me to take Audrey with me...but there is no way. It's so small even for one person.
I asked the flight attendant if she would sit with Audrey and she was more than happy to.
Hmmm...that's all I can think of now.
thank you!! good trips! my husband just brought up the idea of traveling somewhere for my spring break- this is soo helpful! was it easier at 2 mos or 6 mos?
Wow, what a great list! We're currently debating when to take our 6 hour flight to the east coast (Timmy will be between 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 months) and I will definitely be checking back at this post when we get ready for it.
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