We did couple of trips before Parth turned One so I know how stressful sometimes it is. But, by planning before we can enjoy trip happily. Though, I am not an expert to give tonnes of advice. But, Based on my experience, I can surely share some helpful tips. I made sure those things below, Which might helpful for you for your first flying trip with an infant.
Before traveling :
1. Make a detailed Packing List: I does the travel essentials list about a week before we actually fly. This helps me to remind things, Also to add things as I thought. I also made a note of how many of each item we should bring. This way, you can organize things pretty well. If you forget something, there is no need to take the stress. I realized if you forgot something, you could just pick it up while you were out on your trip.
2. Buy covers for a stroller: We actually forget to buy multipurpose stroller weather protector on both of our trips. In our New York trip, suddenly weather changed and it was raining which we never anticipated. Due to which we had faced lots of problems. Unfortunately, it was out of stock in nearby area too. So I think, it’s better if you buy it before a travel.
3. Use backpacks as your carry-on luggage to free up your hands: Different Airlines have a different rule regarding luggage. So make sure to check it before packing. We pack our luggage in three items;
• Suitcase (1)
• backpacks (2)
• Diaper bag
This way, we can avoid over-packing and it doesn’t seem like we have tons of luggage with us. Trust me, it works out pretty well.
my travel essentials list for Infant
1. Gear:
▪ Car seat and Stroller : Strollers and car seats are not counted as part of the standard baggage and therefore can be easily checked for free. But Leave car seat base at home. You can use car seat with a regular seat belt. So there is no concern about renting a car on trip. But, be sure your car seat is made to be used like this. Because all models are different. Use stroller which fit for your car seat. But, when your traveling cities like New York, an umbrella stroller is the best option. It is lightweight and easy to carry in the metro.
▪ Baby carrier:
It is best while security check on the airport. They allow you to go through the metal detector while still wearing your baby. Also, the baby gets really tired sometimes on a trip and doesn’t want to sit in the stroller. So baby carrier helps us to keep them close.
2. Well organized diaper bag:
• Clothes– Pack at least two or more pair of clothes depending on your travel time. A pair of socks, 1 vest
• Diapers and wipes– 4 to 5 diapers. One wipe pack
• Bibs – 2 bibs, Some babies get nauseous in the plane so bring along a cloth and two bibs just in case!
• Thermometer– fevers always pop up at the most inopportune time. (I use a Veridian Healthcare Mini Temple Touch Thermometer and love it.)
• Medicines in a zip lock bag with dropper– We take Tylenol/and Multivitamins.
• Changing Pad
• Hand sanitizer
• Baby Food– I brought the pouches of baby food to use on the airplane, bottled water.
• Zip-lock Bag of baby food - I place my baby food in a separate small plastic zip bag. It includes two pouches of food (I used plum organics baby food from Costco ), two disposable bibs, two plastic spoons (munchkins is my favorite), formula, one packet of cookie, tissues and face wipes, Bottle for milk, sippy cup. If you Keep your baby food in a ziplock then, it’s easy to check in the security check.
• Jacket/sweater – It gets really cold on the airplane so I like the baby to be wearing a nice cozy and comfy sweater or jacket.
• Favorite toy- carry a bunch of toys.(I always keep his favourite toy car and train in a diaper bag) Put some in the diaper bag and some in carry-on luggage.
• A new toys - sometimes if the baby becomes more cranky it helps them for instant distraction.
• Breastfeeding cover - If you Brest feed your baby then it's useful. Many moms chose to breastfeed during takeoff and landing to avoid ear pooping.
• Scented diaper trash bags
• Baby blanket - since we were heading to Miami, I preferred to keep soft, muslin cloth blanket.
• Pacifiers - Parth didn’t normally use a pacifier. But I kept it in the diaper bag to give him during takeoff and landing to relief ear popping.
3. Suitcase/carry on luggage:
▪ 2 outfits per day
▪ Pajamas one set per day
▪ Warm hat/sun hat
▪ Socks
▪ Shoes/ sandals
▪ Sunscreen
▪ Diaper Rash Ointment
▪ More diapers and wipes
▪ Disposable bibs and bags
▪ Bottles or sippy cup for water
▪ Bottles for milk
▪ Formula
▪ Baby shampoo
▪ More baby food/ homemade cereal
▪ Plastic bowl with a few more spoons
▪ A little bit of Dish-washing liquid (to clean up the cup, bowel, spoons, and bottle) and a small sponge.
▪ Extra zip lock bags.
- Book your flight in baby’s sleep time.
- For unpaid lap infants, you will need to carry proof of age like a birth certificate or passport.
- Do not choose Exit Row when you are with Infant. There is a rule that, No lap children or infant seat are allow in Exit Row. We were unaware of it on our first trip.
- Before you fly with your baby first check with the pediatrician for an ear infection. Otherwise, flight journey would become worst.
- Make your baby suck pacifier or bottle while flight take off and landing. Because such a suctions helps your baby to balance the pressure in the ear. And they feel better.
- Even if your baby cries more on the plane, don’t get panic. It’s natural to worry that you’re disturbing other passengers, but by getting over stress your baby may fuss even more. Just say sorry to fellow passengers on behalf of baby. Stay calm and handle situation patiently.
- Wipe down everything as soon as you got your seat. Tray, armrest etc.
- Divide your stuff equally in carry-on luggage and suitcase. So that, if you missed luggage, you can survive.
- Gate check your stroller and car seat. And don’t forget to get a tag for your stroller at a gate. Because, if it is got damaged you can claim it
If you have any other tips, do share in a comment section. I would love to hear it from you.
Perfect. To the point.
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