Baby Extravaganza: Have Baby, Will Travel Pt. 1

You thought I'd forgotten about little 'ole Baby Extravaganza! But I didn't! I just got...you know. Busy.

This edition is going to include all things traveling with a baby. Specifically, 0 - 6mths, or, until they no longer sit nicely on your lap.

Cause baby, that's a whole 'nother world. And post.

First things first, right?

*Packing (suitcase)

First off, you're going to need to look into your airline's baggage policy. Southwest is one of the only companies that still allows your first AND SECOND bag to fly free. For that, I highly recommend them. You can choose which works best for you, packing a separate bag for baby, or one large one between the two of you. I find separate to be easier for organization, but only if you aren't flying solo. Another bag is just another bag at that point.

What to pack will depend on your destination. Can you wash clothes? Is there access to a store? If so, you might not need tons of clothes, and all the supplies. When I travel home I always buy diapers, wipes, and any food items when I arrive. I also know I won't need a pack 'n play, high chair, etc. because I can either borrow one, or use old ones my parents have. When I visited Abby in Oregon we borrowed a pack 'n play from her neighbor, and it saved us. Hotels always have pack 'n plays you can use for free, and they also include sheets and blankets. You might want to bring your own, but that's entirely up to you. Always be thinking ahead! That said, plan for all types of weather. Pack a few warmer items just in case, a swimsuit for an impromptu dip.

Always pack Infant Tylenol, Mylicon, thermometer, bulb syringe, clippers...any necessary medical items. These are the items you don't want to need, but don't want to be without if you do.

Don't forget to pack items your baby associates with sleep - certain blankets, stuffed animals, music, etc. Try and keep as much the same routine as you can, especially at first to get them comfortable in their new surroundings. I have a small plug in fan for white noise and have brought it everywhere with me. A true lifesaver!

*Packing (diaper bag / carry on)

You need to be the master of your diaper bag. Master of Tetris, that is. You know what needs to go in it, just pack extra. Extra diapers, extra change of clothes. Maybe even two, because let me tell you, they will choose that day to have the biggest blowout in the History of Blowouts. Through their clothes, through your sling to your shirt. Trust me, pack an extra changes of clothes. If you have room, maybe even an extra shirt for you. 

Make sure you check the requirements of your airline regarding documents for your baby. Some airlines require a copy of the birth certificate or vaccination sheet to verify age. Wy's health insurance card works as well, so make sure you know and have what you need. Much less headache this way!

If you're nursing, make sure you wear a shirt conducive to doing so in public, and don't forget that nursing cover, especially if you're flying solo. Nothing like being stuck between two men with a hungry baby. If you're bottle-feeding pack extra formula in case, heaven forbid, your flight is delayed. Toys at this age aren't essential, but bring a few items they like to hold and suck on. Otherwise, just about everything is new and interesting and fun to look at. Excellent for you!

*Security (dun dun duuuuun!)

You can do this! I promise. Wear flip flops or other easy-to-get-on-and-off shoes. No belt, don't put your sweater on until after. Have your boarding pass (and Drivers License for the final check off) anywhere it's easily accessible with one hand. Make sure your liquids are on top in your diaper bag / carry on so you can grab it quickly.

You have to put your stroller and car seat onto the conveyor belt and through the machine, so be prepared to take everything down. This is where your significant other comes in handy. Put them to work with those items, and you are in charge of getting the liquids out and ready and getting the two of you through security. If you're flying solo, this is where a sling or other carrier is a lifesaver. (Also, look for a line specifically for families, and then batt your eyes at a nice stranger for help, unless you've mastered taking down the stroller one handed, which you will, at some point...) Depending on your sling / carrier, you can even go through security with your baby still in it. Bonus! Unload all liquids into the bin next to your diaper bag for easy access and inspection. Remove shoes and any clanky jewelry you are wearing.

(Randomly, one time the officer tried to tell me I had to remove Wyatt's shoes. Honestly. It only happened the one time though, so I'm thinking it was a fluke. Some dude tryin' to get all hoity toity with me. I'm on to you, dude!)

If you have a sippy cup or bottle with water (for the baby...sorry), it doesn't need to be under 3 oz., but know they will check it for any foreign substance. Don't worry! It'll happen every time. No strip searches though,  it involves them waving a wand over the bottle, and then they'll give it back. They won't even open it.

That's it! You're through! Everything else is downhill, right?

*The Flight

If you can, try to book the flight during the best stretch of the day your baby has. Is he / she a good sleeper? Maybe plan it during nap time. Not so good? Try and plan in between so he / she gets at least one good nap in. Either way, one day isn't going to screw them up completely, I promise.

Depending on your airline, you may or may not be able to board early. In my opinion, it doesn't really matter either way. You're still waiting, right? You'll leave the stroller and car seat at the top of the gateway (stroller will need to be broken down), make sure they give you a tag for each item you check. Believe it or not, they can get lost. Southwest once let us take the car seat on the plane, but that will totally depend on your flight and airline. (and baby...)

Once you're on, it will again depend on your baby. Mostly though, babies this age are easy. They'll eat, they'll sleep, they'll poop. Same as usual. Take off and the white noise of flying are great sleep aides. Try to feed your baby during takeoff, or at least offer a binki to help with ear pressure.

If worse comes to worse, take advantage of that big long isle - great for walking!

 

Wyatt's first flight!  As evidenced by my huge dark circles, bags, and dazed look...

As always, please feel free to add your comments, suggestions and tips! I'm sure I've forgotten a few things!

Comments

[Lindsay]

YES! THIS IS WHAT I NEEDED! I am getting really nervous about flying with a 3 month old! This has truly been helpful. THANK YOU! I may have to ask more questions though...

[Abby]

Master of Tetris, hahahahahahahaha.

So, you're never going to erase these posts, right? Like, they're always going to be easily accessible for future reference?

I had a couple thoughts while reading this:
A) You should write a book about all this stuff.
B) I hope I never have to travel with a baby.

[Jess]

It's like you KNEW I was going on a trip next week. I'm printing this out and taking it.

[Sarah]

I admit- I didn't read this post. Just looking at the amount of writing you had made me overwhelmed. I don't want to think about all that stuff. Maybe I will actually read this post when it's the night before our first trip.