15 Tips for Traveling With Baby

While surprises can be fun, they are often less desirable when away from home and even more so when out of the country. Here are ten tips to help you be ultra-prepared the next time you are traveling with baby.

1. Make a list and check it twice.

   It may not be nice if you forget essentials such as baby sunscreen and other sun protection, swim suits, wipes, diapers, slings, natural bug spray or your baby's medications.

   If you need them pacifiers, a travel sleeping system and a first aid kit can also make or break a travel experience.

2. Give yourself extra time when traveling with baby.

   Whether its navigating through the airport or making rest stops, babies extend the amount of time it takes to travel. So plan for this and ease the nerves of everyone involved.

3. Think about meal times and bring more than you think you'll need.

   Do you have enough snacks? Will you need to take baby food cubes or buy it where you're going? Also make sure you have enough bottles and/or pumping accessories to last between cleanings.

   Airline Travel Tips

4. If you have a choice between airlines, check the airlines policies for traveling with toddler aged children or babies.

   Many airlines allow babies under two years old to sit on your lap and fly free, but this can vary in a shaky economy so shop around.

5. You'll also want to see if the airline charges extra fees for checking bags or for checking items such as car seats, strollers, etc.

   If so you'll want to either consolidate suitcases, consider purchasing or borrowing baby gear when you get to your destination or pick the airline with the most cost-effective travel policies.

6. Be sure you have your babies identification documents, such as a birth certificate or passport handy.

   This is especially necessary if you are flying the child without purchasing a ticket.

7. Consider taking a lightweight stroller and/or sling.

   If you'll be in the airport a while, you can carry a lightweight stroller with you up until it's time to board the plane. A member of the crew can return it to you once the flight is over.

8. The evening before the flight find out if your flight is full.

   This can determine whether you will have extra room to stretch out or sit the baby in the car seat next to you. If it is full you will want to plan to check this gear and hold your baby or toddler in your lap. An older toddler can likely sit in the sit without assistance.

9. Inquire in advance about your airline's policies on carrying breast milk, formula or baby food purees on board.

   Find out if they will heat it for you or if you're required to carry limited amounts or separate servings into small containers. For example you may need to travel with powdered formula vs. ready to drink formula.

   International Travel

10. Schedule immunizations your child might need for a particular country well in advance.

    In some cases a series of multiple doses is necessary to guarantee effectiveness. Also take a good look at the side effects of various drugs and discuss them with your child's physician if you have concerns. In some cases there may be more than one option for guarding from a particular sickness.

11. Do you plan to breast feed abroad?

    Talk to friends and family who live in the country or the tourism bureau about the customs regarding public nursing before traveling. In some cases a bringing a nursing cover or breast pump may make your journey more comfortable for you and baby.

    Traveling With Baby in the Car

12. Take music that soothes or excites your baby.

    You don't have to play it the whole time, but it will come in handy if you have a long drive or unexpected outburst.

13. Plan to play some games while traveling with baby.

    They can sing along games, finger play games, car seat attachments or hand held toys and games. Do what is age appropriate, minimizes space and brings the most enjoyment to your child.

14. Books will come in handy when traveling with baby regardless of your mode of travel and the length of your stay.

    Soft books are especially lightweight and easy to be packed.

15. If you are visiting a family with small or older children, talk to them about the books, toys and gear that may be available during your journey.

    Also ask what items might be available at local grocery stores near the home. Purchasing disposable items such as diapers or baby food at the destination, may save you lots of packing space, money and stress.

While some of these tips came from my own travel experiences, I also gained a great deal of insight from Tiny Tempting Taste Buds. I bought the book to expand my repertoire of meals I can prepare for my toddler, but found the travel section quite helpful too.

You can read the e-book if you want to discover more tips about traveling with baby formula, breast milk and baby food purees.

Travel with a Clean Change of Clothes  Not rated yet
After being stranded in Chicago for two days over Xmas with my 1 1/2 yr old, I'd like to add to your list - be sure you keep a clean change of clothes ...