Sweet Happenings Travel

EEK! Traveling with a baby?! Does that statement stress you out? Fear not, I have successfully conquered 8 flights with my now 6 month old baby and have compiled all of the tips and tricks that I used for a smooth travel experience, to now give to you so that you can do the same!

Babies under 2 years old travel for free as lap infants, so take advantage of not having to pay for another plane ticket yet!

If you are like me and have vowed to not let having a baby keep you from exploring, join along as we now have adorable tiny humans that we get to show the world for the first time!

Pre-travel planning:

Before planning to travel with your little one, you will want to hop on over to Target or Amazon and make sure you have everything that you need to help the trip go smooth! Here are some items that have been super helpful for me when traveling with a baby:

• Portable sound machine– can help your baby sleep when on the go
• Mini portable night light– great for middle of the night wake ups
• Portable drying rack and mini dish soap for bottles and pump parts
• Breast pump cleaning wipes– make cleaning your pump on the go easy
• Travel stroller– Lightweight, compact, and easy to transport
• Good baby carrier– for easy baby wearing on vacation and in the airport
• Carseat bag– protects your carseat and makes it easier to carry
• Toys with suction cups on them- easily stick to the plane tray and window for entertainment
• Honest sanitizing wipes– great for using on the airplane
• Pacifier clips– can also be attached to toys to keep them off the ground
• Portable mini fan– keeps you and baby cool when its hot

Disclaimer* I do not make commission from these product links, these are truly just products that I love and recommend

Days leading up to travel day:

While your mind is already in a whirlwind leading up to travel day, you now have a whole other human to pack for! And somehow the smallest of the travelers require the most things! I always have to remind myself that it is okay if I forget to pack something, because wherever I am going, there will still be stores that I can go to if I forgot something.

Here are a few important things to consider while packing:

• Does your destination have a washing machine? If yes, then you can plan on packing a little bit less knowing you can wash clothes if needed
• Does your destination have a kitchen/kitchenette where you will be able to store milk/snacks and wash bottles if you need to?
• Does your destination have a packnplay that your baby can sleep in? If not you will have to bring your own portable crib/bassinet
• Are you okay baby wearing or carrying your baby when you go out, or would you prefer having your stroller? A stroller is more to pack, but can be nice to have if you are traveling for an extended amount of time
• About how many diapers does your little one go through in a day? This can help you have a rough idea of how many to pack

Travel day- time to conquer TSA:

• Carseats and strollers can be checked for free and not count towards your regular checked bag allowance
• You can choose to check in your carseat and stroller right when you get to the airport, or you can keep them with you to gate check right before you get on the plane so that you have them right when you get off the plane
• You can wear your baby through security and you won’t be asked to take them out of your carrier
• If you have your baby in a stroller or carseat at security, you will have to take them out
• Breastmilk, formula, milk products, juice, bottled water, and baby food are allowed through security, but will require additional screening
• When traveling with an child, you will be asked to step to the side to have your hands checked after going through the screening machines
• You can go to the desk at your gate and ask if there are any open seats on your flight, if there is, you can ask to bring your carseat on the plane even if your baby is traveling as a lap infant
• You can bring your breast pump on the plane in its own bag and it does not count towards your carry on allowance as it is considered a medical device
• When traveling with kids, you can board during “family boarding” as this offers you extra time to get settled with your little ones
• When traveling with a toddler, it can be helpful to have family save your seat on the plane while you let your toddler get some extra wiggles out before boarding last
• Feeding your baby or giving them a pacifier during take off and landing can help their ears pop from the pressure
• Change your baby diaper before boarding the plane to avoid having to change them in the tiny plane bathroom

Remember: Babies are human too! They are allowed to exist wherever you are, and others are entitled to a child free life, but not a child free world.

Let me know if you want anymore tips and tricks for traveling with your kids, or if you have any questions! XO