A No Stress-No Worries Guide to Traveling with Infants
First rule of traveling with infants, your needs don't really matter (Ok, they do but they don't). If you are stressed about flying, your baby will pick up on your emotions. Try to be relaxed, be calm and go with the flow. Expect the unexpected and when things actually go smooth, you'll be pleasantly surprised instead. My children and I travel extensively while accompanying my husband during his various assignments across the globe as a broadcaster. Our first flight with our 7 week old infant was to the Bahamas via Miami. I was paranoid about everything! Will she cry on the plane? Will passengers give me the glare? When do I feed her? Will we make our connection? The list goes on. The emotions you may feel can be very stressful when flying for the first time with an infant, but this hassle-free family travel guide will help you alleviate your worries. Most important factor that I cannot emphasis enough is: Prepare, Prepare, Prepare! It is essential to relaxing travel.
Planning your Flight
Keep in mind that domestic travel is far different than international travel. On domestic flights few airlines will offer any baby-friendly extras, not even a changing table. Planes on international routes will generally have a handful of bathrooms equipped with changing tables that pull down above the toilets. It is common for airlines to charge 10% of the full fare ticket cost as an infant ticket fee on international flights. Make sure you apply ahead for your passport (baby will need one too). Below are a couple other great ideas to keep in mind while planning your flights:
- Schedule non-busy flights
- Book non-stop flight, when possible
- When choosing your seats, I always preferred a window for more privacy so I can nurse my babies. Also, consider a bulk head for more leg room, however, keep in mind that you will not be able to keep your diaper bag under the seat in front of you. It must go up in the overhead bin for take off and for landing.
- Check out the www.FAA.gov and your airline web site for guidelines and exceptions when traveling with infants
- Check whether the airline provides bassinets and review lap seating rules.
- Also, if traveling with an infant under seven days old, on many flights you will need to provide a physician travel approval letter. Check other airlines policies.
Packing your Diaper Bag
Personally, traveling with two children both in diapers became cumbersome as well as a challenge to find ways to reduce my large and usually messy diaper bag, here are a few must-haves:
- I personally switched to a backpack to keep my hands free and loved it!
- Bring lots of diapers (2-3extra) to prepare for delays. Most airports don't sell diapers
- Extra wipes
- Diaper changing pad – Allows you to have a sanitary area to make the necessary diaper changes and you won't have to lug that huge diaper bag into the small and cramped airplane lavatory
- Disposable bibs - great if baby is older and eating solids
- Disposable spoons – do not count on airlines to provide you with any plastic utensils, plus an easy no-mess clean up
- Burp cloths
- Plastic Ziplocs bags (dirty diapers, bottles, etc...)
- Hand sanitizer - we were delayed for 3 hours in an airport and my two kids crawled all over the airport floors, I was disgusted but let them go at it anyway
- Blankie
- New toy is great for distractions
- Pacifier
- Extra bottles if not breastfeeding (formula sticks or pre-measured bottles are fast and convenient) – Attendant will provide you with a bottle of water, just ask as you are boarding the plane
- Extra onesie or clothes for at least 24 hours in case luggage gets lost. It's known to happen now and again.
- Medications if needed (infant Tylenol, RX's, 1st aid kit, etc…)
At the Airport
Our family always tries to drive one another or take a car service to the airport, this will avoid hassles of parking and save you time. Try and check bags at skycap for two reasons; 1. Avoid waiting in the usually long tickets lines inside and 2. It will give you a lot less stuff to drag around. I highly recommend bringing an infant car seat and stroller thru the airport, you can check both of them right at the gate. Even if you are bringing your stroller right to the gate, I find it a must to have an infant carrier, because often all baby wants is to be close to you and sleep. It is also great to have while traveling; it allows you to do sightseeing unrestricted.
Going thru Security
There is no need to be intimidated about getting through security. Ensuring safety requires much more precaution than in the past. You'll want to go in the special assistance line and remember whether this is your first time flying or you have not flown in a long time a lot of things have changed. Always read airport guidelines before traveling, currently TSA has implemented the 3-1-1 rule for Carry-Ons Policy:
- For all liquids, gels, aerosols and pastes limit each container to a maximum size of 3.0 oz/100ml
- Place all such items in a single quart-size, clear plastic, zip-lock bag
- Remove your quart-size bag from your carry-on and place in the provided bin at the security checkpoint.
Also, keep in mind that you'll need to remove, shoes, sweaters, jackets even on baby. If you are wearing sandals, I always pack an extra pair of socks in my purse just so I can put them on when going thru the security line. Thousands of people walk barefoot on the same floor and the thought of that grosses me out! My experience traveling with kids is that it always takes longer. I recommend an extra forty-five minutes more than the one hour required. International requires at least 2 hours.
At The Gate
One hour before departure time, an agent will be able to assist customers at the gate. Inform the agent that you will need a stroller tag and one for the car seat as well. It is a good idea to ask the agent if there is an empty seat next to you. You may be able to bring the car seat with you instead of holding your baby in your lap. Review section: Planning your Flight
In the Air
It is very important to give your baby a pacifier, a bottle or breast feed during ascent and especially during descent when the cabin pressure changes are the greatest. Baby may experience pain from the pressure in their ears during this time.
Arrive at Destination
Yeah, you made it! While deplaning make sure you have all your belongings. If you need assistance, don't hesitate to ask a flight attendant to help you carry your bag. You'll need to wait outside the plane door where they will bring your stroller and car seat to you. Most of all enjoy your experience of traveling with your kids. This is a great time to travel and introduce your little ones to so many new experiences.
