Traveling with an infant requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some essential tips to help make your journey smoother, divided into three stages: before the flight, on the flight, and at your destination.
Read the travel checklist and products recommendation article to get your essentials and get products ideas.
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Before the flight
- Check-in online:
- Checking in online can save time at the airport and allow you to select better seats. It’s worth paying extra for the seats.
- Pack smart:
- Bring extra clothes: Pack extra outfits for both you and your baby to prepare for spills and accidents.
- Organize your bags: Use packing cubes to keep your bag organized and make it easier to find items quickly.
- Documents and identification:
- If flying international the required docs are:
- Passport
- Visa: depending on the country you may need one
- Parental consent form:If one parent is traveling alone with the infant, some countries require a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent. This is to prevent international child abduction.
- If flying domestic:
- Proof of baby’s age: usually birth certiciate
- Parental consent form: not typically required within US but better check with your airline.
- If flying international the required docs are:
- Health precautions:
- Doctor’s visit: Schedule a check-up to ensure your baby is fit to travel.
- Vaccinations: Check if your destination requires any additional vaccinations.
- Prepare for security:
- Be ready to have your milk and formula tested at security checks.
On the flight
- Feed during takeoff and landing:
- Feeding your baby during takeoff and landing can help alleviate ear pressure.
- Check your stroller at the gate:
- You can use your stroller through the airport and check it at the gate.
- Bring plenty of snacks and entertainment:
- Keep your baby entertained with toys, sensory books, and snacks.
- Comfort items:
- Breastfeeding pillow: If you didn’t book a separate seat, use a breastfeeding pillow to keep you and your baby comfortable.
- Pacifiers and teething toys: These can help soothe your baby during the flight.
At your destination
- Car seat and transportation:
- Car seat rental: You can rent a car seat with your car rental. Be aware of different car seat standards in Europe and the US.
- Stroller use: Check if your destination is stroller-friendly, and plan accordingly.
- Sleep and Safety:
- Crib or pack ‘n play: Confirm if your accommodation provides a crib or bring a portable crib (such as this Travel Pod or the famous Guava Lotus travel crib).
- Emergency kit: Keep a small first aid kit with baby essentials like Infant Tylenol, band-aids, and a thermometer.
- Doctor’s contact: Know the location and contact information of the nearest pediatrician or hospital.
- (Optional depending how mobile you baby is) Baby-proofing: Bring outlet covers and other baby-proofing items to make your accommodation safe for your baby.
- Routine and comfort:
- Maintain routine: Try to keep your baby’s routine as consistent as possible to help them adjust to the new environment. If the timezone is changed, it’s recommended to switch on the destination time zone asap.
- Comfort items: Bring familiar items like their favorite blanket or stuffed animal to help them feel more at home.
- Diapers & wipes: I usually order through Amazon directly at the destination. Here is a calculator on how many diapers & wipes you need.
- Feeding and food:
- Local formula: If you use a specific formula, check its availability at your destination or bring enough for the trip. For example we use Kendamil which has its equivalent in Europe as Aptamil.
- Baby-friendly restaurants: Research baby-friendly dining options or grocery stores where you can buy baby food.
See here a completePacking Checklist for traveling with infants: Must-Have baby items on the flight. Happy travels!
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