Gear to Pack when Traveling with Your Baby
Packing for a trip with your baby can be daunting! What should you bring? And what do you need to leave at home? The following list will help answer these questions and ensure that your precious cargo is traveling in style.
#1 Car seat
The first thing you should remember when packing for a trip with your baby is to bring their car seat. You will not be allowed to board the plane without it, and it provides an extra layer of protection in case of turbulence or any other unexpected bumps along the way.
However, some airlines require that you check your car seat at the gate if they do not have a designated spot on-board for children's seats. Check ahead so that this doesn't happen! And always make sure to carry out proper research before traveling by air with your child. In addition to the car seat, you’ll also have a much more comfortable flight if you take some snacks along for everyone to enjoy and not get hangry!
#2 Stroller
Even if you're not a stroller-pusher, having a collapsible option is always useful. They can be stored in the overhead compartments or underneath your seat on most flights and are great for navigating airports quickly. In addition, they can be used in the airport to help keep your baby content before boarding. For example, they can seat their child in a stroller while you go grab a coffee or use the restroom (preferably not at the same time).
A stroller will also come in handy if you decide to leave the airport and explore a new city. Many subway stations have elevators that only fit strollers, so it can be difficult for those traveling by themselves with children or pushing somebody else's child around in a wheelchair.
Lastly, bringing your own stroller will prevent you from having to rent one upon arrival, which usually costs upwards of $20/day per unit. If there are multiple adults in your party, consider purchasing a double stroller so that the second adult can push two children at once instead of having to carry them or ask strangers for help.
#3 Pads or blankets for car seat/stroller seats
Another essential is to pack a blanket or two for your seats. Airports are notorious germ-factories, and the last thing you want to do when traveling with small children is introducing them to unnecessary bacteria that could cause illness. Also, if you are traveling in the middle of winter, it's always nice to have something warm and cozy for them to snuggle up with.
If your baby is older (around one year old or more), consider bringing a car seat pillow that will provide extra comfort on longer flights Foryourlittleone. There aren't any age restrictions on these types of pillows, so if they do take an unexpected nap while flying, at least their head won't hurt due to the lack of cushioning!
#4 Baby carrier
If you are an avid babywearer, then there is no need to pack a carrier. However, if your child isn't used to being carried around all day long (most babies aren't), this may not be the most comfortable option for them or yourself on longer flights. You will also want to make sure that it can fit through the x-ray machine at security without needing any assistance from TSA agents.
If using one of these carriers makes you nervous about passing through airport security smoothly and with ease, consider wearing your infant in a wrap instead! These versatile pieces of fabric hold their weight better than most other carriers, so they provide more support for both parent and child while traveling by air.