TRAVEL TIPS
CHECK OUT MY free PACKING LIST FOR BABY & TODDLER!
Traveling with baby is stressful! Packing doesn't have to be. Use my list as a guide for your next trip. And because baby grows quickly, you will need to pack different items every time. This list is meant to be all inclusive from infancy - toddlerhood.
DID YOU KNOW?
Travel with baby facts...
The safest way for children under 40lbs to fly is in their car seat!
You can gatecheck your stroller and car seat!
You can bring liquid through TSA for baby!
You can find a clean nursing/changing area for baby
Know the airline's Boarding and Family Seating Policies
Learn about car seat safety rules and regulations before you go.
The FAA, airlines, and Child Passenger Safety Technicans (like myself) know the safest way for a child under 40lbs to fly is in a car seat or the FAA approved CARES harness. However, you are allowed to travel with an "in-lap" infant until 2 years of age. They are still required to have their own ticket though! So be sure to call your airline after booking your ticket, and add baby to your lap. Upon arrival at the airport, you will need to have an "in-lap" infant boarding pass in addition to yours. The rules are different for international travel and an infant's ticket usually costs a percentage of your ticker. Be sure to check with your airline while booking for the family.
Gate checking not only allows you to use your stroller through the airport, it also ensures safer handling. Handing your stroller and car seat over to an individual who will immediately load it on the plane is better than handing it over at the ticket counter, where it will travel through miles (literally) of conveyer belt systems. Although there is never a guarantee from damage, gate checking in a secured padded bag may be a better option than counter-checking. Remember, using your car seat on the aircraft is the safest option for your child and the best way to eliminate the risk for damage during gate checking.
It's true! You can bring water through TSA for your baby's formula. You are also allowed to bring breastmilk through with completely frozen icepacks. If they are a little slushy, they may not be allowed through. TSA will do an additional security check of your liquid items or formula. You may ask them to change their gloves to ensure clean handling. For exact details, please check the TSA website by clicking here!
Most major airports having nursing rooms for momma. There is a company called Mamava (@mamava on Instagram) that has chic airport pods for your breastfeeding or pumping needs. You can download their app and find their pod locations at an airport near you. I've used them before and am so in love! In addition to these nursing rooms, I recommend using airport lounge bathrooms. They are typically nicer than the standard airport bathroom. Some lounges allow you to pay an entry fee, but check with your credit card companies to see if you have any lounge benefits included with your card.
While you're booking flights - be sure to look into the airlines boarding and family seating policies, so you can be prepared for the process. I've gathered all the information you need to know about the family boarding process here ... and family seating policies here. Check them out before you go so you're in the know!
It's important to know if your child should use a car seat onboard the aircraft. Understanding the why, will help you make an educated decision for the safety of your child. Learn what the FAA and other aviation industry experts have to say here.