What I learned traveling with my baby

Before my baby turned 1 year old, I had already taken her on 14 flights (the longest being 8 hours while solo parenting)... so I have a lot of tips and tricks to share about packing, flights and holidays with a little one - I'm basically an expert now! 

 

PACKING

So let's start with the do’s and don'ts of what you need to pack in your suitcase. 

I usually just take 1 bag to check in for me and my daughter, mainly because once you're off the plane, you have to mess around with taxis or a rental car. A suitcase, pram, baby, your bag and nappy bag etc is a LOT. The less you have the better.

What to pack in the check in bag for your baby:

What NOT to pack in the check in bag for your baby:

• Towel - Your accommodation will usually provide these
• Travel Cot - Your accommodation will usually provide this if you ask in advance
• Formula, Nappies, Swim Nappies & Wipes - You can usually order these to your accommodation ready for your arrival if you tell them in advance so save space in your case and plan ahead, just pack enough in your bag for the flight

 

AIRPORT & FLIGHT 

On travel day, give yourself more time than normal.. Especially if you are traveling alone with your baby. Everything takes a little longer, going through security, changes, feeding on the go etc. 

I travel a lot and usually get to the airport 1.5 hours before a flight. If I have my little one with me, I get there 2 hours before (no matter where I fly). You also don't want to get there too early and then use up all of your supplies you have packed for the flight. 

Tips for the airport:

• Check In Online - Drop your bag and get through as fast as possible
• Get Fast Track - This costs more, but you go through security faster
• Don't Carry Liquids Over 100ml - This will slow you down unpacking at security
• Pay For The Lounge - This costs more, but it’s quieter, less crowded and has comfy chairs which is great if you do need to feed on the go
• Boiling Water For Formula - You can get this FREE from any cafe if you ask
• Cabin Approved Pram - This is a must have, so you can fold it up and put in the overhead storage, then quickly open it as you get off the flight so you have your hands free for all the other things you need to carry 

What to pack in the nappy bag / hand luggage for your baby:

Personal recommendations: Baby Bottle Brush - Dummy -  RapidCool - Weaning Bib - Baby Bottles I recommend these baby bottles specifically because they are the best for traveling in my opinion, you can quickly hand wash them and boil the nipple for 5 mins in a cup. No need for a microwave or steralizer. So you literally just need 1-2 bottles for the whole flight / your holiday to alternate between (game changer when you just want to pack light). 

What NOT to pack in the nappy bag / hand luggage for your baby:

• Boiling Water - The crew will give you boiling drinking water if you ask
• Travel Cot - If your baby is under 6 months you can book a seat with a bassinet on most larger airlines, for smaller ones they can sleep in your arms
• White Noise - You have one in your checked in luggage and the plane is loud
• Toys - Don't go wild packing loads of toys, babies love to look around and explore, they are happy pressing buttons and holding a flight menu
• Sleep Sack - You have one in your checked in luggage and you wont have time to take them out of it if the seatbelt sign turns on

Tips for the flight:

• Upgrade if you can - This costs more, but the extra leg room and a quieter cabin makes it easier plus crew aren't as busy so can help you more if your alone
• Be Social - Stand up and walk, show your baby things around the plane, smile and talk to strangers who also want to kill time
• Order Late - Ask the crew to serve your meal later, once the baby settles 
• Take A Water Bottle - Keep yourself hydrated and reduce your baby spilling your drink all over you with a sealed bottle
• Weaning Food - If your baby is weaning take food pouches, they easier and less messy to give your little one, as they can just suck them and require no cutlery

 

HOTELS & VILLAS

Wherever you book, you can always check images of the room / villa online to see what the facilities are like, if there is space for a baby changing area, a bath etc. 

Tips for staying away from home:

• Accommodation - Ideally less than 40 mins drive from the airport, close to a hospital (just in case), has a kids club and kids pool (if it's a hotel) and walking distance to a few restaurants
• Cot - Always call ahead of time to ask them to have it ready when you arrive
• Bath - Most hotels don't have baths in their standard rooms, so you need to accept that bath time may be a quick shower with you instead
• Changing Area - Worst case scenario you can change your little one on the bed, but it is nice to have a space to set up your changing station so check pictures online to see if there is space somewhere in the room
• Cleaning Area - Make sure the sink area in the bathroom is a little bigger so you can put a clean hand towel down, wash and stand clean baby bottles to dry
• Kettle - A kettle is a must for boiling water to sterilize your bottle nipples and dummies as well as for formula mixing, check this is included in the room

 

Having a baby is hard, but whether you're in the cold and rain at home or traveling somewhere fun - it's the same. Embrace it and remember, babies fly free with most airlines and are free guests in most hotels under 1 year old too. So now is the time, make the most of your maternity leave and go see the world!

If you want to see more of our travels, you can follow along on Instagram @cori_cam_

 

 

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