How to Travel with a Baby

The idea of being squeezed into a car or plane with a tiny baby seems daunting – and with good reason. There could be endless wailing, a nappy explosion with an odor strong enough to knock out a few passengers, or your baby may simply refuse to take that nap you were counting on.

After all, this is your first time and you don’t know how to travel with a baby! What if other passengers give you an angry glare? Perhaps it’s a better idea to wait till they’re older, like, 18 maybe?

If these thoughts are what’s keeping you awake at night, and preventing you from booking that trip, here’s some great news. You can turn these nightmares into a dream holiday with some simple prep work, a solid game and a baby-friendly destination.

Here’s how to travel with a baby and have fun along the way…

What Is the Best Age for Traveling with a Baby?

Like they say, you start them young. However, for your sanity, it is best to wait until your baby hits the 3-month mark. By then, colicky babies are well settled and you’ve got the hang of parenting. Doctors also recommend 3 months because, by then, a baby’s immune system is strong enough to protect them against common viruses. 

This ideal window lasts until the 7-month mark when your baby begins their teething phase and is more likely to be irritated and annoyed — and understandably so.

Hence, the 3-to-7 month window is the sweet spot for most because babies are easy, lightweight, and highly portable. Since curiosity hasn’t kicked in, they’re also less likely to wander off, use every random object as a teether, or demand you run laps in the lounge.

The biggest perk for many folks is that children under two often fly for free (or almost free) on most airlines. This time is also ideal for parents who enjoy slow travel, cultural tours and pretty much everything an older child will find ‘boringgg.’

How to Fly with a Baby

Loud noises, bright lights, blocked ears and an unexpected routine. That’s enough to upset any baby.  But here’s the secret:  Babies love their caregivers and their routine.

So, a little prep work and the right gadgets can keep your baby calm and happy during your journey and at your destination.

Lap Infant vs. Seat Infant

The FAA doesn’t require a ticket for children under two and allows them to sit on your lap.  However, choosing between having your infant on your lap or buying an extra seat for a car seat involves considering safety, convenience, and cost.

While choosing between the two might be easy for some folks, make sure you factor in the following:

·  Your baby’s preference: Does your baby prefer being in your lap or is he more comfortable in his car seat?

·  Your preference: Do you wish to have him in your lap or would you prefer he has his seat so you can enjoy your meal or even a nap during the flight?

·  The duration of your flight

Lap Infant:

Opting for a lap infant allows you to save money on an extra seat. For safety, airlines offer an extension seat belt that attaches to your seat belt. You can also book a bulkhead seat and put your baby down for a nap in the bassinet, which hangs from the walls of the aircraft.

(The bassinet has a recommended weight limit so check in with your airline first.)

Seat Infant: 

Seat infant means purchasing a seat on the plane for your infant. Since turbulence can pose a risk,  many parents opt for the seated infant and believe using an FAA-approved car seat to be the safest travel option. (It also helps if your baby prefers a familiar seating environment.)

Of course, the extra ticket gets you additional baggage allowance and miles, so if those are important, it’s worth the extra cost. 

Going Through Security with a Baby

Navigating airport security with a baby is no easy feat. But a game plan can help you breeze through without forgetting a bag – or an offspring.

·  Have all necessary documents, like your ID and boarding pass, easily accessible to avoid fumbling through bags at the checkpoint.

·  Make sure all liquids meet the approved travel quantity limit and are under 3.4 oz (100 ml). You can take baby formula or food over this amount, but be ready to let them test the liquids if they ask.

·  Wear your baby in a carrier since most airports allow you to walk through the metal detector with your baby in a wrap or carrier. This reduces the need to unpack or juggle too many items at once as compared to a stroller that needs to be placed on the belt. 

·  Streamline your luggage to what’s essential to minimize hassle.

·  Count your items before placing them on the belt and once you’re picking them up.

·  Gate-check your stroller and car seat. It is typically free with most major airlines.

What to Pack for the Plane

When packing for the plane, make sure you have all the essential items and that they can be whipped out as and when needed to avert any crises mid-air.

But remember, the key here is balance: make sure your diaper bag is well-stocked but not over-packed.  

·   Diaper Bag Essentials: (Diapers, wipes, bags, hand sanitizer and changing mat)

·   For Spills: A change of clothes for yourself and the baby. Plus, bibs, wipes, burp cloths

·   Food: Formula, warm water, bottle and/or baby purree

·   Entertainment: Board books, a favorite toy

·   Comfort: Layer up and add a blanket for your baby

·   First Aid kit with baby meds for ear pressure relief, fever etc along with a copy of the prescription

·   Car Seat or Stroller

·   Others: Pacifiers, soothers, teethers – items your baby needs for comfort.

When to Fly With a Baby

While some parents suggest flying during nap times, a flight delay can throw your plans up in flames. If your baby is a light sleeper or prefers to interact with new faces, a morning flight may be a smarter choice for you. Just don’t forget to factor in layover times. 

Ideally, it’s best to opt for less busy days, like Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This way, you are also more likely to score an empty seat. 

How to Take a Road Trip with a Baby 

Just like air travel, planning a road trip with a baby, requires the right gadgets and a game plan. And while you may be allowed extra luggage, it’s important not to get carried away. (Use this stress-free vacation packing list to make sure you’ve got everything covered.)

Here’s what to keep in mind when taking a road trip with a baby: 

Plan for Frequent Stops

When planning travel time and your route, make sure you take into account your baby’s needs. Feeding/diaper changes and tummy time will require you to plan your stops and plan them frequently.

Your best strategy is to mark your desired rest stops ahead of time. Also, remember, your baby should not be in a car seat for longer than 2 hours. 

Match Your Baby’s Sleep Schedule

Matching your baby’s sleep schedule is the smartest and sanest way to cover those miles. If your trips are long, you and your partner can take turns playing designated driver while the other naps when the baby naps.

What to Pack for the Car

Smart travel gadgets and car-friendly items can make changing, cleaning and even sleeping easy on a road trip with a baby. Just be sure to pack essentials within reach so you don’t have to dig down layers of luggage to unearth that backup pacifier.

Here are some items you’ll need when taking a road trip with baby: 

·  Baby car mirror

·  Toys for the baby (Aim for toys that can be attached, and are loud and bright.)

·  Baby bottle warmer

·  Window shades

These items will keep your car clean and organized:

·  Car seat protector

·  Rubbish bin (Or bag)

·  Back Seat Organizer

·  Cup Holders for Bottles

Vacation Rentals vs. Hotels 

Packing with a baby can seem exhausting, and if you’ve got a crawler or explorer, chances are you’ll spend your days wishing hotels were baby-proof! Plus, turning your bed into a makeshift nappy changing station every 4 hours can be a real buzzkill!

But what if you could stay in a baby-friendly vacation rental where child safety is a major consideration for the owners?

This is why Kid & Coe offers vacation rentals for families with babies that keep in mind the needs of all of their guests!

Complete with pool alarms, child safety gates, corner guards and plug covers, as well as  baby-friendly features like changing stations and high chairs, babies are free to explore and parents can sit back and relax. 

Plus, there’s no need to lug all that extra equipment since most rentals are equipped with strollers, baby monitors, cribs and bassinets, as well as toys and books.

Choose the Perfect Family Vacation Stay

Whether you are in the mood for luxury, looking for a quiet weekend in the countryside, or simply taking that first trip and learning how to travel with a baby, Kid & Coe has family-friendly accommodations that meet your family’s needs.

With over 1000+ hand-picked properties in over 50 destinations worldwide, our child-friendly rentals are family-focused, offer personal services and can help you have the perfect family vacation. Sign up to learn more about our offers and find beautiful baby-friendly destinations for that perfect family vacation.

• https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/queen-s-park-kensal-rise/the-mostyn-gardens-residence
• https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/rivierenbuurt/the-churchill-laan-residence
• https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/southold/the-southold-residence
• https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/raleigh-durham/the-hillside-park-residence