Flying with infants and toddlers does not need to be a daunting experience. These tips will help you pack economically for the trip and plan your schedule to avoid excess stress.
Rookie family travelers often make the mistake miscalculating the length of the journey. When traveling with kids, the trip begins the minute you walk out the door and does not end until you reach your hotel or destination. Be sure to include the travel time to and from the airport in you packing consideration - not just the length of the flight.
Allow plenty of time at the airport. Remember the days of arriving at the airport with just enough time to make the flight? Those days are over. Figure out when you would normally get to the airport and add at least an hour. Children of any age will slow you down because it takes longer to clear security, you need to stock up on water after the checkpoint and there is always one diaper to change before boarding.
Be a smart packer - there is a fine line between being prepared and bringing too much. Here are the guidelines we follow:
Disposable Diapers: No matter how old the child, assume you will use one diaper an hour and add one or two extra for good measure. If you are traveling internationally, pack enough diapers for the entire trip in your checked luggage. For domestic travel, include enough to last a few days.
Bottles: Carry on enough clean bottles to make it a one complete day (we usually carried on about 10). Rinse out all bottles once used and leave a small amount of water in the bottom to make it easier tell the clean ones and dirty ones apart. Include a small bottle of dish-washing liquid in your checked bags so you can wash bottles at your destination.
Formula: Carry on adequate formula for two days use. Leave powder in its original packaging and pack a small can or single use packets. The packets are convenient for packing and can be packed in the actual bottles so it is easy to find in the diaper bag. Bring enough formula for the entire trip in your checked bags - especially for international travels.
Water: After clearing security you should buy enough water to make twice as many bottles as you think you will use on the flight. Remember to bring enough to make bottles when traveling from the airport.
Analyze your gear requirements. Do you really need the stroller in the airport or is it easier to check it with your baggage? Baby carriers are fantastic but must be removed before clearing security. All gear - including baby carriers, strollers and car seats must go through the x-ray machines. This takes additional time so plan accordingly and practice using the equipment so you are quick at assembly. Also, if you have a tight connection, gate checked strollers often take time to be returned - perhaps checking it would be best.
If you decide to check a stroller, it is worth the investment to buy a bag to protect it in flight. This bag is also a great place to stash extra diapers. Remember that strollers are often considered over-sized luggage by the handlers and will come out on a special carousal - look for the golf club or ski racks and you will often find your stroller.
The TSA allows people traveling with a baby to bring on a limited amount of liquids related to the baby - a bottle, for instance. This does slow down the screening process so we recommend limiting your liquid carry-ons to the bottle currently in use. If you must use a liquid formula, bring a note from your doctor explaining the need and alert the TSA representative so they are prepared for the screening.
We hope these tips help ease the stress and fear of traveling with a baby by managing the amount you need to pack.
