9 Tips To Traveling with a Baby – Love a Babymama of 6

Hello my friends! How is it already November? I mean, seriously. I feel like I just had little John and then the traveling and moving and homeschooling began. Needless to say, I’ve been a bit busy. So, a little about me if you’re new to my site or groups. We have 6 kids in our family and I have traveled with all of them at the same time, as infants, as pre-teens, as potty-training toddlers. While I don’t know it all, I’ve got my bases covered for having done a good portion of the mom moments many ask for advice about.

So, I figured I’d sit down (while John was nursing) and throw together 9 Tips To Traveling with a Baby! After all, I did just get back from a huge conference for my business and figured it’d be a good time. Did you know you can have your sushi and eat it too (while holding a baby on a plane?!)

For a first time traveler with little ones, I know first hand how intimidating it can be. After 13 years of experience, I can honestly say that I’m now oddly calm with every aspect of traveling. It’s going to be what it’s going to be. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst and then pray a lot. 🙂 I traveled solo with my first baby to CA from VA to visit my husband while he was in training.  I had a carryon (as large as I could find) filled with crap to keep my 1 year old entertained. It’s quite amusing looking back. I didn’t need ¾ of what I had crammed in that bag. A couple of years later I flew solo with my 2 year old and a 4 month old.  I was flying from the east coast to Texas for a family wedding and my husband was deployed overseas. The trip was a disaster, but through lots of travel practice, I got better. 

I promise…. it will get easier for you too! 

We’ve taken a family trip to Mexico and on a cruise.  I took my 4th child to Vegas for a conference when he was just 5 weeks old and my 6th went to Indianapolis with me at just 4 weeks old.  We have done many trips in between, but these were some of my most memorable.  Just this past month, I had 2 events I wanted to attend.  I knew both were important to my personal and professional growth.

Traveling for Business — Prepare to Pump!!

The first trip made me a bit nervous because it would be the first time I left my baby alone for any amount of time. He was flying with me to Atlanta, but I had to make plans to take plenty of milk for 3 days (I don’t normally pump so I had to get moving) and I had to arrange for my sister to meet me in Atlanta so she could stay with the baby.  Normally my events allow for babies in arms to be present, but I had more of a hands on role in this conference, so I needed to be baby free.  

Prepare for Emotions

The fear and emotions that came over me as I prepared for the trip were plentiful.  Would I be able to pump enough? Will my milk stay good? Was he going to scream for me when I left?  There were a lot of unknowns, but I knew I needed to be there and if that was true, I knew it would all work out. Indeed, it did. It could not have worked out more perfect and all my fears turned into perfect peace. Isn’t it amazing how we can feed our fears so easily, but the peace that comes when we don’t engage those thoughts suddenly proves to us how much our minds trick us into believing it won’t work? 

First and Foremost say this out loud, “Everything is going to be okay!”

1. Don’t overpack your carry on. Infants really only need milk. In my case, I brought a cover to breastfeed. Sometimes, I wear an undershirt so that when I lift my shirt, my belly is still covered. I also have a light cotton cover.  I think most people don’t even realize I’m feeding the baby. And hey, if you are all about showing it proud… you do you.  I just prefer the more conservative route personally.  
2. FORMULA – Not nursing (or don’t want to on a plane?) Bring your milk or formula.
3. ICE ICE BABY – If you bring breast milk, it’s easier to get it through security if it is frozen.  You will have to get a flight attendant to bring you hot water to thaw it. Don’t forget to always check with the TSA website just to be clear on the regulations. I took a screenshot before I left just to be safe. I had a small lunch box sized, fabric cooler with about 30 oz of milk frozen in thin, flat bags. It was fully frozen when I went through security so it was good to go. They did ask me to take one bag out to inspect, but it was no big deal.  
4. INFANT SEATS & STROLLERS – Go ahead and bring your stroller and infant seat all the way to the gate.  Sometimes I will check them both because baby is just happier being worn in a wrap, but you can take your stroller and infant seat to the gate and check them just as you board the plane.  This gives you wheels to make getting around the airport a bit easier. You also don’t have to worry about early loading damage to these important items. 
5. FULL FLIGHT – Bonus: When I get to the gate, I ask the gate attendant if the flight is full.  If it isn’t I ask if she can get me a seat next to an open seat. If she can, I can take the car seat on the plane with me without having to purchase a second ticket.  Baby can now be strapped safely next to me for free! Hello hands free! I’ve never flown an airline that wasn’t happy to do this for me. After all, whatever makes baby happy, makes the whole plane happy.  
6. POP THOSE EARS – While we are talking about milk… Most babies tend to fuss more during takeoff and landing.  Their little ears feel the pressure just like yours. I find that if I give baby a pacifier or nurse him just as we are about to go wheels up, this not only helps them to go to sleep quickly, but it also helps to keep their ears clear.  
7. MINIMAL FAVORITES – If you are traveling with kids a little more independent, they can pack their own backpack for the trip.  You know your child best, but I find that packing minimal means less to keep up with in such a small space.  I’m a big electronics fan for airplane travel. I don’t want to chase crayons down the aisle or mess with small puzzle pieces.  If the flight is a little longer, flight attendants are usually great about making sure the kids get extra snacks.  
8. DIAPER, BOOB, BURP – If baby fusses… You know, they are just little people and sometimes we just can’t always figure out what the issue is.  On my last trip, when John would fuss I would gently bounce him to work out any gas. You know your baby best so use your own soothing motions.  My pattern is usually as follows: Check diaper, attach to boob, attempt to burp.  
9. STANK CHANGES – Diaper changes… now this only works because John is still so small, but I am quite efficient at changing a diaper on my lap.  Sometimes to be polite, I say to the person next to me “I promise this will be really fast and inoffensive. Do you mind if I quickly change his diaper in my lap”.  Everyone has always been very kind to say it was fine. If your baby is on solids… PLEASE don’t attempt this. Puew! There is a line that needs to be drawn. I’m respectful and stash the dirty diaper in my bag and make it obvious that I use a wipe to clean my hands well after.  There is a changing table in the bathroom if needed. Clean that puppy REALLY good before ever placing an infant on one of those. 

And that’s it! I hope those were helpful and give you some eyes in the sky, while you’re still on the ground. You got this mama. Just breathe. It’s all going to be okay!

Happy Travels this holiday season! And, if you’re looking to start 2020 off right, check me out on FACEBOOK and see what we’re up too!

xoxo, Rebekah