The holidays are about joy, love, and merrymaking. But as every parent knows, traveling with an infant can sometimes feel like an obstacle course set at 30,000 feet! But fear not, brave jet-setter. With the right preparations and a sprinkle of patience, you and your little one can conquer the skies together. Hereās your ultimate guide to making your high-flying holiday hassle-free!
Packing Essentials: Everything but the Kitchen Sink!
Grab your luggage because it's time to pack! Below is a bullet-point checklist to ensure you have everything you need for your pint-sized passenger:
Diapering:
Diapers (6-8 for every 12 hours of travel)
Wipes (1-2 travel packs)
Changing pad
Small trash bags or diaper disposal bags
Hand sanitizer
Feeding:
If breastfeeding: a shawl or nursing cover or if you dare, go ala bare!
Bottled milk/formula: check TSA airline regulations but generally 100ml or less per container for carry-on
2-3 bottles and nipples
Baby food & spoons (if your baby is on solids) TSA Guides
Burp cloths (2-3)
Bibs (2)
Comfort:
Pacifiers (2, because we know one always goes MIA)
Blanket
Two sets of clothes changes for baby per day (spills, spit-up, and other mishaps happen!)
Entertainment:
2-3 of baby's favorite toys (preferably quiet ones)
Health:
Baby pain relief (like Tylenol, after consulting your pediatrician)
First-aid kit
Baby's regular medication (if any)
Navigating Airports and Airlines:
Every airline and airport can have different policies, especially when it comes to infants. Here's what you need to be aware of:
Tickets and Boarding: Some airlines allow infants under two years to fly for free if they're seated on a parent's lap. However, for the baby's safety (and your sanity), it might be worth buying an extra seat if budget allows.
Security Checks: You can usually carry baby food, milk, and medications in quantities larger than the standard 100ml, but always check in advance. They might need to undergo additional screenings.
Feeding Stations: Many airports now offer private nursing pods or dedicated areas for nursing mothers. Look them up in advance or ask the airport information desk.
Traveling Snacks for Mom:
When you're handling a baby on the go, you'll need all the energy and calories you can get! Here are some protein-packed snacks to keep you, and in turn your baby, fueled and happy: Protein is key for milk volume so don't skip it, especially while traveling!
Almonds or mixed nuts
Greek yogurt (grab one after airport security)
Hard-boiled eggs
Protein bars or shakes
Peanut butter & whole grain crackers
Up, Up and Away: Keeping Baby Comfortable In-Flight
Traveling by air can be a new and sometimes unsettling experience for babies. Here are some tips to keep the journey smooth:
For Baby's Ears: The change in air pressure during takeoff and landing can be uncomfortable. Nursing, bottle feeding, or letting your baby suck on a pacifier can help. If you can, look into noise cancelling ear phones for babies.
Entertainment: Engage your baby with toys, or simply walk them up and down the aisle when safe to do so.
Sleep: Try to align flight times with nap times. The hum of the plane can be surprisingly soothing!
Rent baby equipment
To make your life easier in the airport, rent baby equipment. You can get things like cribs, car seats and high chairs delivered to your destination airport or hotel. Thereās no need to deal with the hassle of bringing such equipment with you when this service is available. Plus, you can save big on baggage fees. You can also have items shipped directly to your destination, from foods to car seats, strollers and more.
Airline | Fee | Notes |
Free if held in lap; ticketed fare if in reserved seat. | Infants as young as 2 days old can travel. A passenger medical form is required to be filled out for infants less than 7 days old. | |
Free if held in lap (within the US) or reduced fare (international travel); ticketed fare if in reserved seat. | One lap-held infant per adult passenger. A seat must be purchased for additional infants. | |
āFree if held in lap within the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. | International travel requires a purchased ticket and is subject to infant fares and taxes. | |
Free if held in lap; international flights will incur taxes and fees that apply to the international portion of the itinerary. | A boarding pass is not required for a lap infant, butt you will need a Boarding Verification Document. | |
Free if held in lap domestically. For international trips, there will be a fee for the portion from the international city tothe U.S. | Those traveling with an adult who is not their parent must have a notarized letter of authorization. | |
Free if held in lap domestically. For international trips, there will be a fee for the portion from the international city tothe U.S. | To guarantee a seat for the infant (and a carry-on luggage allowance), it is required to purchase a regular adult ticketed fare. | |
Free if held in lap; ticketed fare if in reserved seat. Taxes and fees may apply for the infant, depending on destination. | āA child is eligible to sit on an adultās lap during flights from ages 7 days to 23 months. | |
Free if held in lap; ticketed fare if in reserved seat. | An adult traveling with a lap infant is allowed a second personal item, such as a diaper bag, free of charge. | |
āFree if held in lap; ticketed fare if in reserved seat. | āFor international flights, the lap child fare is 10% of the accompanying adult fare, plus taxes and fees. | |
āInfant fare if held in lap; child fare if traveling in a separate seat or car seat. | āEligible infant age is 8 days through 2 years old. | |
āWithin Canada: Free if held in lap; ticketed adult fare if in reserved seat. | āFor Canada/USA travel, lap infants will incur taxes, and a reserved seat is the same fare as an adult ticket. For international travel, a lap infant is 10% of the adult fare, while a reserved seat is at a childās fare. | |
A seat can be purchased for an infant if desired but is not necessary. | Infants from seven (7) days until under 2 years of age (24 months) may travel as a lap child and do not require their own seat. |
In conclusion, while traveling with a baby might seem daunting, remember: preparation is half the battle. Once you're equipped with the right tools and knowledge, you're set for a journey filled with adventure and adorable baby giggles. So, here's to smooth skies and happy holidays! Safe travels!
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