My husband, Brian, and I just completed our first trip with our eight-month-old (!!!) daughter, Billie. It was a domestic trip with his immediate family to the Outerbanks in North Carolina. This was Billie’s first time on an airplane, in a pool, on the beach, etc. We learned that Billie loves being on vacation with family. We also learned a few lessons for our next trip. Here are key takeaways that may help you with your travel with a little one.
Do: Write a Packing List
After years of always forgetting something important, I started making a packing list for every vacation. It’s essentially the same list that is altered for each trip based on the weather, activities, etc. You still might forget something, I certainly have, but most of the time I have almost everything I need. Creating a list for Billie initially felt intimidating until I went about it the same way I would create a list for myself.
What I do is, go through an average day. Billie’s routine is really the same daily. Wake up, diaper change, bottle, playtime, and then change out of pajamas. Minus the outfit change, we sort of rinse and repeat this routine between naps with some occasional variations. So on a very basic level, she needs diapers, wipes, diaper cream, bottles, formula, toys, and an outfit for the day. Of course, there was much more to the list, but starting with basics helps build it out.
I’ll say while I did forget one thing on my list, Billie’s list was perfect and we had everything we needed.
Don’t: Wait it out if it feels like your little one is getting sick before the trip
Billie is in daycare so since she started she always has an on-and-off sniffle, sneeze, and/or cough. The cough in particular we had been watching, but were holding off on bringing her to the pediatrician because other than that she seemed pretty symptom-free and in good spirits. The weekend before leaving for our trip, Billie spiked a fever and became very lethargic. We took her to pediatric urgent care and she was diagnosed with an ear infection (her third one since April) and a slight case of pneumonia. The latter was considered a false diagnosis by our pediatrician the next day, but she definitely had an ear infection.
While I did what I believed to be best for Billie, if we had gotten her to the doctor sooner we wouldn’t have risked her flying with an ear infection.
Do: Bring a hanging closet organizer for the baby’s daily outfits (and more)
I cannot express how much easier this made packing Billie’s stuff. I saw on Instagram or TikTok (or both) that it is a good idea to pack your baby’s things in a hanging closet organizer. This way you’re not spending each day sifting for a onesie or bib, for example. I started by packing each section of the closet organizer with pajamas, a full outfit, a burping cloth, and a bib. Once I packed an outfit for each day, I threw in a few extras of each item because accidents happen. With the remaining sections, I put in loose items that I did not want to be flung into the suitcase and ultimately hard to find. For example, a sponge to be used specifically for Billie’s bottles, spoons for solids, and small toys.
Don’t: Assume wherever you are going will have exactly what your baby uses regularly, if you run out of it
This applies to everything from baby clothes to diapers. We use a formula that is available at Target, but not all Targets. Also, even if it was available, the closest Target was 45 minutes away. We use diapers that are in no way specialty but the nearby supermarket didn’t have the ones we use in Billie’s size. The diapers are an easy pivot, but any formula-feeding parent knows that what works for one infant, might not work for the other. So I’m very happy we packed an extra can of formula (which we needed right before heading to the airport). The moral of the story is if you feel like you can’t make it work with an alternative, bring extra, and don’t depend on your vacation locale to have it.
Do: Bring extra diaper change essentials
Diapers are interesting because no matter how much mental gymnastics you do, whatever number you have in your head, you probably need more. They take up space, but you will not regret bringing extra diapers, wipes, and diaper cream. Yes, you can buy more in a pinch, but do you want to? Especially if you know what you use at home works really well for your baby?
For context, we brought two full packs of diapers. On the last day before we flew home, we realized we were running very low. Ultimately we didn’t quite run out (if you include what was in the diaper bag), but it was a little too close for comfort. We did end up buying more, but as previously mentioned it wasn’t the exact type we use. Thankfully, it was the same brand we use, so we know Billie’s skin agrees with it.
Don’t: Wait until you board the plane to break down your stroller/put your car seat in a carrier bag (if gate checking)
As we were boarding the first flight, I noticed all of the other parents had already broken down their strollers and put their car seats into their carrier bags. At that moment, I knew we had screwed up. We were allowed to pre-board but spent most of that added time sweating while breaking everything down/stuffing them into their designated bags. And by “we”, I mean Brian. I had a baby strapped to me and couldn’t be much help.
Gate check is a breeze, if you’re prepared, which we were for the flight home.
Do: Be prepared to bring way more than you ever did before having a baby
Before Billie, I was a proud member of #TeamCarryOn. If a trip was a week or under I did not check a bag.
That simply is not possible with a baby. The diapers alone make it impossible. Once you remove the stress of trying to fit everything into a carry-on, you will feel so much better. Just be sure not to go too crazy because there are still baggage weight limits!
Don’t: Leave yourself with minimal time to get to the airport and through security
From experience, take whatever time you would normally leave for the airport and leave at least an hour earlier. Nothing is more stressful than feeling like you’re tight on time when going through airport security. We were pretty nimble baggage-wise, but everything just takes extra time. Of course, as you become more seasoned with traveling with little ones. you don’t have to bake in quite as much time. For your first couple of trips, I would recommend giving yourself some extra time to get situated.
Do: Feed your baby during take-off and landing
Whether it’s breastfeeding or in a bottle, feeding your baby during take-off and landing can help keep them calm as cabin pressure changes. This is also simply a soothing action that can distract them from all the newness with something familiar.
Don’t: Go crazy with airplane entertainment
This, of course, varies by age, but you know what Billie found most entertaining the entire trip? Anything but toys! We got a solid ten minutes of pure fascination from a plastic cup. This is not to say to show up empty-handed, especially on a long-haul flight. You will use some of it, but save some space in the diaper bag by not overloading with the entertainment.
PS- remember to go for small and/or compact.
Do: Wear your baby in a carrier while going through security and while boarding the plane
Not having to pull your baby in and out of a stroller instantly makes you more agile. You can even throw things on the conveyor belt to get scanned because you have free hands. I’ve heard sometimes airport security might give you trouble and give you an extra scan once you go through the metal detector, but that wasn’t my experience. We transferred Billie to the stroller once we got through the security checkpoint and put her back in the carrier when we were boarding.
Note, you’re not allowed to wear baby during the flight per FAA regulations. So you will need to take him or her out once you get settled into your seat.
Don’t: Bring Your Everyday Stroller
The main reason is what happens when you get home if the stroller is damaged during travel? Also, I guarantee your everyday stroller is large. We have a smaller one and it still looks gargantuan next to the travel one we bought. We opted for a travel stroller that is so compact that it fits into the overhead compartment on the plane.
Do: Be flexible with bedtime and other routines
This is especially applies if you are traveling with family. It is hard to be rigid with schedules when you have to factor other people into the equation. Even if you are solo you need to leave some wiggle room. For example, we had a family dinner at a restaurant that ended around Billie’s usual bedtime. It threw things off a bit, but we managed. Most importantly Billie was fine.
Of course, try to maintain some sort of schedule. No need for chaos to ensue, but don’t stress about it being perfect because, if we’re honest, is it ever perfect? Even at home?
Don’t: Forget laundry detergent and/or a stain remover
Let’s just say with a baby. there are some soils and stains we don’t want to wait to deal with until we get home. Bring a little laundry detergent and/or stain remover so that you can hand wash things before you give a true wash at home.
Do: Remember tears are their only way of communicating
Babies are unpredictable humans who have no way of expressing how they feel with words. That means sometimes if they’re not a fan of whatever situation you put them in, they might cry. They might scream. While that is completely unacceptable for adults, it’s par for the course of a baby. It will happen at a moment you don’t want it to. Probably more than once. But know that if they could say, “Mommy, the sun is in my eyes” or “This plane is too loud”, they would. And eventually, they will, but right now all they have is tears.
I don’t say this to say that it makes it any less stressful in the moment. I’m just sharing this as a reminder for all parents, including myself.
Don’t: Forget to take in the new experiences your baby is having
It’s amazing to see the world through Billie’s eyes! I don’t remember my first time in a swimming pool, but I will never forget hers. This trip as a whole, except for the beach (she’s not a fan yet), I have never seen Billie happier and more curious. I’ll take any meltdown if it means I can see Billie having the time of her life in her little shaded pool floatie laughing when her cousin splashes by. Our babies won’t remember the early trips, so we need to savor the special moments for them!
Next stop, Italia. Wish us luck!
Alexa Alfonso 