Travelling with Baby!

My daughter was 3 and a half months when I decided to take her across the country from North Carolina to Colorado. Since then we have also travelled from North Carolina to Arizona which is a 5 hour flight! On top of this I did both of these trips by myself, yep, just me and the baby. I must be crazy. Like many new moms, I was very trepedatious about the travelling and worried about how it was going to go. After doing it a couple of times I am going to give you the tips that have helped me.

Booking your travel:
-Book an aisle seat if possible
-Book a seat in the back of the airplane
-Try to book either early in the AM or late at night-Usually your little one will sleep better

Managing it all
When I started to plan for my first cross country trip the first thing on my mind was, "How can I travel as simply and lightly as possible?" Airlines allow each adult to have their checked bag as well as a stroller and carseat without cost. Southwest Airlines allows two checked bags as well as a stroller and carseat at no cost. Check your airline before you go! Here are the customer service numbers of most major airlines.

Aero California 800-237-6225
Aero Mexico 800-237-6639
Alaska Airlines 800-426-0333, 866-516-1685
American Airlines 800-433-7300
Bearskin Airlines 800-465-2327
Continental Airlines 800-525-0280
Delta Airlines 800-221-1212
Frontier Airlines 800-432-1359
Hawaiian Airlines 800-367-5320
JetBlue 800-538-2583
Mexicana Airlines 800-531-7921
Southwest Airlines 800-435-9792
Spirit Airlines 800-772-7117
United Airlines 800-241-6522
US Airways 800-428-4322
Virgin America 877-359-8474
WestJet Airlines 800-538-5696

Each airline also has a different policy for how you include your child in your trip. For Southwest, at the time that you purchase your ticket you have to designate that you will be holding a child on your lap. They may ask you for the date of birth and other information. Just be sure that you check with your airline!

You can check your stroller and carseat at the gate if you would like, but getting everything through security is a hassle and can be very stressful. The best thing to do is to buy a Baby carrier. Bob and I own a Baby Bjorn and we absolutely love it! You can visit their website at www.babybjorn.com or find them at any Target or Babies R Us.


This is an invaluable piece for the baby. Next, I decided that I only wanted to have to deal with one other bag so I combined my diaper bag and purse. Don't forget to pack the following things in your diaper bag:

-Extra clothes for the baby
-Burp clothes
-Small blanket
-Your Hooter Hider-Very Critical especially if you are breastfeeding. I highly recommend the hider from Bebe Au Lait. See their selection at www.bebeaulait.com


-Pacifier-and clip. It is so easy to keep track of. Here is one by "Munchkin" which you can buy at Target or Babies R Us


-Wipes
-Diapers
-Bottle/Formula- Even if you are breastfeeding having a bottle gives you a peace of mind. Put the formula in the bottle without the water so that you can add the water easily.
-BABY Documents- Most airlines require a SHOT RECORD and a BIRTH CERTIFICATE. You will need a PASSPORT or If you have the baby's social security card bring that too!
-Snacks-simple, non messy things that you can eat with one hand
-Bottle for water

Carry a bottle for water that you can fill up and have on the plane. When you are travelling with a child on your lap, both of your hands are always busy and keeping an airport cup from spilling is almost impossible! My first trip I didn't even get a drink because I was too busy with the baby! So come prepared and do not expect to be able to enjoy the in flight snacks.

Getting Dressed
Another really important part of travelling with an infant is that you, the mom, dress comfortably and simply. No jewlery, no extra pieces of clothes. Wear slip on shoes so that you can easily get off at the security checkpoint. You will actually carry your baby through the scanner and will get to forego the full body scanner. YEAH! If you are carrying your baby in the Bjorn or other carrier, you will be required to take your baby out of it and send it through the scanner. Be simplistic! It makes the whole process easier!


Most of the airport staff is willing to help, but the TSA staff cannot touch your child so don't expect them to help you with your stuff. Another critical "dressing" tip for mom is, if you are breastfeeding, to wear a shirt that has easy access. Here is a picture of two different shirts that I own. Both worked fantastic. This first one has a wide neck to provide quick access.



The V neck one is the easiest. Having quick and simple access is vital for a low stress travel experience. I also highly recommend dressing your little bundle in a onsie. Don't have miscellaneous pieces, socks, shoes, hats etc. that can fall off and get lost. It will just be an added stress point!


Once you reach your gate most airlines offer family boarding. Take advantage of it! Meet the attendants in your section and introduce them to your baby. The attendants want to help and want you to have a good flight. Get your hooter hider, burp cloth, water and snack out and put it in the pocket on the seat in front of you. I put my hider on at the beginning of the flight and never took it off. If your baby gets super fussy and you can't get up......put them on the breast! Even if they just ate, don't be afraid to do it. Many times babies just want to suckle to feel secure! If you are not breastfeeding, try the bottle with either formula or just water! Do what you need to make them feel secure.

Once you are in flight and the seatbelt sign is off, don't be afraid to walk around with the baby. That is why I recommended the seat in the back of the plane. You can stand back in the galley, walk around, and just let your little one see the sights. Some attendants may give you a dirty look, but again, do whatever you have to do to make your experience peaceful.

If you have to go to the bathroom midflight, don't be afraid to ask an attendant to hold the baby for you. They are allowed to help you and most of them are more then willing to give you a hand.

My daughter never had a difficult time with the pressure changes, but do your best to have a pacifier, bottle or the breast handy for going up and coming down as it helps them to keep their ears clear.

Most importantly though remember this one tip...babies respond to how mom is feeling. If you are stressed and worried, the baby will mimick your stress.

Happy Travels!