Gone are the days when Alec and I could just go away for a few months with nothing but a pair of backpacks. Traveling with a baby requires more strategery, but this is one of my strengths, so allow me to share a tip:
You do not need to bring it all with you!
Flying with babies is a whole new adventure. And with the new luggage restrictions? Hold me. After a recent trip to Chicago (in which we did not travel light), I discovered that there are many ways to avoid carrying 17 bags, a stroller, a suitcase full of diapers, a carseat and a sleeping place for the baby. Here’s how:
- Call before you go. If you’re visiting friends or family, can they borrow a bouncy seat and a pack n play for a few days? Does the hotel already provide portacribs? Whitney and I bring our own sheets so the bed will smell like home (and a single sheet packs easier than the whole portible crib).
- Send stuff ahead. Jet Set Babies and Babies Travel Lite both send ahead kits of diapering and feeding supply “bundles.” You can do it yourself on Drugstore.com or Amazon too.
- Shop when you get there. Do yourself a favor and carry on one diaper per hour of the flight and toss a few more in your luggage. Then plan to buy ‘em when you get there. On this same trip to Chicago, we only packed about 10 of Holden’s #2 Huggies and the drugstore we went to carried only #1 or #3 (of every single brand!) but we managed.
- Rent some baby gear. After you’ve exhausted the free options, Traveling Baby Company and The New Parents Guide list many baby equipment renters across the country so you can have a high chair and a bag of toys ready when you get there. If you are traveling without your partner, you might want to consider doing this, as carrying all that crap AND a baby who needs to get changed or fed as soon as you get off the plane is pretty overwhelming.
Now, going to visit grandma doesn’t have to be like camping unless you want it to be.
Anyone else have tips to share about lightening your load when traveling with a baby?
[...] More tips on how to travel light when you’re a rookie mom… [...]
On recent trips to Texas and Florida, we rented a car seat for my daughter. BEWARE, however, of doing this. The car seat rental company was separate from the car rental company, and we arrived at midnight to a seat that was too large for my daughter (in Texas). I didn’t even have the option to wait until morning because we were actually going to Waco (from Dallas, where we flew in) which was a 2 hour drive. We just did our best, tightened the belts, and prayed the 3 days we were there (and she was fine, but I felt like the worst mother ever).
Make sure that you specify the weight of your child when you call (I had only given them her age, and she’s petite), because there may not always be someone available to correct it if the rental company sends the wrong size.
Here’s a tip: pack earplugs and hand them out to fellow travelers to secure their affections and sympathy.
Here’s an article with more travel tips (and the best travel websites) on TimesOnline.
If you are considering renting your baby gear at your destination city, be sure to look for companies associated with Baby Travel Pros. Member companies of Baby Travel Pros agree to adhere to best business practices which include excellent customer service, superior cleanliness and most importantly carry safe gear. Several companies even offer a buy for baby option and will deliver diapers, baby food, formula, toddler snacks and whatever you may need. Most companies offer delivery and pickup to homes, hotels, airports, and car rental agencies. http://babytravelpros.org
I flew across country by myself with a 7 month old. We had no layovers and had to get on four different flights. I did it and survived. A couple of help tips that I used were…
1) Only bring a few toys.. and you wonder how to make the toys not end up on the airplane floor, I tied the toys to a large shoe lace and held the end of it in my hand… The toys never hit the floor.
2) Dont bring a purse and a diaper bag. Pack your purse in your suitcase and put your wallet in the diaper bag.
3) When packing your diaper bag.. Remember where everything is. So when you have the baby in your hand, you don’t have to dig through your diaper bag to get a diaper.
4) Just pack one blanket. You will not use the others and it creates to many thing to keep track of.
5) Use pre-measuered formula containers…
6) Check in the stroller and just bring a carrier.. Some times you don’t have to wait to load into the stroller when you have to run across the airport to catch your next flight.
7) Try to have snacks to feed the baby on the plane..
All in all people thought I was crazy when they found out I was flying with a baby by myself. But I was organized and did it with out a crying baby.
I flew from NY to NC with my 8 month old daughter the first week of December, First time! I flew Southwest, We had 30 min layover in Baltimore, I made sure I did not have to switch flights & it was a good time to Let Samantha stretch her legs, Play with her toys & have the flight attendants oogle over her. We got stuck sitting in the last row all the way in the back & it was a blessing. I dont think I could of done it alone if I had to run to catch another flight. I made the mistake of packing too much. too many toys & by the end of the flight, everything hit the ground.
Lori
…and if you travel to San Diego try Go Baby Go!: http://www.gobabygosandiego.com
[...] Travel light. Pack a sheet from home but use a travel crib you can borrow. [...]