I have always been a traveler. I knew once Bryce made his debut; he wasn’t going to slow me down, if anything, he would join me! In the last three months, he has been on ten flights!! He boarded his first flight right around 6 weeks, and we have been jet setting ever since. Flying with a baby can be intimidating at first, but it becomes easier the more prepared you are

Here are my top tips for traveling with a baby.

1. Pack Light
Packing light is key, especially if you are traveling by yourself with the baby. There is nothing worst than having to lug around a million bags in addition to your baby. Be strategic and try to fit everything you need for yourself and baby in one suitcase. On quick weekend trips, I can usually fit all of my stuff and Bryce’s stuff in one carry-on bag. For longer trips over four days, a medium suitcase works perfectly. The key to packing light and compact is using packing cubes. These are a MUST when packing for baby. Baby clothes are so tiny, so being able to fold and put them into organized compartments makes packing easy. I also suggest getting a really great bookbag diaper bag. This will also be your second carry- on, so you want to be able to fit everything you need for the baby in there. buybuy BABY has great variety of diaper bag backpacks.

2. Wear your baby
I do not know what I would do if I didn’t have my Boppy baby carrier. I purchased this from buybuy Baby. Wearing your baby allows for you to remain hands-free when you travel, and it will oftentimes put your little one to sleep, which is a plus. I love wearing my baby while traveling through the airport because it eliminates the need for having to push around a stroller and it makes me a little more mobile.

3. Fanny Pack
Another hands-free option that I love is my fanny pack. I like to wear this around the airport so that I can easily stick my plane ticket, phone, or any other things that I need quick and easy access to. Wearing a fanny pack allows for everything to be right at your fingertips instead of having to shuffle through a purse.

4. Keep Your baby’s birth certificate in a handy place on your phone.
The first thing the airline service rep will ask when checking into your flight is to provide proper identification for your baby. Instead of carrying around a file and shuffling through the paperwork; scan a copy of your baby’s birth certificate and save it on your phone. This will allow you to easily pull it up on your phone and show the airline rep. Once they view it, you can easily throw your phone back in your fanny pack and be done!

5. Gate check your stroller
f you decide to bring a stroller/car seat with you, be sure to gate check it. Most airlines allow you to check your stroller for free. Also, if you get tired of carrying your baby, you will have your stroller with you.

6. Wear proper nursing clothes
If you are nursing, wearing proper nursing clothes is key. It allows you to be able to easily nurse your baby on the go, especially when you are on the flight.

7. Get a window seat with your dominate breast closer to the window.
This is a little tip that’s a must for me. I prefer to sit on a window seat because it allows for a little more privacy when breastfeeding. Since my “favorite breast” to nurse on is my right, I will sit on the right side of the plane. When I am nursing, the baby is between me and the window and its easier for me to whip it out and start feeding. Whereas if I am in a middle seat or on an aisle, the baby may kick the passengers sitting next to me, or fall into the aisle.

8. Always keep the diaper bag under the seat in front of you.
Especially if you are sitting at a window seat, you will need to have quick and easy access to your diaper bag essentials.

9. Protect the ears by nursing
Right when the plane is taking off and when the plane is landing, nurse your baby. This will allow for the baby to swallow and prevent thier ears from popping. If you are not nursing, you can feed the baby with a bottle or let them suck on a pacifier.

10. Wear Baby On Flight
With traveling with kids under the age of two, most airlines will allow them to sit on your lap. Since my baby is under a year, I prefer to wear him on the flight. This will also make the baby feel secure and comfortable allowing him to fall asleep easier.

The below packing list is my must-have items when traveling with my newborn. These items can be purchased from buybuyBABY!

The Diaper Bag + Carry On Packing List
1. Diapers
2. Wipes
3. Baby Carrier
4. Burp Cloths
5. Extra Clothes – for everyone just in case.
6. Regular blanket- to wrap up in on the plane if it is cold
7. Receiving blanket- You can always keep these handy if you need to lay on a surface or for a quick clean up.
8. Snacks – For older babies that have started solids.
9. Pacifier (2-3)
10. Pacifier clip- This is key when traveling so that the pacifier doesn’t fall
11. Soiled bag- to put in any dirty diapers or clothes
12. Portable Changing table- this is a must for all diaper bags
13. Hand sanitizer/Disinfecting Wipes
14. Baby Soap
15. Stroller – optional
16. Carseat – optional
17. Handheld breast pump -for longer trips where you may need to pump)
18. Bottle

For the Suitcase
1. Additional bottles
2. Bottle cleaner brush
3. Storage Bottles/Storage bags (if pumping)
4. Nose Frida
5. Additional Diapers and wipes
6. Clothes (onsies, PJs, Bibs, Shoes, Jackets, Sweaters)
7. More burp Clothes
8. supplies – baby soap, lotion, thermometer, diaper cream, Tylenol for fever

My Favorite Gear
1. Carseat Travel Bag- this makes it easy when carrying your car seat around the airport. If you check it, it also protects it from getting dirty and damaged.
2. Boppy Carrier- As I mentioned above, this is my go-to. Hands down the best investment I have made all year.
3. Medella Harmony Manual Pump- This thing gets the job DONE! I love it. It is quick and easy.
4. Chicco Bravo Trio System- I love this stroller system so much- check out this blog post for full details
5. Phillips Avent Bottles
6. Philips Avent Pacifiers
7. Nose Frida- This is a must-have. Helps clear babies nose most effectively
8. Away Suitcase
9. Back Pack Diaper Bag

My Top Tips For Traveling With A Baby