We finally got to travel with Baby Boy last month and things went WELL! It was time for him to meet more family and my sister got engaged so I was NOT missing that!
I looked up a ton of blog posts and YouTube videos on traveling with a baby and sketched out my plan! I had my checklist, checked them twice, and got into my travel mantra…
Calm Mommy, Calm Baby
No matter what happened, I decided I was going to stay calm during our travels and roll with the punches. He was 6 months at the time and introduced to many new things! I didn’t want him to turn up but I also knew some of it was out of my hands. I kept my zen and prayed Baby Boy would latch on to that energy!
Log Your Day
Taking note of what we use in a day helped me make our original packing list. Of course, this list was all-encompassing, but I was then able to think through what we may not use and remove it from the list. Did we need the monitor? No. Did we need extra bibs? Yes! Check out this video for details on what I packed for Baby Boy!
Practice Eating On The Go
Baby boy had been eating solids for about a month leading up to the trip so I had to figure out a way to keep the momentum. I got him a travel utensil set and grabbed a variety of pouches to get us to our destination. Leading up to the trip, we practiced feeding him via the pouch/spoon while he was on our laps vs. a high chair. I learned that if I used the spoon, I didn’t need to change his bib. I also learned that he and his dad eat straight from the pouch so he was expecting that if his dad was feeding. That creates more mess so mommy did the feedings while traveling lol
We planned enough time each way for us to get to the gate in time to feed him before we boarded the plane. With so much going on around him, feedings took a bit longer but it was nice to have extra room and enjoy him taking it all in.
Plan For Sanantiary Pumping
My son has not latched since we left the hospital so breastfeeding/pumping was a bit tricky. I was super worried about sanitary pumping on the go so I decided to use the Kiinde bottle system. This allowed me to pump directly into bags that fit into a bottle he could feed on. We introduced that travel bottle a few weeks before our trip and he had no issues with the switch. I packed a lunchbox/cooler with enough frozen milk for a few days. NOTE: ice packs must be completely frozen when they go through TSA. There is no limit on the amount of milk you can bring for domestic travel, and baby food/milk does not have to be within the 3oz carry-on limits. I let them know I had breastmilk in the cooler and they didn’t even unzip it (I was fine with it going through the x-ray so they didn’t need to test it). I also brought a few bags of fresh milk for him to drink until I was able to pump again. Keep an eye out for a more detailed video on this but I’m here if you have questions!
The Doona Is The GOAT
I am not sure what we will do when he grows out of it, but the Doona car seat/stroller is EVERYTHING! I know people solely use it as a travel stroller but we use it daily and love it! We were able to wheel him right to the gate and check the stroller there. My son is 22 lbs., that’s a lot of weight to wear through the ATL Airport. We got the padded travel cover and only had to carry him on and off the plane. He loves his stroller but we did bring a carrier if he got antsy. We didn’t end up using it but you know your child. It may be worth packing!
Packing Cubes Are The Baby GOAT
I not only used them to save space but I was able to segment his items as well. This means I didn’t have to unpack to get him ready. Everything he needed for bath time was in one cube!
I also packed his outfits together. I rolled tops, bottoms, bibs, and socks together so it was easy to get him ready! No searching for little socks or trying to remember what outfits you put together! I did overpack since we were able to do laundry. If I did it again I would’ve packed fewer outfits.
Be A Smart Packer
My diaper bag had the things I needed easily accessible. Clorox wipes and hand and face wipes for him right in front. variety of toys to keep him entertained in a small bag that I could find without looking. Extra bibs so we didn’t have to change clothes on the plan (he is teething so things get wet). I used dad’s diaper bag for things I didn’t want in a checked bag but wouldn’t need during travel (ie. my pump, his nebulizer, etc.).
I also only packed enough diapers and wipes to get us to our destination. We were renting a car, so there was no need to take up space in our luggage with diapers and wipes. We stopped by Target for diapers, wipes, and food once we reached our destination. If we were traveling internationally I would try to stash a few packs in the car seat cover to save space lol.
Watch For Cues
We did our best to keep him on his schedule but it was an adventure. Once we reached our destination, he needed a little time with mommy to take it all in. I gave him a bottle and we took a nap before he had to interact with others. He was in a much better mood after we stepped away and more open to leaving my side. I watched for his cues and didn’t feel bad letting people know he needs mommy to do this feeding or put him down for a nap. A few people only got to see him for a bit because they decided to stop by at bedtime. Sorry, not sorry! He is a super chill baby but if he is hungry or sleepy he is going to let you know!
Go With The Flow
While I did my best to keep him on schedule, I allowed him to take the lead. His bedtime was later after the first night and he wanted milk over food sometimes, but we figured it out. Like I said above, I did my best to check in and figure out what he needed. Sometimes it was milk over solids, other times it was stepping away for a little quiet time. Don’t be afraid to adjust!
Our first trip as a family of three was a huge success. We planned but stayed open and things went smoothly! Did he yell a few times on the plane? Yup! Did I care? No! He is a baby and these folks will live! With it being our first flight since the start of COVID, I did splurge and get First Class. It was really nice having the extra room and privacy while we were figuring things out! Don’t let travel intimidate you! See the world while that baby can fly for free lol
XOXO, Laya
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