7 Tips For Traveling With An Infant

Traveling with an infant is not rocket science, but if you have ever been on an airplane with one it may seem like it. There's always one. You know exactly what I'm talking about. The screaming, puking, out of control child. Ever wonder why Adult Only resorts were invented? Because not everyone wants to vacation along side unruly children or parents that were less than prepared.

I'm going to let you in on a secret as a new mom. We are NERVOUS as all get out and we really don't intend on ruining your travel experience. We aren't pinching our baby to get them to scream the entire flight. We aren't keeping them awake in the hotel to ruin your nights sleep.

We took our first family vacation when our son was 8 months old. I thought briefly about get all pinteresty and making sorry bags to pass out to everyone within ear radius (the entire plane). Then I realized I shouldn't have to. There had to be better ways to prepare for traveling then apologizing for making family memories. I jotted down notes in my head, but here is my short and sweet list after living through the experience.

1. SEE IF YOUR SHUTTLE/TAXI PROVIDES CARSEATS

Call ahead of time and ask if your transfer provides carseats. You can even ask for make and model of carseat if you are that nervous. We were traveling to Mexico, and I have seen those families in the airport carrying carseats, strollers, pack in plays, 5 diaper bags...we were not about to be that family. Infants under 2 get free lap tickets on most airlines. I didn't want to lug a carseat unless it was necessary. Our transfer provided a Graco MyRide carseat and our son was perfectly safe in it.

2. BOOK A CRIB FOR YOUR ROOM

While were on the topic of not packing everything under the sun, did you know hotels often provide cribs? All you have to do is call and reserve one. Ours provided a wooden crib with a mattress and sheets (although we did pack one of his crib sheets just to be safe, I'm not about to give my baby bed bugs.) Some hotels provide pack-n-plays, but either way it is one less large item you can check off your packing list.

3. OVER PACK SUNSCREEN

If you are traveling to a tropical destination baby sunscreen is a must. "I'm packing rash guards, so he won't need sunscreen." Your baby is about to look and sound like a lobster in boiling water. Pack the sunscreen, and SLATHER that white goop all over his cute baby body. One of our family members paid $45 dollars for one tiny tube of sunscreen at the resort. This is one item you will be glad you over packed on.

4. INVEST IN REUSABLE POUCHES

If your baby is old enough to eat solids I high recommend buying a pack of these off Amazon. You can put any mashed or blended food into them. Applesauce, yogurt, avocado, you name it. They are easy to clean out, and compact to travel with. Also read TSA guidelines for baby food. Baby food, breastmilk and juice are allowed in your carry on without following the 3-1-1 rule.

5. FEED THE BABY DURING TAKE OFF & LANDING

Whether you breastfeed or bottle feed, this is key. We were able to avoid all ear problems and screaming by following this tip. Timing the feedings with the flights was a little tricky, but so worth it. Bring a cover or an Aiden blanket. Even if you are a free the nipple kind of mom remember your boob will be inches from another human. You may end up on an aisle seat across from a teenage boy. He may be from an ALL BOYS CATHOLIC SCHOOL on a MISSION TRIP. You may have to bite your cover to insure that sweet squirming creature doesn't pull it off. In doing so you may awkwardly make near direct eye contact. Your baby may make extra enthusiastic sounds during this feeding, and the teenage boy's face might turn the color of the strawberry daquiri you can't wait to down. I may be speaking from first hand experience here. Having a happy quiet baby was worth every awkward second.

6. TAKE SHIFTS

Once you get to your destination take turns with baby duty. Babies need naps and shade. Lots of naps and shade. I know that may not be the type of tropical vacations you have grown accustomed to. I completely under rated napping in hammocks until I traveled with my baby. It was the best place on earth to snuggle. Take turns hitting the swim up bar, and basking in the sun. Don't panic, your baby will love the pool and want plenty of play time too. Just be prepared to share in the responsibility. Parenting doesn't get a vacation on a family vacation.

7. ENJOY IT!

Have so much fun. Make memories. Try not to worry yourself grey about what to pack, and how your baby will do traveling. Everything may not go according to plan, but enjoy it anyway.

Photo Cred: Lisa Aamot

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