So my husband, 10 week old baby boy and I are going to do a long weekend in Texas at the end of the month before I head back to work (the baby and I will be flying out and back solo as my husband is already there for work!!!!). Curious of travel tips? Especially for navigating the airport/flight. I plan on taking our stroller/carseat, but we're going see if the car rental place has a car seat base we can use. If not, I think we can actually rent one through a company at our destination. How do I deal with security? Checking the stroller/car seat?? Do I need any documents for the baby? Your services and advice are appreciated!!! Traveling Mama
Dear Traveling Mama,
You go girl! So happy to see that a flight alone with your baby wasn't standing in the way of a travel weekend before you go back to work (because that is SO fun, said no new mom ever).
I've previously written a few posts on traveling, although they are more geared towards toddler traveling - but they definitely have tips to help with an infant too! The first link had two other links in it - check those out too!
My most recent post on traveling: Holiday Travel with Little Ones -Tricks and Deep Breaths
And some additional thoughts that I don't think I've ever written down, so here goes!
As far as the car seat goes, BRING YOUR OWN! Don't ever rent one from a car rental company. You don't know if they've been in an accident, you don't know how old they are and you don't know if they've been broken - basically, you never know what you'll get or how safe it actually is. You can find some bad stories online....safer to just bring your own! You could look into a baby stuff rental company but I've never used one and I think they're pricey (and potentially have the same pitfalls as a rental through a car rental agency). Do you have a snap and go stroller (that the car seat snaps in to)? Just stroll the baby through the airport and gate check his stroller and car seat. Buy the big red gate check bag for the car seat (I think I talk about that in one of my linked posts, but it's just this huge bag that keeps your car seat from getting filthy in the luggage hold of the plane). Don't bring the car seat base...it's really easy to just use the seat belt to strap it in. The only reason I hate bringing a stroller through the airport is because you have to use the airport elevators, and my claustrophobia kicks in. BUT, you get to bypass the big security line at the airport and by using the stroller line! Also if your flight is delayed, it's nice to have the stroller. The baby carriers are great but they can get heavy after a while. I would bring your carrier though and perhaps use it on the flight! And if you decide to skip the stroller altogether, just bring a light blanket in your carry-on-bag so you can put the baby on the blanket instead of the airport floor if you need to put him down.
Bring a copy of the baby's birth certificate (unless you wait until he is 18 months like us before you actually get around to ordering a copy!). I think I've been asked for it once for one of the boys but usually never have it. It's never been a problem. (Julian has flown to Cali, Michigan and Chicago without any documentation, but I was always a little worried about what would happen if I was asked and couldn't prove who he was.)
If there is anything to rent/get from the hotel, I'd say a crib or pack n' play is helpful. Just pack your own crib sheet. Talk to the hotel ahead of time to see what they have. I'm sure some people disagree with me here and think these cribs aren't safe or are germ-filled, but I'm not a big germaphob and we've never had an issue with a hotel crib.
On the plane, give the baby a bottle, boob or paci during take off and landing to help with the change in air pressure. Keep a diaper and wipes and change of clothes handy (big ziplock bag to put in seat back pocket works)! Pack an extra set of clothes for YOU in your carry on!
Traveling with an infant can be really easy! He'll likely sleep the whole flight. And strangers are really helpful!!!! If all else fails, find a nice looking grandma to help you in a pinch!
My last flight alone with the boys, I sat next to a guy in his mid-20s who I was sure was so pissed to be seated next to us for a flight from California to Chicago. Turns out he had little brothers and loved kids and was a HUGE help! The trip before that when Julian and I were traveling alone to Chicago we sat next to an older gentleman who had ten kids and had no issue with a breastfeeding woman next to him. I think he even held Julian so I could run to the bathroom.
You'll do great! Babies really can be great travel companions! Good luck and let me know how the trip goes!!!
xoxo,
Why Mommy
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