The Checklist for Flying With a Baby

As we're finishing up packing for another flight, I'm marking check, check and check. No matter how experienced of an individual frequent flyer you are, I recommend using a checklist to cross your t's and dot your i's when traveling with a baby.

Let's start with the carry on bag — after all, you're going to need something to hold everything on this checklist. A carry on with multiple, open pockets is key. If you're able to find a backpack style, even better. Using the Hip Cub Weekender Tote has been perfect for us with Taegan from age 2 months until now (14 months): https://hipcub.com/products/

Now, what to put in the bag? A general rule that I have found to work is to plan for how many hours you'll be in-flight, then add two hours before and two hours after when it comes to bottles, snacks or diapers. Also, you'll want to consider potential delays so add a "spare or two" of those essential items. As for the specifics, this is the list I use — but of course please adapt it accordingly to your flight time or needs...

1. These are the accessible items you're going to want to put in the outside pockets of your carry-on:

  • Similac 8 oz On-The-Go formula (2) — even though these are 8 oz, TSA should allow you to take these through security as long as you're comfortable with the bottle(s) being opened for a paper strip test

  • Filled formula dispenser — purchase the bottle of water in the airport or on the flight as it won't make it through security

  • Ziploc containers, extra small filled with snacks (2)

  • 8 oz Bottles (3)

  • Dapple pacifier wipes (6)

  • Wipeable bib with pocket

  • Bandana bib with teether

  • Burp cloth (a large burp cloth can also work as a blanket)

  • Diapers (2)

  • Disposable changing pads (2)

  • Huggies travel size hand and face wipes

  • Toy(s) with minimal sound

2. Find a small inner pocket in your carry on for these potentially useful items:

  • Baby comb

  • Thermometer

  • Boogie sucker

  • Nail clipper

  • Band-Aid travel pack

  • Tylenol or any medicine for you — as you don't want to be feeling not so hot while traveling alone

  • Earplugs — in case you're little one is unsettled, these are nice to offer to passengers next to you

3. In the outer zipper, I use a Planet Wise reusable plastic bag to hold all of the 3 oz liquids in order to easily pull this out easily during TSA screening:

  • Travel hand sanitizer

  • Travel Dapple baby bottle & dish soap

  • Travel aloe or lotion

  • Travel infant saline

  • 1 oz Infant Tylenol

  • Teething gel

4. Using a small mesh bag, pack a pair of back up clothes for your little one as well as warmer clothes if you're coming from hot weather since the air conditioning often is intense on the plane:

  • Sweatshirt

  • Leggings

  • Onesies (1)

  • Socks (1)

5. Attach a pacifier key chain and on-the-go wipes dispenser to one of the zippers on your carry-on to easily access:

  • Pacifier clip

  • Pacifiers (2)

  • Wipes

 6. Using the inside pockets of the diaper bag, pack a few extra of the essentials such as:

  • Diapers (4)

  • Disposable changing pads (4)

  • Wet bag for any soiled clothes, etc.

  • Ziploc bags

7. Get a travel documents wristlet if you don't have one as this is incredibly helpful to access all the important travel documents you need:

  • Passports (2)

  • Copy of the baby's birth certificate

  • Travel documents, i.e. boarding pass, etc.

  • Cash

  • Credit card

  • Key(s)

  • Phone

8. And for you, don't forget these items you may need that you can place inside your carry on. But remember, keep it simple for you as you'll be spending most of the flight occupying your little one:

  • Laptop

  • Phone charger

  • Portable charger

  • Retractable earbuds — for listening to music or watching a movie if your little one decides to catch some zzz's

  • Snack — but if your little one is eating solids, make sure it's one you can share

  • Kimono or sweater

Most importantly, you're going to need something for helping you carry your baby through the airport. Depending on your preference a cheap stroller will do, but keep in mind this will need to be checked at the gate and it will most likely get scratches or tears. For me, I use a carrier. Carrying your baby allows your little to feel secure with you and it's also easy to place in the overhead compartment on the plane should you need it during the flight to visit the restroom for yourself or walk down the aisles. Trust me, that happens!

Lastly, if you're looking for a place to keep this checklist — and not just a piece of scrap paper — Evernote has worked well for me. That way you're able to access this checklist on your phone or computer.

And that's the last of it, check!

 

 

Sarah O'BrienCarry On, Checklist, Baby, Travel, FlyingComment