how to travel with a baby both internationally & domestically

With four pairs of shoes i can travel the world

coco chanel

Traveling can be daunting and strenuous with or without kids, but there are methods to the madness to ease the burden when dragging your little ones on great adventures and giving them unforgettable experiences that they will never remember. 

I’ve included tips and ideas that I unearthed both before I ventured out with a child of mine own and others I learned the hard way on the fly. 

I’m going to start by sharing my list of what I packed or wish I had packed then I’ll go into the nitty gritty tips and tricks to make help you sail smoothly on your voyage… Let me know if you have any questions or tips of your own!

!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"shopthepost-script",document,"__stp","/js/shopthepost.js","script")

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

Here’s a list of packing essentials:

The Diaper Bag + Carry On Packing List

1. Passports

2. Diapers

3. Wipes

4. Baby Carrier - we loved this one

5. Extra Clothes- For baby, mom and dad

6. Sling- In case of an ‘accident’ with your baby carrier. I used the Wildbird ones but lots of mamas rave about the Solly wrap.

7. Noise cancelling machine and/or noise cancelling headphones - We use this noice cancelling machine ALL THE TIME! We only use the headphones if we go somewhere extra loud like the F45, a sports game or concert.

8. Toys - We brought a toy for her to chew on and another this one that’s more interactive.

9. Blanket –

10. Snacks – For older babies that have started solids. Fruit, yogurt, bars, all good. I never thought I’d be a pouch carrying mom, but the organic food pouches that have nothing in them but actual food and a bit off water are amazing for travel. And if they are over the 100 mL limit, security usually makes an exception for baby food. I also bought these organic powdered baby food from Target, you just add water! They’re easy and light to pack.

11. Pacifier & pacifier clip- Take a couple back ups in case of loss, dropped so you’re not like me in the middle of the Versaille chateau binkyless because you tore your babies binky nipple right off while trying to aggressively clean it with your jagged nail.

12. Zip locks bags / trash bag –  for soiled diapers and soiled clothing

13. Changing Pad - My Tote Savvy comes with one and so did my Freshly Picked diaper bag

14. Hand Sanitizer/Disinfecting Wipes - I used this sanitizing spray and then I also added antibacterial silver to a spray bottle to disinfect EVERYTHING. Including Coco’s face when strangers came up and kissed her. I also used these organic sanitizing wipes.

15. Stroller – we were super nervous about taking a stroller to Paris but it ended up being perfect! This compact stroller was easy to put in the overhead compartments on the airplane as well as in the trunks of our Uber rides and even on the train. We also snagged this stroller footmuff because Paris in the winter gets pretty cold and we wanted to make sure Coco stayed nice and warm.

16. Carseat – I was told we wouldn’t need one in Paris but we definitely did. Whatever you do, make sure your car seat clips into your stroller if you’re taking one. The last thing you want to do is haul a carseat around by hand. YIKES. There are many adapters available that make many car seat/stroller combos compatible. We used this stroller with this carseat with this car seat coat! 

Suitcase Goodies

1. Baby safe, natural, sunscreen - Both Coco and I use this one

2. Small hand breast pump - I have this electric pump that pumps into a bag, right in my bra! I then put the bag in the cooler section of my Tote Savvy. I also have this hand pump that connects straight to a bottle. I use it as backup or right after my first feed of the day.

3. A couple glass bottles for storing and serving milk. I use these ones while traveling because they connect to my hand pump.

4. Nose aspirator - Using it creeps me out but I do what I gotta do

5. Safe sleeping space- Bassinet or a pack and play type thing. We have the Lotus Travel Crib one because it folds up so compact.

6. Medical supplies – bandaids, thermometer, diaper cream (use code chanelle15 for 15% off my favorite baby health products)

7. Baby clothes packed as ensembles (bows, jammies, outfits, swimsuit, bonnets, bibs, shoes, sweaters & jackets)

8. Sleep sack or swaddle - We used these sleep swaddles before Coco could roll over but now that she rolls we use these ones. 

9. A few days worth of diapers & wipes- Keep in mind, you usually can buy them most anywhere you go as well in case you run out

10. Extra blankets - We brought one LouLou & Company blanket with just about every outfit because they got so gross after a day around town and in Ubers. 

11. My Baby Medicine Cabinet - To help support her immune system we give Coco these probiotics, this Cod Liver Oil to give her vitamin D, vitamin A and her healthy fats. We also brought this to help fight off invaders. We brought this air purifier because there’s lots of pollution and smoking in Paris, as well as bringing this chest rub to help clear her up if needed. (use code: chanelle10 for a discount on all Wink Natural products)

First things first, your child is going to need a passport. You’ll need a few extra documents to show proof that your gremlin is in fact yours but the post office is good about making it pretty painless. The USPS has listed passport requirements on their website. Birth certificate and social security card are essential and you’ll take the passport picture on location. 

Conveniently schedule a time online with the USPS beforehand to avoid a long or unnecessary wait and make sure you start this whole process well before your trip because expediting it is expensive. The passport process takes several WEEKS, and there’s always the off chance that the USPS botches something with no way of tracking progress, so it’s best to plan for longer than you expect. 

Infants typically fly free on domestic trips, they simply sit on your lap the duration of the flight. Double check to make sure that’s the case because every airline is different. International flights on Delta require you to pay the 10% of the cost of a normal ticket + taxes for the cost of a seat- so, do what we forgot to do and pay the taxes the same day you buy your tickets. (We didn’t know this snippet of info and bought Coco’s ticket to Paris the day we left and it was $387 instead of $60!!)  

In either case, it’s best to call the airline and let them know you’re traveling with an infant and pay the accompanying fees over the phone. 

For long and dastardly flights, there is an option to use the airplane’s built-in bassinet also called the SkyCot. It attaches right to the wall in front of you. Unfortunately, there is often only one spot available for bassinet access and it’s first come, first serve; therefore, you must show up early and be the first to request said bassinet. Call and request it ahead of time, who knows, it might just work and there are some planes with more than one bassinet. Note- the weight allowance is usually 20 to 30lbs. 

Most airlines allow you to check your car seat and stroller FREE 99! Of course, double check with the airline, but it’s a nice benefit to have them with you. They allowed us to take our car seat on the plane. I purchased this protective bag for my car seat and this one for my larger stroller that we took to California. The purchase of the bag gives you insurance if the airline breaks or damages your goodies then they’ll send you a free replacement.  If you want to use your stroller through the airport you can check it at the gate or if you get this stroller you can put it in an overhead compartment. 

Whether your flight is long or short, try and get an aisle seat so you don’t have to step over a stranger arbitrarily during the flight. You’ll want to walk about the cabin more and visit the bathroom for both you and your baby and unimpeded aisle access can save everyone some avoidable interruption or anxiety.  

When you go through security, they treat you like a seasoned criminal just like everyone else. It’s best to be prepared and having your baby in a wrap or in a carrier while you send all the baggage through security this will free up your hands. You can take breast milk, juice and formula through security. Keep your fingers crossed that they offer a little preferential treatment, though I’ve not experienced that myself. Again, it doesn’t hurt to ask or be guided to expedited lines for customs, check-in, security, etc. Don’t fret, fellow travelers are sympathetic to parents and willingly offer help, support and understanding.

More often than not, they will offer priority seating to let those with children on the plane first, which is nice to get in and get settled before the masses descend. We had an abundance of bags, so ensuring we had overhead space handy was fantastic. 

When feeding, either breastfeeding or bottle feeding, it’s suggested to do so during takeoff and landing because it can ease the baby’s ear pressure. Keeping them swallowing keeps the ears popping. If they experience discomfort, it might be due to inadequate adjustment to the cabin pressure. 

If you’re a breastfeeding mama it’s even more important that you stay hydrated. I asked for extra water every time the stewards came around.

If you’re going to fly internationally then I suggest and over night flight so that your babes sleeping the majority of the flight!!

I hope this helps you on your adventures… let me know if you have any questions!

!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"shopthepost-script",document,"__stp","/js/shopthepost.js","script")

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

---

As always thanks for visiting my little space online

I just love your guts!!

Chanelle Cozette Doyle

#TheGutGirl

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1628765636082_43617 .sqs-gallery-block-grid .sqs-gallery-design-grid { margin-right: -20px; }#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1628765636082_43617 .sqs-gallery-block-grid .sqs-gallery-design-grid-slide .margin-wrapper { margin-right: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; }

 *This post is not sponsored. When you purchase a product from my pink links I do receive commission from the company you purchase from, this does not impact the price you pay!!

This allows me to continue to provide you with free & fabulous content.

Thank you for your support! Xo

---