Flying with babies/young kids

(Ty on one of Andrew's flights)

Though we don't travel as much anymore our two boys have already racked up a LARGE number of flying miles.  Ty has traveled by air more then many people do in a lifetime.  Nolan took his first plane ride at 3 weeks old.  I have never traveled internationally with the boys though.  A friend of mine and her husband are taking their little one to Turkey this summer.  She asked for suggestions and it got me thinking of things I've learned the past 4 1/2 years about traveling with little ones.

-If you have an infant invest in,or borrow, a fabric sling.  You can go through security WITHOUT having to take the baby out.  This DOES NOT work for Baby Bjorns because they have metal pieces.  Plus it rolls up small to fit in your bag and it can help with nursing on the plane.

-Your child, even infants, will have to take off their shoes make sure they are easy to get off and on.

-Diapers: if you're going away for a weekend or out of the country take them with you.  Six per 24 hours is usually a good estimate.  Then grab 1 more for every two days you'll be gone.  If you're just going to Grandmas for a week at Christmas buy a pack when you get there.  Don't forget wipes.  Also do not put all your extra diapers in your checked bags.  Make sure you have enough for a few days in your carry on.  In case your luggage gets lost or you get delayed.

-Make a clear quart size carry on bag with infant/child pain killer, saline drop, nose cleaner, extra pacifiers and antibiotic gel or wipes.  Just keep it under the 3 oz.  Meds for your kid is the only thing you want to pack because of a "what if" situation.  All other "what ifs" can be left at home.  Now is also the time to pack up all those sample bottles of baby wash, shampoo, sunscreen, etc you receive.  You can check these, just bag them in plastic bags to contain any leakages.

-DO NOT check your car seat with your checked bags!!!!!  It will be more of a pain to carry it through security and the airport but you do not want it to get lost during travel.  It DOES NOT count as one of your carry on bags and you can gate check it at the plane.  It is pretty easy to attach any car seat to a roller board bag.  An infant carrier can be flipped upside down and the handle slid over your extended bag handle.  Please remove child first.  We use the Latch system straps and wrap them around our roller boards and the top strap through the top handle of the bag for the larger car seats.  I can give more details on this if needed.  Another benefit is you can use your car seat in the plane seat.  It takes some work to get it buckled in, if they are forward facing but our kids are more comfortable in the familiar car seat then the huge plane seat.  We've also found they sleep more and better if they are in their car seat.  If you're child is under 2 you can be asked to be moved next to an empty seat.

-If you will need one while at your destination take as small a stroller as possible.  These have to go through the security scanners and the bigger they are the bigger the pain.  Plus the bigger they are they more you will pile in it and have to take out of it for security and boarding.

-If your child can handle a backpack help them pack it with toys, books (paperbacks), crayons, snacks, etc.  Then encourage them to carry it through the airport.  Most likely it will end up with all of you bags so make sure it's not too big.  Personal sidebar:  Do not use a bag that has your child's name on it.  Do you really want everyone, including the crazies, in the airport to know your child's name?

-If your child is younger put some light weight, non-noisy toys or fabric books in the diaper bag.  Your bag will already be heavy enough with diapers/wipes/extra clothes don't load it down with toys too.

-PACK LIGHT.  This goes for everyone in the family.  Pick out what pair of shoes you are wearing and make sure every outfit goes with them.  Wear jeans more then once.  Roll your clothes instead of folding them.  You can fit more in the bag that way.  Pack adult clothes and then put the kids' clothes in any gap or space left.  If you're traveling in the winter leave room in your carry on bags for your coats.  If you are packing shoes they are a great place to shove your socks.  Use travel size toiletries whenever possible.  Wal-Mart and Target have bins of things for under 1.50 each.  Or pull out those old hotel bottles of stuff that's been in the bottom of your cabinet for a year, clean them, and fill them from your larger bottles.  Most hotel and people in the US own hair dryers there really is NO reason for you to pack yours.

-Think about what time you would normally leave for the airport without kids and add 15 minutes for small airports, 30 minutes for large airports.  It's not easy to run for your plane with little ones and all of their stuff if you get stuck in traffic or security.  This I know from experience.

-Take advantage of the stroller/family security line.  All larger US airports have these, a lot of the smaller airports will direct you to the front of the line after they check you ID.  Just remember to be NICE.

-For longer flights buy a new small toy/activity for your child and don't pull it out until you are in the air.  Small as in about the size of your palm or smaller.

-Empty sippy cups/bottles of anything other then milk before you go through security.  Fill them up before you board the plane.  Sippy cups are great to relieve ear pressure and so are small snacks (cheerios, puffs, etc) or lollypops for older kids.  Also pull all empty cups or bottles out of your bag before you go through security and place them in one of the plastic bins, it's easier if you have them bagged in a large ziplock.  If not they'll most likely pull your bag to search.

-Don't worry about packing a large bag of stuff for you to do on the plane.  You'll most likely be taking kids to the bathroom, reading them books, playing cars, coloring, and trying to keep them from screaming and jumping around.  One magazine or book is usually enough.

-Portable DVD players or computers are great from longer trips.  Just bring headsets that will fit your kids and a few of their fave movies.  Invest in one of those CD cases that holds about 10 disc.  It is much easier to travel with then 10 DVD cases and you can get one for about 2 bucks.

-DO NOT forget the lovey!!!!!

It takes practice but really think about what you need on a daily basis.  Our family of four can go on a four-five day trip packed in 2 roller boards, Ty's backpack, diaper bag, car seats and Drew's backpack.  We rarely check any luggage.  It is made easier though since if Drew's in uniform we don't have to follow the liquid restraint.  I have traveled with the kids alone many times and the lighter you are packed the easier it is.  Security is usually the biggest hassle after that if you've left all the extras at home it goes pretty smoothly and you get where you're going without a massive backache (and this comes from someone who flies stand-by all the time).  

Have fun!!!

(Nolan flying in a 6 seater plane)