Hey there, friends!
I've been receiving tons of questions on Instagram about traveling with kids, specifically babies and toddlers, and let me just say—I get it! Whether it's your first time venturing out with a baby or you're a seasoned pro managing a toddler on the go, each trip can feel like a whole new adventure. From figuring out how to keep the peace on a long road trip to navigating airport security with a stroller (and SO much more) in tow, we've all been there.
So, I've gathered all your top questions and am super excited to dive into this blog post, where I'll share tips, tricks, and some of my personal travel tales. We'll tackle everything from packing essentials to managing sleep on the go, all aimed at making your journeys a little less stressful and a lot more fun!
Q: When is the best time to schedule a flight?
A: It’s basically impossible to get the perfect flight between naps and bedtime. Depending
on your kid's age, they either have a few naps or one really important nap in the middle of the day. I always recommend prioritizing nighttime sleep, so avoid waking your child up too early in the morning or pushing it too far at night. Kids can generally nap on the go or survive without one, but bedtime sleep is SO important for their bodies (especially during stressful travel!) Alexander and I always try to book flights midday to accommodate regular wake-up times and attempt to get regular bedtimes!
If you can't avoid traveling during bedtime, try to stay calm! Sometimes, Adalynn napped entire flights when it wasn’t even her nap time, and other times, I thought she would be EXHAUSTED, but she happily played instead. Travel makes kids do weird things. It'll be ok! You can do your best job planning, and sometimes, life happens.
FREE Baby and Toddler Travel Guide
Before we get any further, I did want to share an AMAZING resource that I put together for traveling with your little ones. It has so much information in it, like info for air travel and road trips, so many "must-haves" for every scenario, recommendations for travel gear, snacks, etc., plus SO much more. And it's FREE - seriously - check it out, and you won't be sorry.
Also visit my Amazon storefront that has all my idea lists for things like travel gear and toys, snacks, gear for certain climates, and so much more!
Q: Do you rent a crib at your destination or bring one?
A: If we are flying and have free bags, then we’ll just bring our (amazing) travel crib. When we stay at hotels, they usually have pack and plays available upon request, so I recommend calling ahead of time and asking. They can even have it set up in your room when you arrive. BUT - I would definitely bring your own sheets. They won't take up much room in your suitcase, and that way, you know it's clean and fresh, and it smells like home. It might even help your little one fall asleep easier!
Another great addition that you can add to our travels is a Slumberpod! Use code jessicahaizman for 10% off your order! With this "tent," you can get your little one to sleep and still have the room lights on to do whatever you want/need to do. It comes with a fan to help circulate air and even a spot for your monitor camera. What's also great about it is that it packs up into its own bag just like any other camping tent and can fit right into your luggage. If you don't want to invest in the slumberpod, you could also get SleepOut Blinds that can be put up on any window (code JESSICAH10).
If you're looking to rent additional baby items that you can't bring yourself, check out BabyQuip. They offer almost anything that you can think of that you might need for your little one.
Q: What's the best seat when flying alone with a 12-month-old?
A: I prefer the aisle seat when I fly alone because babies at 12 months old take up a lot of room, and having the extra space in the aisle is beneficial. Aisle seats also mean you can easily get up and walk if you need to or make your way to the bathroom for diaper changes without disturbing anyone next to you. I would honestly pick the aisle seat with an infant or toddler as well. I know a lot of baby travel toys have suction cups that they advertise putting on the airplane windows, but they typically work on the airplane trays or any other flat surface as well. Plus, the window may seem like an entertaining aspect for your little one, but I can bet they'll be over it quickly.
I would also avoid sitting all the way in the back, close to the bathrooms, because the bathrooms are loud and crowded. People might line up for the bathrooms, and the toilet flushing is pretty loud. Trust me, you don't want to risk waking up your toddler if you FINALLY managed the difficult task of getting them to sleep on the plane. Plus, being in the back means waiting longer to get off the flight when your little one is probably ready to be done.
Q: What do you do about a car seat on the plane?
A: If you bring the car seat on the plane, you DO have to purchase a ticket for your infant, even if they are under 2 years old. This is because they are occupying a seat themselves. I have heard of hacks/tricks where you can ask the check-in desk if they have extra seats for you to bring your car seat for free the day of, but it is definitely not guaranteed. If you know you want them in their car seat, book a seat ahead of time. If you check your car seat with baggage, it's free!
Side note: I always bring a copy of my kid's birth certificates when traveling in case they ask to confirm their ages. They might do this to verify they are two or under and qualify as a lap infant.
Q: What about road trips or long car rides?
A: Car rides are nice because if chaos ensues, you CAN find a park or rest stop and take a break. A break for either your little one or you if the car is becoming chaotic or overstimulating. You're not "locked in" to the car like you are in an airplane! I use the same travel toys for the car that I would on an airplane. Just know that for the younger ones, some of the toys that you can help them engage with on an airplane they might have to play with alone (if you're sitting in the front).
You shouldn't have your baby or toddler in their car seat for more than 2 hours at a time, so you will have to plan for breaks. Your typical rest area usually has some open space they can run around in, or some even have a park. If you really want to, plan your route ahead of time and find parks that are either on the way or not too much of a detour. A quick park visit might be beneficial for everyone!
Q: How do you travel with breast milk or formula?
A: TSA allows you to bring breastmilk, formula, and juice for infants in reasonable quantities through security—even more than the 3.4 oz liquid limit. Just separate these items in a clear bag and inform the agents before screening. Ice packs, gel packs, and frozen breastmilk are also allowed! You don’t have to travel with your baby to bring breastmilk, and it does NOT have to go through the X-ray if you request a hand inspection. There are some other great mommas out there who are nursing/pumping and have more in-depth information about all the ins and outs of traveling with frozen or liquid breastmilk. Do a quick search on this and I'm sure you'll find what you need. Just know, YES! You absolutely can travel with these items.
Q: What are some good snacks to pack?
A: I always recommend avoiding crappy food during travel. Travel is SO HARD on our bodies, so be sure you pack enough healthy food options. Check out my Amazon snack list for all my favorites!
-Protein Bars
-Homemade trail mix
-Applesauce
We always try to fill up with a good meal before the airport, and if we have to get food, we usually go with Mexican and get a rice bowl piled high with meat and veggies. American-style places that do burgers can also typically give you just the patty and a side of veggies, or you can also look for a grilled chicken breast with a healthy side.
Packing Checklists
Check out my packing checklists to find EVERYTHING you will need for not only your little ones but also yourself! I made these checklists based on the multiple trips with my little ones, adjusting and adding as needed. I still use these lists EVERY time I travel! Let me do all the thinking for you and let you just pack and checkboxes. But these are fully customizable, so you can add whatever you need to! Don't miss this great resource!
Q: What do you do when your baby starts crying on the plane?
A: Obviously, this is one of the TOP questions and concerns for parents. I literally repeat in my head, “Babies are meant to cry; I’m not a bad mom. I’ll never see these people again; it will be okay; we will get through this. Take a deep breath, etc.”
Do your best to stay calm - because if you're freaking out.. your baby is gonna keep crying. Regulate your breathing, in through your nose and out through your mouth. You could also stand up and walk the aisles or hand off your little one to your partner. Whatever you can do take a little break if you need one.
Q: What are your 10 must-have travel items?
A: 1. Sakura Bloom Baby Carrier- I’m a huge baby-wearing mom, so I use it in the airport, on the plane, and at the destination.
2. Guava Travel Crib- it's SO LIGHT, comfortable, and easy to set up
Snacks - Even if we leave the house for 30 minutes, I always have (healthy) snacks.
Montessori Light Board- This toy has kept Adalynn's interest the longest out of any other toy. Baby through toddler years must have.
Sensory Tubes- even I’m addicted to these, and both my kids love them!
Mini Magnatiles- an easy travel activity that's quick to break out and endless fun
Bath Filter- I always bring this, especially if we stay in a hotel
Vitamin C Spray- Most times when we travel. We swim in pools, a must-have for combating the harmful effects of chlorine!
Car Seat & travel bag- We have a 7lb travel car seat that is a must for flying... and the carrying bag makes it 20x easier.
Force of Nature Spray- I do not use traditional hand sanitizers or disinfectants, so this one is a must.
Other Helpful Blogs!
Check out my Traveling with Your Baby or Toddler; Everything You Need to Know blog as well as my Natural Ways to Support Your Body During Travel blog. I also have a blog for toddlers in cold weather, warm weather, one about the vitamin C spray, and one about my favorite baby carriers!
Conclusion
And there you have it! Hopefully with these tips and insights, I hope you feel more prepared and confident about your upcoming travels with your little ones. Remember, no matter how well you plan, traveling with babies and toddlers can always bring the unexpected. Embrace these moments, find humor in the mishaps, and cherish the memories you're creating.
Try to go with the flow and keep a flexible mindset. Sometimes, the best moments come from the unplanned detours and the spontaneous stops. So take a deep breath, pack your patience along with the snacks, and set out on your adventure.
You're doing an amazing job, and these trips are the perfect opportunity to bond and create lasting memories with your family. Here’s to lots of laughter, minimal stress, and a fantastic time!
Xo,
Jess
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