There are days a trip to the grocery store with your baby seems like a daunting task. So it’s understandable that the thought of packing everything up and hopping on a plane makes you feel like you could break out in hives.
It doesn't have to be this way. If you’re organized and have all the essentials, your airplane trip with your baby will be the best it can be.
When preparing for your flight, here is what you should bring:
Stroller. When deciding which stroller to bring on the plane, make sure it meets the following criteria:
- One-hand folding
- Compact folding
- Extra-large basket
- Parent's cup holder
- Large canopy cover
- Lightweight
The Summer Infant3D Flip Convenience Stroller, $130 on summerinfant.com is a great option.
Diaper bag. Obviously you never leave home without your diaper bag, but your everyday diaper bag may not be cut out for airplane travel. A plane-friendly diaper bag has:
- Diaper changing pad
- Wipe dispenser
- Insulated pockets for bottles or sippy cups
- Pouch for pacifiers
- Waterproof pouch (accidents happen)
- Multiple pockets for keys, phone, travel papers and wallet
- Easy to wear/carry
- Easy to strap onto a stroller
The Travel Baby Depot Bag/Travel Diaper Backpack, $110 on amazon.com is a great option.
Inside your diaper bag, here is what you should pack:
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Plastic deodorizing bags
- Hand sanitizer
- Rash cream
- Food/drinks
- Bibs
- Burp Cloths
- Change of clothes
- Bottles and/or sippy cups
- Camera
- Blanket
- Toys
- Pacifiers (if your child uses one)
- Travel first aid kit including: emergency info, thermometer, bandages, antibiotic ointment, pain reliever and any medications your baby takes regularly
Checked suitcase. Do yourself a favor and only carry on the diaper bag. These items for your baby can be put in a suitcase you check the moment you step into the airport:
- Clothes (take extra if you won’t be able to wash any during your trip)
- Pajamas and sleep sack (again, take extra if you won’t be able to do laundry)
- Bibs
- Dish soap (to clean bottles if you’re staying at a hotel)
- Outlet safety plugs
- Crib sheet
- Monitor
- Nightlight
- Bath toys
- Bath soap
- Swim diapers
- Extra diapers and wipes
- Bottles/sippy cups
- Baby-friendly utensils
- Sunscreen
- Outerwear
- Shoes
Portable crib. If you’re staying in a hotel, you may just want to use one of their cribs. If not, consider the following when selecting a portable crib:
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Breathable fabric on sides of crib
- Easy to carry
- Soft mattress
- Removable and washable fabric
The BabyBjorn Travel Light crib, $240 on amazon.com, is a great option. Note: Most airlines allow you to gate-check travel cribs at no extra charge. Call your airline ahead of time to confirm.
