How to Pack Your Handbag for a Flight With a Baby
A reader asked me what kind of things she should pack for her first flight with her baby. I figured she’d need better advice than ‘valium’ so I asked Kaamna from momaboard.com to weigh in with her picks. I’d love to know what you well traveled moms would add to the list so you can help all us newbies have a great flight! – Amy
Regardless of if you’re going on a short flight with a baby or a long one, checking into a hotel, or visiting gran, you’ll need to make sure your carry-on is equipped with everything you’ll need for a smooth and successful journey.
When I pack for a trip I think of items in buckets: Food, Entertainment, Survival (FES) for the baby and FES for me. Let’s start with the baby.
What to pack for your flight with a baby
For baby
Food
If you are nursing, you’re in good shape and need only remember to nurse the baby on take-off and landing to protect their little ears from changes in pressure. If you are not nursing, you’ll need to take your bottles, and perhaps a couple of extra empty ones. Forget about washing or sterilizing on a plane. You can mix your formula on the flight though – most attendants will be willing to provide you with hot water. If your baby is already onto solids, do yourself a favor and pack your own. Whether its jar foods or something you’ve whipped up at home, I guarantee you it will be better than anything the airline will offer your child. A reminder to book a baby/child’s meal as soon as you book your tickets – airlines don’t automatically assign them which has always felt bizarre to me.
Entertainment
Depending on the age of your baby, this could include a variety of things. For babies under the age of 6 months you need a couple of rattles and books. I always preferred bath books to regular ones – they are lighter and easy to clean. For older babies, finger foods and tactile toys are great ways to kill time. Finally, if you’re pro-tech and the kids are 2 years plus, the iPad/tablet will be your best friend.
Survival
We’re actually talking about your survival by packing the essentials for your baby. An extra change of clothes, (2 if it’s a long flight), diapers (if you think you’ll need 2, pack 4 – you could accidentally drop one in the toilet – it’s happened), wet wipes, and scent-removal diaper removal bags. If your baby is using a pacifier, don’t forget to pack an extra. I also always recommend packing an extra blanket so you don’t have to use the ones from the plane, which can be rough and dirty. Moreover, flights are cold, so an extra sweater, socks, and a hat is also a good idea.
Now, once you’ve got the baby covered, it’s time to look after your own needs.
Food
Again, depending on the length of your flight and what airline you are flying, it’s probably a good idea to pack a couple of snacks for yourself. Managing a baby is hard work and you need your energy. Make sure also to stay hydrated, especially if you are nursing.
Entertainment
Let’s face it, you don’t get a lot of free time when you travel with a baby but in the unlikely and utopian event that your child becomes self-soothing or self-sufficient and you miraculously have few minutes, bring along one thing that will make you happy during your trip: a music playlist, a diary, a movie, a tv show, a meditation tape, whatever else. If it’s a mindless, guilty pleasure like OK! Magazine, even better!
Survival
Always, always carry an extra top or change for yourself. I’ve been pooped, peed and puked on during my travels and it’s amazing how a clean t-shirt can wash off nasty smells and memories! My survival kit also includes a scarf, a hairbrush and eyeliner so I don’t look like a zombie when I get off the plane, even if I feel like one.
Safe travels mama! You’ve got this!
{Image items (upper left clockwise): Bottle: Mixie Bottles, Toy: Lamaze Clip & Go Mortimer, Hand Sanitizer: Babyganics Hand Sanitizer, Books: Indestructibles Books, Food: wean green cubes, Socks: Cheski Baby Socks, Diapers: disposable diapers, Entertainment: iPad mini, Pacifiers: MAM pacifiers, Snacks: almonds, Handbag: Longchamp Le Pliage Large Shoulder Tote Bag, Water Bottle: S’Well Water Bottle, Brush: Sephora Luxe Combo Travel Brush, Diaper Sacks: Munchkin Arm and Hammer Diaper Bag Dispenser, Shirt: GAP t-shirt, Snack Holder: Boon Snack Ball }
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