Tips and tricks for traveling with the babies in your life.

Written By Natalie Caligaris

Remember when you went to the airport, sat at the bar, enjoyed a glass of wine, people watched for a minute… maybe glanced through a book or magazine, and then slowly made your way to the gate to get in line with only your purse and a carry-on bag? No, I don’t remember that either, but those were the days. There is a signifiant difference when traveling with children. When you're with little ones, it’s a trip, and when you're by yourself or with your husband and friends, those getaways are called vacations. That being said, the trips we have taken with Samuel really are the best trips of my life (even if they’re not your quintessential “vacations”). More difficult for sure, but worth every single challenge and aggravation that may come along.

We have been lucky to travel quite a bit with Samuel and I feel like more than two years in I have figured out the most important things you need to be successful (beyond a helpful spouse). I hope this little “how to” filled with tips and tricks ranging from what to pack (and what not to pack) to expectation setting when traveling with a baby, toddler and even your husband, will help you make the most of your “trips.”

Travel is the one time we are all present with each other, in the moment, and away from the hustle and bustle that is every day living - keep doing it, even if it requires a little more preparation and a lot more patience when it’s the whole family.

As you know, I have family in Italy, and after traveling to Europe this past summer I realized that most Europeans (and probably most other folks from around the world) think Americans are crazy with the amount of stuff we think we need when we travel - especially traveling with kids. I’ve tried to learn from our foreign friends and what I saw from other families traveling to really consolidate and pack only what we really need. Remember, most places you go have what you might need, and so you can always buy an item you may have forgotten, or intentionally leave something at home to avoid traveling with it since you can pick it up at your destination.

Tips

  • If your baby is still small and you are on an overnight flight you can ask for a baby bassinet, which is available on most flights. You’ll need to call and request this when booking but is definitely a must when you have a little. Not only does it free your arms and enable you to sleep while your baby is right in front of you in a bassinet but also these seats are at the very front and this will give you extra leg space without paying for that upgrade.

  • Most hotels and airbnbs have cribs or pack and plays. Call ahead of time because not having to transport these bulky “must haves” is one less thing to worry about. If you do need to take a pack and play these are my favorites.

  • Seriously let go of expectations and do whatever you can to not worry about what other people think (everyone says it, but it’s true). Samuel was an angel on all his flights up until Europe when he was 10 months old. He cried uncontrolably for the first 20 minutes of that flight. I know, only 20 minutes, but those 20 minutes felt like 20hrs. I was mortified, but looking back, even though David and I received some unkind glares, it really wasn’t that bad. It’s something I will always remember, but I am sure no one else on that flight is still talking about my child (at least I hope note). I have seen adults act far worse for far longer.

  • Pack enough diapers and food for traveling, but get everything else you need once you’re there. I find this much easier and grocery stores or drugstore are everywhere. Also, if you are in the US, you can Amazon or DoorDash from a grocery store to your hotel or rental property.

  • If you’re planning on taking taxis or renting a car, you will need a car seat, otherwise there really is no need for the car seat, and again just something extra to haul around. Ubers can be requested with car seats, but only front facing, so if your child is still too small that won’t work. If you do take a car seat, check it and have a car seat cover (it’s free with any airlines and doesn’t count as a checked bag). I always put a few extra diapers and light things in that car seat cover, you really aren’t supposed to, but if it’s light enough no one will say anything.

  • Diaper bags, on many airlines, are counted separate and are not part of the personal item or carryon bag. I didn’t realize this until Samuel was about a year, but now, I always check the airline rules to make sure I can have that as an extra bag. Super helpful for all the snacks, diapers, extra clothes, toys and books. I know United is one airline who lets you do this as we fly with them often.

Packing List (The essentials)

Natalie Caligaris
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