Oh the things we think we need that actually just add more stress! I’ll never forget my first time traveling with my three month old baby Remi. It took three adults, 6 checked items, 3 carry ons and 2 diaper bags just to hold the things I thought I needed to spend a week away. When we arrived, my mother (who raised 5 children and loves to remind me) laughed in my face. Most of the items I packed were either altogether unnecessary, too high tech to be helpful, or never got unpacked because they were buried under other unnecessary stuff!

Basic info to know when flying with baby

1. To Lap Baby or not to Lap Baby, that is the question.

If you baby is under two years old, they can be considered a lap infant so legally they dont need their own seat- thats IF you want to hold them the whole time. Since my family is on the other end of the country, long flights are what I’m used to. I often have taken advantage of buying a seat for my infant and bringing my FAA approved carseat. Most infant car seats are approved and you can usually tell by the airplane icon on the bottom of the seat. I actually prefer to fly with the baby in their car seat especially if you have a squirmy one. I’ve actually made the intentional choice to sit in coach for 8 hours with a seat for the baby rather than even in a lay flat first class because the fancy large seat is too much free roaming for a squirmy baby and you cant really enjoy any of the perks anyway.

If your baby is small enough, you can put a travel bed on the floor at your feet as well. Extra legroom is preferable in this situation.

If you plan to have your baby sit in their carseat on the flight, this roller is great for bulky carseats.

For a toddler, they have these blowup cubes you can put at the end of the seat to create a full bed.

2. Skip the lines!

Get yourself TSA Precheck. Yes its annoying to sign up and if you were a felon before you became a mom, you will not pass the background check but otherwise it’s so worth it! Your baby can tag along and you dont have to wait in long lines or take your shoes off while wearing baby!

3. To wear your baby or to push your baby…

I get the whole wearing your baby thing for minimalistic reasons, but honestly, neither me or my babies ever enjoyed the closeness that much, especially not when you’re sweating through security. I prefer pushing them in their stroller all the way to the gate and then checking it there. Its free and they will bring it right up for you when you land. Also you can stuff all your extra stuff under it while waiting around at the airport.

4. Baby stuff checks free!

Don’t worry about having to pay for your stroller or carseat to check at the ticket counter. All baby stuff checks free, including play pens, breast pumps etc…say its for a baby and no one argues, they just mostly feel bad for you having to travel with a baby (haha). If you’re worried about things getting banged up, you can purchase covers for all your gadgets.

5. breast milk does not count as a liquid.

I’ve traveled many times with lots of frozen milk. When you go through security, they will not confiscate it. You can request that they change their gloved while they inspect. I’ve taken very long flights before and worried about the milk going bad, but according to the APA, as long as the milk still has ice crystals in it, its still good. You’ll be surprised though, over 12 hours of travel and I’m always shocked how my milk had barely defrosted at all.

6. Feed your infant during take off and landing. The air pressure can be a lot on their little ears and the swallowing helped to clear their ears, so make sure to hold off on feeding until this point!