We can all agree that: traveling with a baby (or kid) is not an easy task!
Whether you're a mother for the first time or a more experienced mom, the stress of forgetting an important element in your baby travel bag or that everything goes well during the trip is always present.
When can a baby safely travel?
Different airlines have different policies. Some require an infant to be at least two days old, others at least 2 weeks old. Doctors recommend you wait until your baby’s immune system is more developed before flying, usually at least one month, though most recommend anywhere between 3-6 months. Do not hesitate to check the airline policy and with your doctor.
The Ultimate Checklist
The list below includes everything you may need while traveling with a child.
It is not a question of taking everything away, but of selecting what seems essential to you and that you will not be able to get easily on the spot.
Travel Papers
- ID card
- Passport
- Notebook of vaccinations
- Ordinances
- Family booklet and birth certificate if you travel with your child but he does not have the same name as you
Tips: Fill out an emergency sheet with your child's health information or save it on your phone. Include the contact names and numbers of healthcare providers and a list of any allergies your child has or medications he takes. That way, everything is in one place if you need it.
For The Comfort
- A good multi-pocket diaper bag
- Spare clothes and slippers
- A nomadic chair in a bag (essential to sit baby everywhere)
- A winter snowsuit
- An extra blanket
- Doudou (in 2 or 3 copies if your baby is hooked)
- Pacifiers (in multiple copies if needed)
- Sweater / Vest / Sweatshirt in case of air conditioning too cool by plane/bus...
- Little bib if baby drools a lot
- FAA-approved car seat: If you've purchased an airplane seat for your baby
Tips: Most children are usually okay with changes in air pressure during takeoffs and landings,” but since infants can’t swallow, pop their ears or yawn, the only alternative is sucking. Breastfeeding, a bottle or a pacifier is good, especially during the initial descent when the biggest change in pressure occurs.
But If your baby's strapped into a car seat, give him something to suck on while in his seat for safety reasons.
For The Hygiene
- For the change:
- Layers
- Cottons / Compresses
- Plastic bags for diapers
- Travel changing mat
- Cream for diaper rash
- Travel-size cleaning wipes
- Small bottles of hand disinfecting gel (for you, not for the baby !!)
- For bathing:
- Wash Products (in reusable travel size bottles)
- Accessory kit for travel-size care
- Travel bathtub
- Bath thermometer
- nail clipper
- Bathrobe, bath towels, bathrobe
- Hanging toiletry bag to keep everything tidy!
- To clean:
- Tissues, squares of tissue
- Face wipes
For The Health
- Soothing cream for small sores
- First aid kit (dressings, disinfectant, healing)
- Thermometer
- Physiological serum
- Serum to clean the eyes
- Antidiarrhea + rehydration solution
- Baby fly and nasal spray
- Probiotics to accustom your intestinal flora to foreign food
- Anti-mosquito suitable for children and the area (tropical for example)
- Sunscreen suitable for children
Tips: Before leaving, consult your doctor/pediatrician to make a point with him about the vaccines and allergies of your child
For Meals
- bottles
- Sachets or pods of milk powder
- A gourd with a straw
- Bottles of mineral water for transit time
- Cutlery, plate, and goblet
- Washable bibs
- Meal to be heated in the microwave for the plane
- Breastfeeding kit. If you're not breastfeeding, bring ready-to-use formula or make a few bottles of formula at home to bring along.
To know: If you take the plane, know that for the babies who do not pay their place (on your knees), the baby meal is not guaranteed! Some companies provide baby food but you have to order them in advance
To Occupy A Child On a Trip
- One or two of your baby's favorite toys
- Nesting toys
- Babyproof mirrors
- Rattles
- Musical toys
- Soft animals
- Pop-up toys
- Plastic keys
- Teething rings
To Dress Your Child/Baby
Plan a number of outfits depending on the frequency of laundry on the trip
- Tanks and Long Sleeves
- Panties / Briefs
- socks
- Dresses / Skirts
- Pants / Shorts
- Sweaters / Sweatshirts / Vests
- Raincoat
- Windbreaker
- Pajamas
- sandals
- Walking shoes
- slippers
- Scarf
To Go To The Sun And The Sea
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses with cord
- Swimsuit
- Bath T-shirt
- Buoy
- Bath/beach games
- Beach towels, bathrobes
- Sunscreens
And now, enjoy your vacation!