FAQs
How do you manage to keep traveling with a baby?
It really comes down to our serious love of travel and the power of the mind. Maybe that sounds simplistic, but it’s true. Everyone has to weigh the pros and cons of the activities they love and decide for themselves what’s worth doing. We’re fully aware that obstacles will arise, but when we keep perspective and remember our “why,” those obstacles seem smaller and more manageable. If I build something up to be a big deal, it’ll become a big deal. I try to use this same mindset in other aspects in my life, as well. To us there are two options, 1. We let nerves keep us at home in our comfort zone, or, 2. We can roll with the punches and see the world together. Now that we’ve had enough practice traveling with a baby, it has become our comfort zone and we’re always looking for new adventures.
What’s your number one tip when planning a family trip that everyone can enjoy?
Hot take: plan a trip around you, not your baby. My husband and I first pick a location and make a list of things WE want to do. Simply put, if we planned our trip around our baby, we wouldn’t enjoy it and then no one would be having fun. He’s young enough that he’s totally stimulated by a change in scenery and two parents who are excited and engaged. This will probably change as he ages, but we love taking advantage of the fact that, for now, he’s adaptable and feeds off of our energy.
How do you get your baby tired before a flight?
Throughout the day leading up to the flight, we make sure naps and meals are all on schedule. We let him burn off energy by being active before the flight, and then prioritize mouth movement during takeoff, be it breast or bottle feeding, or eating solid foods. If all else fails, we try to sit next to a window to keep him entertained, letting him open and close the shade or play with toys.
How do I manage my child’s sleep schedule while traveling?
A lot of people ask this one -- the biggest goal is to adapt our home schedule to the local timezone. If he naps at 2pm at home, we’ll aim to let him nap at 2pm wherever we are. That doesn’t mean we rush to immediately get on schedule by forcing him to stay awake or wait to eat. All humans, big and small, take time to get over jet lag, so we do it together over a few days. If he wakes up in the middle of the night, chances are my husband or I will also be awake! And don’t underestimate the power of daylight to help the whole family adjust. Lastly: from birth we made sure to have our son napping in his stroller early and often. Now he can nap wherever we are - a restaurant, museum, beach, etc.
How do you prepare for a long flight with a baby?
We do the obvious like packing extra toys and clothing in our checked luggage, but for the flight itself? Not much. We treat it like any other flight and try not to stress. If we’re anxious he can sense it, so we make sure to stay calm and come armed with the essentials, plus an extra toy or book.
What essential items should I pack for my child?
I’m a true minimalist at heart and I try to carry that mentality over into packing for myself and baby. I like to stick to the essentials. Each child is different, but this is what we have ready for any flight:
A swaddle calms our son down and is useful to play peekaboo if he’s irritated.
An extra pair of clothes or two if it’s a super long flight. Typically long-sleeved onesies.
Diapers, wipes, diaper cream, and a changing pad to use on the plane bathroom changing table. It’s cramped in there, but totally workable.
When he was an infant I carried two milk bottles and electric breast pumps, now that he’s older we have one water and one milk bottle with powder formula.
Toys + snacks
We really don’t do more than this -- the lighter you pack the less stressful and easier to move.
What age is appropriate to start traveling with my child?
We waited until our son was three months before traveling with him so he was able to get all of his vaccines and had time to develop his immune system. That said, everyone’s situation is different and you have to trust your parental instincts. Some people don’t agree with vaccines, some people have family emergencies that require travel sooner than planned. I’ve seen a two-day-old on a plane who made the trip no problem. Truly, there are no hard-and-fast rules.
What documents or identification do I need for my child when traveling?
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
A passport. We applied for our son’s passport as soon as we got his birth certificate.
Keep in mind, it can take a few days to receive the birth certificate after birth. Check out our step-by-step guide HERE.
The CDC recommends that children traveling abroad be vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella at an earlier age than what’s usually recommended.
DOMESTIC TRAVEL
While we’ve never been asked to show these documents for domestic travel, you CAN technically be asked to show them. It’s better to prepare in case!
A birth certificate with your name listed as the parent. This should match the name on your ID.
If only one parent is accompanying, you’ll need a signed letter from the other parent to give permission to travel with your baby.
A passenger medical form signed by a pediatrician stating that the baby is healthy enough to fly.
How do I maintain a routine for my child while traveling?
The name of the game is patience as your baby takes time to adjust. It can take a few days to get back on your normal schedule. Every day, aim to do things at the same times you did them back home, but don’t get too discouraged if naps or meals happen a little early or late. Just like adults don’t want to be forced to do anything, I try not to force a nap or meal if he’s not ready.
Are there any travel restrictions or guidelines for infants or toddlers?
SITTING ON YOUR LAP
Under the age of two, your child can fly for free and sit on your lap. Airline taxes may still apply.
During take-off and landing, it’s recommended that your child faces your chest.
If you chose to bring your car seat on, the car seat must be FAA approved and must be placed by the window seat and strapped in with a seatbelt.
Older than two, you have to buy your child a seat on the flight and can still bring a car seat or approved booster seat.
For international travel, the airline will provide an additional seat belt that you’ll use to secure your baby onto your lap.
CAR SEATS & STROLLERS
Under the age of two, car seats that are FAA approved (they come with an FAA sticker) are permitted on the plane IF a seat is available. Some parents with children under two go ahead and buy a seat to ensure their baby will be able to fly in their car seat. (Totally valid option, our son is under two so we don’t purchase an extra ticket and take the gamble of there being an open seat.)
When we arrive at the gate, we ask if there’s an open seat on the plane. If there is, we ask to rearrange our seats to sit next to it.
If there’s not an empty seat on board, they’ll give you a tag for the car seat and you can check it at the plane door before boarding. This is also where you’ll check your collapsible stroller. (Non-collapsible are checked with your luggage)
When you check them at the gate, your car seat and collapsible stroller will be delivered to you at the aircraft door when you deplane.
When checking them at the gate, I always recommend having a bag for your stroller and/or car seat to keep your items clean and protected.
Is it safe to travel with young children?
Every parent has their own tolerance for risk, and every child has different needs. My personal opinion is that traveling with my son makes him safer and more equipped for life. The more he interacts with people of all different backgrounds, ethnicities, and ages, the more confident he becomes. These experiences humanize all people for him so no one feels different or intimidating. I also find that the more varied his environments, the more attentive and alert he is. I love the idea that I am helping him to start writing the best life story for himself, one driven by curiosity. I hope traveling will teach him that there will be challenges but everything is possible and we can always adapt, thrive and become better as a result.
When’s the best time to book flights?
A lot of people say Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best days to book, but that hasn’t been my experience. Some people recommend booking way in advance, some closer to take-off. For us it has completely depended on the time of year and destination. That said, mid-week plane departures do tend to have lower ticket prices.
How do you manage traveling and working full-time?
I’m not here to tell people to travel as much as we do. I am here to show that, if you want to plan that family trip, it is possible. When you see a family on social media posting lots of travel content, it’s easy to assume that their situation isn’t relatable to normal families. But that’s actually not the case for us! My husband and I have full-time jobs, so it’s been a puzzle to figure out how to balance travel, parenting, work, and starting a business. I will say I am very fortunate to have always worked at incredible dental offices that support my love of travel and allow me to create my own schedule. Another point I really want to make again is that I have become a true believer in the power of the mind. As cliche as it sounds, when I tell myself that something is possible, it always comes together somehow. Even as a full-time dental student with constant exams and deadlines, I managed to travel to 13 countries! I realize that some people might be off-put by the “think it and it will happen” mantra, but I swear by it. Once you believe something is your truth, you can adjust your mindset so the desired outcome becomes your only option. And when you perceive that there’s only one option, you’ll find solutions to any problems in your way.
These are three factors that allow us to travel so frequently:
1. Schedule flexibility. We have the luxury of choosing our own schedules.
2. Plan, plan, plan. We sit down and look at our whole calendar year, identifying the gaps in our schedules. Then we start capitalizing on them as soon as we can, even if we don’t have a destination in mind yet.
3. Mindset. Mindset is everything! We won’t let potential future schedule changes or fears keep us from planning trips. We can’t structure our lives around what *might* happen.