Baby on Board?

Whether it’s a quick weekend away or a weeklong adventure, family travel is a great way to bond and create memories. However, if you have an infant, you may be hesitant to pack all those bags and venture to the unknown.

“With their love of a set schedule and the familiar, plus loads of gear, babies are natural homebodies,” says Sandra Gordon, a blogger at babyproductsmom.com.

Still, they can be surprisingly adaptable, she says. “The trick is to come prepared, so everyone can enjoy both the journey and the destination.”

Here are some of her tips to make infant travel easier:

Prepare the diaper bag

Pack things your baby uses and also might need, including diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, snacks, toys, a pacifier, feeding supplies, infant formula and large zip-top plastic bags for dirty bottles, clothes, etc. An extra shirt for yourself is a smart addition, too (just in case). If you are breastfeeding and prefer privacy, remember a cover or blanket. The diaper bag is an essential carry-on.

Pre-measure formula powder

If you are formula-feeding, pack two to four bottles with pre-measured, dry baby formula that you can mix with bottled water at feeding time. This can make for no-stress mixing whether on the plane or just out for the day.

Bring a prepared bottle

This is particularly helpful if you are flying. It can keep your baby content during the lengthy airport check-in and relieve his or her ear pressure during takeoff. You can take more than 3.4 ounces of infant formula or breast milk through airport security. Just be sure to tell the transportation security officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the beginning of the checkpoint screening process. Visit bit.ly/TSA-Children for more info on flying with children.

Split up your stuff

When packing bags you plan to check at the airport, split up the contents so each suitcase has one basic outfit for other family members, including your baby’s. That way if a bag is lost, everyone will have something to wear until the bag is found. Essentials such as medicine should be packed in a carry-on bag.

Stick to baby’s schedule when possible

Try travelling around nap time for domestic flights or at bedtime for international flights. Bring along a favorite stuffed animal or blanket that your infant normally sleeps with.

Avoid popular travel times

Avoid crowds and save money by traveling on slower days. The day before holidays will always be hectic, so opt to fly two to three days before or after (or try on the holiday itself) and you’ll also enjoy cheaper ticket prices. For non-holiday travel, avoid early-morning flights on weekdays so you don’t have to compete with harried business travelers.

Rent gear at your destination

If you can’t bring all your baby gear, consider renting items. Ask your hotel about options in the area or research it yourself ahead of time. Weigh the extra costs of checking items on an airplane against rental fees, along with the potential hassle of each scenario.