How to Fly with a Baby: The Stuff

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

Planning a vacation away can be a very exciting thing, but if you have a baby then chances are that you are concerned about how your baby will take the flight, if your baby will disturb other people on the plane and how to navigate with all of the extra gear. Here are some tips about all of the gear and supplies to make it easier to fly with a baby.

Pack for baby

Because the process of flying can take hours, you'll need to bring a carry on bag that will have to get you and your baby all the way through from home to your destination. You also have to be prepared for delays. Calculate how many diapers, wipes, meals and drinks that you will need to have available, and then add six more hours just to be safe. Don't count on the airline supplying you with anything you might need. Bring powdered formula and cereal. You can ask for hot water on the plane or purchase bottled water in the airport once you get past the security checkpoint.

If you will need a lot of diapers, especially with a newborn, get creative and pack them anywhere you can. For example, you can use the diapers tucked in with your camera or laptop computer, you can stick some diapers in a hat, etc.

Dealing with Car Seats, Strollers and Cribs

Bringing a car seat can be a good idea, since car seat rental fees can be $10 a day or more, and the seats may not be up to your safety standards. Flying strapped in to the familiar car seat may also be comforting for the child. But if you don't plan on using the car seat on the plane, then be aware that checking the seat will cost you.

Strollers can usually be rented at most destinations, or you can choose to take a lightweight umbrella stroller along.

Cribs are often included for free at hotels, or there may be a small fee. You need to call ahead to make sure that your hotel room can accommodate a crib.

Ship it

Shipping supplies such as diapers, wipes, formula and toiletries ahead of you may be the easiest and cheapest way to go. Often stores in or near the hotel will be quite expensive. Call ahead to the hotel to make sure they won't mind. Then ship the package in your name with your arrival date, so the hotel will know that they need to hold your package.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, online content manager, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania in the middle of the woods but close enough to Target and Home Depot.

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