Traveling with a Baby

Things we learned about traveling with an infant:

• Do it young! We left when Anika was 12 weeks old. Just old enough to be past the newborn stage, but young enough to be not yet mobile, exclusively breastfed, light enough to be carried everywhere, napping anywhere on no fixed schedule, and not yet afraid of strangers. By the time we got home she was nearly 4 months and ready for a more predictable routine.
• Pack light, but not too light. We went without a carseat or stroller, just one large rolling duffel bag, and one carry on each. It is possible to rent baby equipment in many places, but do your research to make sure you are getting equipment up to safety standards. We did this in Spain because we rented a car there.
• Travel by plane, train or bus whenever possible. It's far easier than having to strap the baby into a car where they can't feed, cuddle, or move around.
• Call the airline ahead of time to request a bassinet for long haul flights. Unless you want to hold your baby for 9 hours, this is a must.
• Take advantage of pre-boarding the airplane, and special lines at security checks to avoid any extra waiting in line time.
• Wear the baby -we brought a both a sling and baby carrier (Beco) which both were invaluable
• Book accommodations with laundry in house, and full kitchens so you can prepare your own meals
• If you eat out in restaurants, go for lunch, eat breakfast and dinner in. 
• Plan one thing to do or see each day, more than that and you will just wear yourself out.
• Pack more diapers than you think you'll possibly need with you for every outing. Always carry two spare changes of clothes also.
• Pack the extra clothes in ziplock bags, or reusable wet bags. If something gets wet or soiled, you can then pack it up in the waterproof bag.
• Sleepers with zippers are a must for travel days. No fuss with a million snaps, socks that fall off, or shirts that ride up. If your baby is a drooler or spits up, add a small bib.
• Wear white! Believe it or not this is the opposite of what I usually do when traveling, but light colours don't show spit up.
• Bring a travel bed -it will help to have a familiar space for sleeping when everything else is unfamiliar. We brought our Baby Bivy which easily fit inside one of the suitcases.
• Bring your sense of humour, and let your smiling baby make friends around you while she is content. A box of ear plugs to hand out to all the passengers might be in order if you don't think your little one is in the mood for charming the neighbours.