Traveling with infants and toddlers can come with its challenges. But preparing for the number of diaper changes that will happen while on the road or on a plane can feel almost impossible. By packing a sufficient amount of essentials, you can hopefully take a little stress out of the equation and enjoy your trip to its fullest. Keep reading for some tips and checklists that might help make your travels easier with babies, toddlers, or young children.
Traveling with Infants and Toddlers by Air
Flying with young children can have many challenges, especially in the summer months when more people travel for vacations and holidays. Not only do parents have to deal with airport traffic, long TSA lines, flight delays, and COVID protocols, they are doing so with small children. Flying with an infant or toddler can be more manageable by planning ahead.
Per FAA rules, airlines do not require an infant or toddler under the age of two to be seated in their separate seat. Babies or toddlers under the age of two are allowed to sit on the parent’s lap for the duration of their flight; however, the FAA strongly encourages securing your child in a child restraint system (CSR) in their own seat. If your toddler is two years or older, a separate seat must be purchased. It would be helpful to check with the airline to see if they offer a discounted child fare to save some money.
For a full list of airline fees, restrictions, and allowances for traveling with infants and toddlers, visit Skyscanner.
For a complete list of special procedures for traveling with infants and toddlers, visit TSA.gov.
Tips for traveling with infants or toddlers by air include:
- Decide whether your infant needs their own seat and ask if there is a reduced fee.
- Choose an aisle seat.
- Double your carry-on bag as a diaper bag.
- Pack extra supplies
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Creams and ointments
- Underpads/bed pads/chux
- Hand sanitizer
- Disposable bag for used diapers
- Change of clean clothes
- Milk or formula
- Food and snacks
- Toys, books, or games for distraction (be mindful about noisy toys)
- Pacifier for infants
- Blanket
Most airlines allow a stroller to be kept at the front of the plane. However, if your stroller is collapsible, it may fit into the overhead bins. Another important reminder is about the changing air pressure in the cabin as the flight ascends and descends. Feeding your child at these times may help to avoid or reduce any uncomfortable pressure in the ears.
Traveling with Infants and Toddlers by Car
Road trips remain a popular way to travel, especially for families with young children. They offer the benefit of cost savings, schedule flexibility, and convenience.
If you find yourself in a bind and need to change your baby or toddler’s diaper immediately, the following best practices for safety are recommended:
- Pull your car off onto the shoulder of the road. Ideally, it would be best to pull off on an exit ramp or rest stop, but sometimes that is not an option.
- Turn the car’s ignition off, and then turn on the hazard lights.
- Prepare your diaper changing space in your vehicle.
- Remove your baby or toddler from their car seat to change their diaper.
A baby car kit is a helpful tool to help you stay organized with the essential items needed for a baby’s car changing station. Turn your vehicle into a prepared and ready-to-change diapering area by starting with an efficient container.
Infant and Toddler Car Kit Checklist:
- Rubbermaid or plastic container to hold all items
- Diapers
- Baby wipes
- Diaper creams and ointments
- Underpads/bed pads/chux
- Disposable bags for used diapers
- Paper towels
- Water bottle
- Milk or formula
- Baby sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- Baby toys or rattles
- Change of clean clothes
- Blanket
NOTE: It is against the law to remove a baby, toddler, or young child from a car seat while the car is in motion. Never attempt to change a diaper while traveling with infants and toddlers while in a moving vehicle. Each state in the U.S. sets car seat and booster seat laws and imposes fines accordingly. For more information, visit Safe Ride 4 Kids for car seat laws by state.
If you’re planning on traveling with infants and toddlers, save yourself time by scheduling time for diaper breaks and equipping your car or carry-on diaper bag with the essential items your child needs. A successful trip will help create an even better vacation with wonderful family memories!
For any questions about the baby diapers, toddler diapers & briefs, or any other products and supplies we carry at Personally Delivered that can help complete your preparation kits for travel, give us a call. One of our friendly, knowledgeable, and compassionate Product Advisors will gladly assist you in building the perfect car travel kit or diaper bag essentials kit for traveling with infants and toddlers. We want to help take some of the stressors away and make sure you have the most enjoyable and memorable trip.
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