Summer, summer, summer time! With summer break starting, the summer travel season is in full effect. Moms love ocean views and drinks with umbrellas just as much as the next person, but what we don’t love is the stress of traveling with our precious young children. It’s stressful, it’s unpredictable and it’s complicated.
As the mom of two, I’ve experienced it all: The good. The bad. And the blowout diaper. My husband and I still tell our horror story about “that one time” our then 3-month old literally pooped out of his onesie and onto my sundress on our way back from New Jersey. My heart still breaks for the extremely kind woman sitting in the window seat beside us. This incident was the prefect combination of humbling and humiliating. Thank goodness we were prepared with a change of clothes and plastic bags.
Whether this is your first or fifteenth time traveling with children, it’s still a daunting task. But, trust me, being prepared is half the battle. That’s why I wanted to share some of my favorite survival tips for flying with children, along with a quick printable checklist for busy moms like you.
As always, please feel free to share some of your tips in the comments. I’d love to hear some of your suggestions!
1. Think Before You Click: Timing is Everything
Always think about your children’s daily schedule before booking your flight. Pay close attention to the length of the flight and the length of any layovers. Consider booking flights close to their nap time or bedtime and stay away from long layovers whenever possible.
2. Start Smart: Pack Like a Pro
Like many things in life, when it comes to packing for a flight with children – Less is more! Consolidate as much as you can. I know it’s easier said than done, so please let me help. There are some key items you need with you on the plane with your kids. Download my FREE Dope Boss Mom packing checklist HERE.
3. Decisions, Decisions: Car Seat or Nah?
Car seats are heavy and clunky and don’t travel well – YES, I know. But experts say it’s safer to take them with you. Check your car seat and make sure you put it in a bag for protection. Although, the FAA does not require any child to use a seat to fly it is advised. For children 22 – 44 pounds, the only FAA approved airplane restraint is the CARES Child Safety Device.
4. Comfort is Key: Stroller vs Baby Carrier
Both. I truly LOVED the Moby baby carrier for traveling with both of my boys. It’s comfortable, cute and very versatile. Whatever carrier you choose, keep it handy. Honestly, for babies younger than 6 months, the baby carrier can make it easier to navigate the airport with ease. But as the kids get older, a stroller will be needed, even if it’s just an umbrella stroller, to comfortably get around. If you have more than one child, a double stroller is a great option.
5. You’ve Got Options: TSA Pre✓ vs Global Pass
TSA Pre✓ provides expedited security screening benefits for U.S. airports. Global Entry provides the TSA Pre✓ benefit plus expedited US Customs screening for international air travelers when entering the United States. TSA Pre✓ is $85 and Global entry costs $100. As far as ages, children 12 and under may use the TSA Pre✓ lane as long as they are with a parent who has the indicator on their boarding pass.
I have had TSA Pre✓ for several years and have absolutely no complaints. At this point, I can’t imagine traveling without it! And when you have kids, it never hurts to skip the long lines! Plus, you don’t have to remove any shoes, laptops and more. It just makes life easier when traveling with kids. I am in the process of getting Global Entry for a few international trips we are planning with the kids. Visit the TSA Website to learn more and click here to learn more about Global Entry.
6. When You Gotta Go, You Gotta Go: Diaper Changes + Potty Breaks
Make sure to be mindful of diaper changes and potty breaks. It’s easy to forget to stop when you’re zipping through the airport with strollers, diaper bags and kids trying not to miss your connecting flight. But make sure you take a bathroom break about 5-10 minutes before boarding and immediately after deplaning (if possible). Doing this should limit the number of bathroom breaks you have to take on the plane.
Bonus Tip: Got Milk?
Remember, formula, milk and juice are permitted for infants and toddlers in your carry on baggage; so pack these items along with baby food, liquid-filled teethers and snacks in a separate insulated thermal bag with an ice pack or frozen gel pack to keep everything cool. Make sure you bring enough milk, etc. to survive in the air and at the airport (and plan for layovers or delayed flights). The last thing you want is to run out of milk when you need it most.
Keeping everything in a centralized location makes things easier, especially because you will need to remove these items and place them on the conveyor belt separately. TSA will pull you to the side and do separate testing on all of these liquids. This can take a while so be patient. Just remember, it’s their job to keep us safe.