Just for Shanell

My awesome cousin Shanell is flying to Georgia with her daughter Phoenix soon and asked me for some tips about flying with babies. Since I've flown twice with JAC I am pretty sure I have at least earned my yellow belt in baby flying. Here are my tips. If you're a black belt in baby flying please contribute your ideas too.

1. Bring the stroller/car seat combo and gate check it. You'll be glad you have it in the airport.

2. Do not check your car seat with your luggage. Luggage can get lost and you'll need the car seat when you get to your destination. You can't even take a cab without the car seat.

3. If your baby drinks formula put the powder in the bottles but don't fill them with water. Liquid formula has to go through an extra check at security. Just buy bottled water after security to fill the bottles.

4. Pampers makes 12 hour diapers which are more absorbent and handy on long trips.

5. Borrow baby items at your final destination such as a swing or pack n play. If all else fails you can make a crib out of the bottom dresser drawer at the hotel. I know you think I am crazy but this is what they suggest people do who can't afford a crib.

6. Baby Tylenol

7. Have your baby suck on a bottle or pacifier on take off and landing. It will help her ears.

8. Pack an extra shirt and snacks for yourself. We got stuck on the tarmac for three hours and by the time we made it to Miami we were covered in spit up and starving.

9. Ask if the plane is full. If there are empty seats they will let you put the baby in the car seat next to you for free.

10. Bring your baby sling. It will let you have your hands free while dismantling things at security. They will let your walk through the metal detector with your baby in the sling. Check out the TSA website for approved baby carriers. The website also has videos about travelling with infants. Some of them are funny and remind you not to put your baby in the x ray machine.

I hope this helps a bit. Happy travels!