4 simple ways to make air traveling with a baby easier

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SuperAbsorbent #CollectiveBias

In many ways, being a 2nd time mom is so much easier than the first time around.  When I had my first child, packing for air travel required a checklist and included everything but the kitchen sink that TSA would allow me to have in my bag. I can think back to the first time I ventured out with JP when he was a newborn baby and stressed over forgetting tiny items like his pacifier. Turned out he slept the whole time we were away and didn’t need to have it anyway. After much trial and error, I have discovered that you don’t need a whole lot with you – some food, milk, toys & diapers are some of the essentials.

My close immediate family does not live anywhere close to me, so this puts me in a position of frequent air travel with my kids. Often times my husband does not travel with us simply because he can’t always take off work leaving me to travel with my almost 2 year old toddler and my 7 year old. Over the years I’ve nailed it down to a science – here’s my list of must-do’s that get me through the security line with no problems.

Kids get can get hangry.. Be sure to stock up on snacks

Generally when TSA sees you coming through as a solo mom traveling with 2 kids, they won’t give you too much of a hassle. Chances are pretty high that they will always question any liquids, however if it’s factory sealed they will be fine with it. For food & bottles I always used sealed tubes of pre-measured formula, apple sauce in a squeeze pouch, a package of snack sized fish crackers, raisins and oat cereal “o’s” – I get the individual boxes for travel.

Have a well stocked diaper changing kit

Using airport bathrooms can be kinda gross simply because of the volume of people who pass through on an hourly basis. The same goes for the baby changing table – I cringe thinking about how many baby bottoms had their dirty diapers changed before me. This is why I use a diaper kit that has a changing pad built in. Hand sanitizer wipes are very helpful to have too!

…I’ll let you in on a little secret I’ve discovered about diapers – Costco sells Huggies Little Movers Plus and it’s known as Huggies most absorbent diaper yet (its what the “plus” means…) Between the 12 hour Leak Lock® protection and the double grip strips for max protection it’s perfect for keeping baby comfortable on long flights. They even have the Huggies Little Snugglers Plus for the little-little babies.

Find a costco store near you because there are deals going on right now!! Little Snugglers Plus sizes 1 & 2 is regular $37.49. Add in the $6 discount and free shipping and you’re looking at a total of $31.49 for a big box of diapers. Little Movers Plus size 3, 4, 5, & 6 are regularly $42.99 and with the $6 discount it makes it $36.99 with free shipping (this offer valid 9/1 –to 9/25)

Also, Little Snugglers Plus will be available in size newborn starting in August for $29.99 at select warehouses and online at Costco.com

Here’s a step by step guide to what goes into my travel diaper changing kit

Most importantly, you will need somewhere to put your diapers and wipes, so I use an all-in-one changing pad and case. Carries everything I need!

I’m abit of a germaphobe so I like to carry hand sanitizer wipes. Helps out when you change a dirty diaper!

Goes without saying – wipes are a must, especially Huggies. Thick & easy to peel out of the package is what I love about these.

The oh-so-important diapers.. Huggies little movers plus is perfect for long flight travel because of the absorbancy.

If I take toiletries, I always make sure they are factory sealed so I can easily get through security without much trouble.

Again, I save samples of diaper rash cream that you get in parenting magazines or the pediatrician’s office specifically for travel.

Everything is all bundled up and ready for your to change baby anywhere!

Have a really-easy-to-use compact stroller

I use an inexpensive umbrella stroller for traveling. Airlines are notorious for not taking good care of things that you check at the gate, so I don’t use anything too expensive. Plus, an umbrella stroller is easy to collapse with one hand while holding the baby. Frequent air traveling can wreak havoc on one, so I highly recommend one of those big red gate check bags to put it in.

Consider a backpack for baby & kid things

Between your purse & travel necessities (like boarding passes and ID) you will need to keep these easy to pull out. I keep all my baby things in a backpack because I can easily carry it on my back and keep it separate from my belongings. Don’t forget a few small toys and a tablet loaded with kid friendly videos and games for distraction!

I hope these tips prove to be helpful for your next travel adventure!

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