Question:

How can I make traveling alone with baby easier?

Traveling Solo With Baby

If you're a single parent or just heading out on a trip with baby on your own, rest assured that getting to your destination is not only doable, it can be a great, liberating experience. In case you're planning out your journey with some trepidation, we've put together some helpful hints ease your worries.

  • Pack the bare minimum. Especially if you're going by plane, you only want to pack the essentials you'll need to get you through the trip. Think long and hard before you decide to lug that portable crib with you. Maybe you borrow one at your destination or can you rent one for use when you arrive. It helps to be prepared, but when you're transporting an infant and 35 pounds of gear, you might think some things were best left at home.
  • Plan your route. If you're going by plane, identify your gate terminal, connecting flights, and destination as much as possible beforehand, rather than scrambling around to find out where you're going as you're trying to soothe your cranky infant. If you're driving, figure out where your rest stops will be ahead of time, so you don't end up stopping in the middle of nowhere to tend to baby.
  • Bring hands free gear. Whatever you can to keep you hands as free as possible, do so. Use a baby carrier so you can have hands free for your luggage or carry your luggage in a backpack if you're going to use a stroller.
  • Put it all on wheels. Don't lug around that fancy leather overnight bag when you can pull luggage much more easily on wheels. The less weight you'll have to bear, the better. This includes items like the car seat as well – put it in a bag, get a wheeled attachment, or get a convertible car seat stroller.
  • Elicit the help of others. Traveling on your own is no time to be shy. If you need someone to help you put your luggage in the overhead compartment so baby doesn't fall out of her still unstrapped infant seat, do so.
  • Keep documents in on place. Passports, boarding passes, identification, and other papers should all be in one easy to reach place so you're not fishing for them while trying to keep one arm around your sleeping child.
  • Keep in touch. Let friends and family members know your itinerary and where and when they should expect you to be.
  • Keep an open mind. Traveling with young children can be challenging – more so if you're doing it on your own. But expect the best and be prepared for the worst and you'll do just fine.

Baby Travel Frequently Asked Questions

When do I put my child into a booster car seat?

How well do Britax convertible car seats score with industry experts?

Can you tell me about the different Evenflo carseats?

What should I look for when I’m choosing an infant car seat?

What do I need to know about using toddler safety seats?

What’s a good way to carry my baby around and keep my hands free?

What type of carrier works well for hiking with an infant or toddler?

What is an alternative to the front carrier for infants?

Are there strollers that I can get for multiple kids?

Can you tell me about some of the different Eddie Bauer strollers?

Are full size strollers practical purchases?

Is there an affordable, compatible stroller for the Graco SnugRide car seat?

Are jogging strollers appropriate for daytrips to the mall?

What are some advantages of lightweight strollers?

What are some nice features I can expect to find in midsize strollers?

Are Peg Pergo strollers worth their higher prices?

What kind of diaper bag will work just as well for dads as for moms?

What options do I have for diaper messenger bags?

What options do I have for tote diaper bags?

How do I handle moving an infant car seat base from one car to another?

What accessories can I get that’ll keep my baby entertained?

What are some must-have stroller accessories?

What portable crib do you recommend for trips?

What’s an easy way to seat my infants at restaurants?

What are some bottle accessories available to make feeding easier?

What should I put in a baby first aid kit for travel?

Is it safe to let my baby play with car seat toys while I’m driving?

What are some award winning stroller toys?

What are some of the benefits of travel systems?

How can I get through the airport faster with an infant?

What items should I pack at minimum for a plane trip?

Is it better to get through the airport with a baby carrier or stroller?

Can I help relive my baby’s ear pressure during take-off and landing?

What can I do to make a flight with an infant go more smoothly?

How can I save money on airfare?

What would you put on an emergency travel checklist for infants?

Are there specific things I can do to make road travel with my infant safer?

What can you tell me about flight safety?

How can I baby proof my hotel room?

How can I keep my child healthy during travel to other countries?

Where can I find more information on travel safety?

What kind of baby carrier should I get for my trip?

Which baby carriers are best for nursing?

Which baby carriers work better for younger babies?

Can you suggest some carriers that are toddler appropriate?

What carrier is appropriate for hiking outdoors with my toddler?

Is there a baby carrier that works as a backpack as well as baby carrier?

How can I make road travel with an infant easier?

Is it a good idea to take my baby to the theme park?

What’s an alternative to roughing it in a tent with my infant?

How do I make a visit to friends and family go more smoothly?

Can I travel by train with my infant?

What do I need to consider if I’m traveling by train with my baby?

How do I get a better deal on rental cars when I travel?

How do I know which child car seat to use?

What type of car seat should my toddler ride in?

What’s an efficient way to transport a convertible child car seat?

How do I handle infant car seats if I’m renting a car or taking a taxi?

Is it safe to transport my child in a taxi cab without a car seat?

Where can I go for more information on infant car seats?

Are car seats actually required by law in the U.S.?

What are some ideas for a beach trip with baby?

What are some ideas to make camping with my infant easier?

Where can I find some family friendly campsites?

Got any suggestions for feeding infants at the campsite?

What safety precautions do I need to take from the sun when my baby is outdoors?

What do I have to know about weather conditions when I’m traveling outdoors?

Should I get travel insurance for my vacation?

All inclusive vacation, childcare

Can you tell me which all inclusive resorts are infant friendly?

If I’m traveling outside of the U.S., will I need passports for the whole family?

How do I go about getting an infant passport?

What’s a good way to evaluate childcare for my infant?

What are some vacations that aren’t appropriate for baby?

What are some great gadgets geared for baby travel?

What are some great stroller products I can use for travel?

Is there a way to watch movies and bring my infant?

What is a good alternative to the zoo to bring a toddler?

Is there a good place to take my infant for a ski trip?

How do I deal with diaper changes during travel?

How can I keep better track of my toddler when I’m traveling?

What toys are safe and appropriate for my child?

What toys should I avoid bringing with me on a trip?

What are the best toys to get my infant if she’s less than six months old?

What are the best toys to get my infant if who is just under a year old?

What are the best toys to get my toddler?

Is there a way for me to save on hotel accommodations?

What should I do if I need hotel accommodations at the last minute?

What do I need to do if I want to take my baby out to the water?

What do I need to know about mealtime for baby on the plane?

How do I handle breastfeeding when I’m traveling?

How do I deal with feeding baby in the car?

What products make mealtime easier with my infant during travel?

How do I make dining out with a baby easier?

Can you tell me which diaper bags are best for travel?

What are some activities I can do with my baby at the beach?

Is there an all-inclusive family resort in the U.S. that’s appropriate for my infant?

What cities are good to visit with kids?

Can you tell me if the Disney cruises are worth taking a baby on?

How can I make traveling alone with baby easier?

Do you have any ideas for enjoying the outdoors with baby without roughing it?

What is a babymoon?

Do you have some suggestions for babymoon getaways?

How do I know which hotels are baby friendly?

Which places go above and beyond for families with kids?

What should I know about booking my family vacation?

Are cruises good trips for infants?

What are some of the best cruise lines for infants?

How can I make going on a cruise with my baby go more smoothly?

Which rooms on a cruise ship are the nicest?

What will I need to bring with me for a cruise with my baby?

Are Europe cruises a good vacation to take my baby?

Do you recommend a cruise to Hawaii with an infant?

How can I help my infant adjust to a new time zone?

How can I help my baby sleep well during a trip?

Do you have any ideas for enjoying our vacation while baby is napping?

Where should my infant sleep in the hotel?

How will my child sleep while we’re on the plane or car?

Which stroller is the best for travel?

What do I need to consider when getting a stroller for travel?

Is it safe to check my stroller at the gate?

What’s the best way to protect my stroller if I’m going to check it in at the gate?

What kind of stroller do I use for the beach?

What do I have to do to maintain my stroller?

What can I get to help organize my stroller?

What kind of stroller accessories can I get that will protect my infant from the elements?

What are some good activities to take my toddler by stroller?

Where are some good baby friendly beaches on Hawaii?

Is it possible to take a baby on a road trip?





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Christina Chan
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