How to Travel With Infants Without Having to Pack a Ton of Baby Gear
Traveling with an infant can be stressful to think about before you step foot on a plane or in a car. The idea of toting around a diaper, bookbag, suitcase(s) can be daunting. Even with two people, it can be a lot to take in. If you’re flying by plane, there is a security check, but you are able to go through the family security checkpoint. Luckily, there are ways to cut back on what you bring by packing smarting and being mindful about the baby gear you bring. Travel guru, Stephen Andrew Stepaniuk, gives some advice on how to travel with infants and not bring the whole house.
Bring what is absolutely needed
You can write out a list for absolute baby items to bring and after the list, cross off what is not actually needed. Don’t consider what you think you need to bring, but consider what you need to bring. Forget about the check-in luggage and try to think of traveling you’re your infant with only a carry-on. It comes down to where you are heading. Arizona packing is different from Venice packing. Seasons, weather, and festivals all play a part in packing. Pack the necessary items such as clothing, feeding, diapers, and a pump bag, – if you are breastfeeding – stroller, and an airport ready car seat. If you’re going to see family, see if they have certain items you can borrow for the duration of your trip.
When looking at strollers, if possible, look for this before the baby is born. Finding a collapsible stroller that does just fold over, but can be folded up and is lightweight enough to be carried as a bookbag or attached to your luggage is ideal. If it’s too late, a normal stroller folded over can still house a carry-on luggage securely inside or in the carrying portion of the stroller.
Bring Daily Items
A trip for 3 days is easier to plan than a trip for two weeks. Of course, with a two-week trip, you can research ahead of time to find shopping areas nearby to purchase certain things. This can help with packing light because the items you buy can be items you do not have to pack for your return trip. When it comes to packing clothes, you can do a wrap capsule, which is folding up two to four outfits – shirt, diaper, socks, pants, undershirt, etc. – and rolling them up in the shape of a capsule. A medium carry-on luggage can fit at least two weeks’ worth of your child’s clothes and include a week or a week and a half of your clothes.
When it comes to diapers, bringing around 15 for a 5-day cross-country trip is enough. There are also cloth diaper options if you have access to a laundry room during your trip. If not and bring 15 diapers is not enough or not do-able, consider bring 5 to get through a full day and then purchase more when you arrive if it is within your budget. By doing this, you can add formula or breastfeeding supplies to your luggage.
Renting and shipping for your trip
Yes, you can rent items and have them shipped for your trip. This drastically reduces the amount of baby gear you need to bring. If the family option is out and you have a budget for your spending, Stephen Stepaniuk suggests you can try a renting company in the city or country – most times – you are visiting. Baby strollers and car seats are free to check for at airports, but you when you’re renting your car you can add a car seat.
When comes to traveling, there is a lot to consider unless you like the idea of being free of material things and just go with the flow as expert traveler Stephen Stepaniuk would say. Plan out your items and try to maximize your luggage space when packing. Consider asking family for baby gear items if possible, if not go for renting. Stephen Andrew Stepaniuk suggests packing a carry-on only instead of checking a bag because it is another item you have to lug around once you are off the plane. If it is a road trip, still consider packing a medium sized bag for light travels.
