Dear Pregnant Self,
Deciding to travel with an 11 week old may seem crazy and flying even crazier, but actually some moms say its easier than with a toddler. This young, your baby cannot walk yet and still only takes bottles or nurses, so there is less running and lighter packing. The biggest tip I can give for flying is babywearing. For an 11 week old a wrap is your best bet. Carriers can be bulky and uncomfortable for a baby that young, but a wrap or even sling keeps your love close to your heart and cozy. We chose the MobyWrap, JW enjoys the kangaroo hold. This hold allows me to wrap the fabric around him and I while he is in my arms, instead of wrapping first then trying to slide him in. The kangaroo hold also works while standing and sitting, which is perfect for terminal and plane. Added bonus: with the wrap, sling or carrier with baby in the front, frees up your back for the backpack carry on.
Moby Wrap
Before you even leave for the airport you need to prep. Start prepping by packing your backpack carry on like a boss! If its just you and the baby traveling, you will need to pack both your items in here, but if you have a traveling partner they can carry the adult items and leave the backpack for the baby. For an example lets say that it is mommy, daddy and their 11 week old formula fed baby taking this trip:
LL Bean Backpack
* First thing is to lay out your back pack, ziplock bags and other containers.
* Next, prepare your bottles by drying them completely then adding however many scoops of powder formula you need. Screw the cap on tight and place the bottles in ziplock bags. Make sure to pack more bottles then you need in the carry on, you will never know how long a delay might be. The rest of the pre-scooped bottles can be put in the checked luggage.
* Besides the pre-scooped bottles, it is also a good idea to have the small travel packets of formula just in case.
Formula Packets
(Packing breast milk is a little trickier, you will need to use a small cooler and ice packs, take care to check your milk supply often to insure its staying cold)
* Pack extra ziplock bags to place the used bottles until you can wash them.
* Do not pack any water, you will need to make it through security then purchase a room temperature bottle in the terminal
* Make sure to have plenty of bibs and burp cloths
* Next is a changing mat or blanket, I recommend disposable changing table covers, with twice as many diapers and wipes as you think you will need
Disposable Changing Mats
* 2 changes of clothes, try for clothing that can be folded small and flat, without excess fluff
* A small receiving blanket incase little bug gets cold or wants to snuggle on the plane
* If baby will take a pacifier make sure to pack multiple, I also recommend Arm and Hammer pacifier wipes for quick and sanitary cleaning
Pacifier Wipes
* A few smaller sized toys are also a good idea to keep baby occupied and/or distracted, such as plastic keys or a ring of beads
Baby Beads
That should be all you need in your carry on, anything else can be packed in your checked baggage. I am sure you can think of so much more to pack in your backpack, but you will already be lugging the stroller, MobyWrap, baby and the carry on so you want to keep everything as light and minimal as you can.
Next Post: Tips and Tricks for Airports
Blessings and Love,
Colleen
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