Travelling with a bubba sounds like a terrifying concept. “Will I be blacklisted from Qantas Airlines after my baby has the meltdown to end all meltdowns,” I wonder, as I book a flight with trepidation. Luckily since Dash was born, we’ve been able to make the most of taking him on some short holidays around Australia (and I haven’t been escorted off any planes for creating a ruckus). Travelling with a small baby is not easy by any means, but I’m gradually improving at being organised and making sure I’m prepared! Dash has now been on 10 flights (and slept through most of them!!). Here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way.
Sterilising
With a baby comes a lot of sterilising!! Breastpumps, bottles, nipple shields, pacifiers etc…. who would have thought!!
I’ve worked out a few different ways to sterilise away from home. I would suggest firstly calling ahead to your hotel and finding out if your room has a mircowave included.
If you have access to a microwave in your hotel or destination, these multiple use steriliser bags are super compact and can be used up to 20 times in the microwave. You just pop your items in the bag with some water and microwave – takes around 4 mins depending on the microwave.
If your hotel doesn’t have a microwave, the next best option is Milton. I had never used Milton before, but it’s really easy. You just need a 2 litre tub (I usually buy a large tupperwear container at a local Woolies) and some Milton – you pop a tablet in and you can use the same water to sterilise for up to 24 hours. You just rinse the bottles in soapy water like you normally would then pop them into the Milton solution for 15 mins (or you can leave them in the tub until you need them). No need to rinse them afterwards.
Makeshift activity rug
Our bubba spends many happy hours kicking away on his activity rug. Now he is getting a bit bigger, he loves to play, but no one wants to pack excessive amounts of toys when travelling. We rigged up a makeshift activity centre by hanging these plastic chain links between some chairs and attaching some of these jingly jangly creatures in the middle – it works a treat and you can hook it up anywhere!!
Compact Stroller
I recently discovered the Yoyo Babyzen, a compact stroller that folds up small enough to be stored in the overhead cabin. It’s super light and is really easy to collapse….and it folds up and has a carry bag to make it easy to get around…it’s way lighter than our usual pram and means that you can take the stroller right into the airport, rather than checking it in. I also take our Baby Bjorn carrier wherever we go, to make it easy to carry Dash when we don’t need a pram.
Travel Crib
Most hotels will provide a travel crib if you call ahead and ask. If you aren’t able to get one, I would recommend the Baby Bjorn Travel Cot – it folds up into a carry bag and weighs about 6kg.
Nappies/Wipes
I just pack enough nappies and wipes for the plane ride and then buy a couple of packs once we arrive in our destination to save previous packing space – the one thing I pack lots of for the airport and plane are disposable change mats!! Airport and plane change tables are gross, and it saves washing of mats/swaddles etc.
Formula
Now that we’re mixed feeding, I need to be able to safely mix up formula away from home – I measure the formula powder into these containers and keep water warm using my S’well water bottle.
Flying
I always make sure to feed Dash during takeoff and landing, and also pack a pacifier, as the pressure can hurt little bubba’s ears!! Qantas flights will provide a small pillow for mothers to rest the baby on which makes feeding much easier, but Virgin and Jetstar don’t seem to do this, so make sure you pack an extra wrap/blanket to use as a pillow to rest bub’s head on, particularly if you’re breast feeding.
I found the vibration and the loud noise of the plane makes it easy for Dash to fall asleep. I always make sure to pack some extra swaddles to wrap him up in, because it can get so cold on flights. I also pack enough nappies, wipes and disposable change mats for the flight, as well as a change of clothes for Dash and an emergency top for me!! I also make sure to pack these, which are useful for everything!!
Check with your airline to confirm, but Qantas will allow you to check in three additional items of baby related luggage (such as pram, travel cot etc), as well as your own bag, which makes things way easier!! Also, don’t forget, make sure you have bub’s Medicare card for the airport – you need this to check in.
Do you have any tips for travelling with a little one? Are you game? 🙂
