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Traveling with a baby or any child really is quite a challenge. Traveling on an airline is a special challenge. You are at the mercy of someone else's time schedule , seating and rules. Most of which are not even close to what is in a babies mind. I had the privilege of traveling twice with my infant daughter. The first time was when she was 2 & 1/2 weeks old and the return flights 2 weeks later. We changed planes 4 times and spent layovers in Chicago. I learned a lot and am willing to share it with you so that your experience is as pleasant as mine turned out to me. For which I am so thankful as I traveled alone.

The first piece of advice is never assume anything and plan for everything. What I mean by that is call the airline that you are booked with and tell them you are traveling with an infant. Request aisle seating or bulkhead, both of which gives you more room to move around. Get information on bringing your car seat, warming bottles or infant food, changing stations and even the availability of bottled water. See if there is a fee for any of these as I found out water was not free even when we got delayed on the plane and I needed it to make formula.
Next, call security at the airport and find out the regulations on bringing formula..powdered or otherwise and infant food. I found out that in an unopened container formula was allowed as long as it was in a big clear ziploc bag and you put it in the bins so they can see it. The same was for baby food but call to make sure because rules change all the time. Ready made formula was the easiest to bring but has to be used quickly as I found I had a lot of waist. I tried powdered the next time around and it worked better as I could make what I needed and not have so much waist. I took bottles filled with water and I made it through security but I would recommend that you buy water after you get through the check points to be safer.
The next tip of advice I want to share is just bring two bottles and several clean nipple sets. This makes for more room in your diaper bag and less to keep track of. You can rinse out the bottles and just attach a clean nipple when you need to. This worked out great and was handy.
As far as clothing goes ..I found that one piece outfits on small infants are far better than anything else. They are completely covered from head to toe and you don't have to worry about loosing socks or matching patterns. Bring a small blanket to cover your baby and several burp rags. Two extra outfits and onesies are a must as well as diapers and wipes. Extra pacifiers and a toy or two might be needed if your infant is old enough or loves paci's. Anything else in your diaper bag is unneeded and just clutter. If your baby has other needs pack accordingly but remember..gels and such could be taken away so it would be better to pack those in your other luggage for later.
The last pieces of advice for coping with an infant are these. Make your diaper bag / carry on luggage the same thing with a "pull" piece of luggage. You don't have to carry it..it is big enough for all you and your baby will need and the steward/ stewardess will stow it for you. In a small purse keep a couple of diapers, wipes and a ready bottle and refill as you need. Lastly, use a front carrier or backpack for all infants or a small stroller. This will save you energy and time through lines and keep your hands free and never be afraid to ask for help or directions. I found that passengers as well as airline staff were more than eager to help.
So, follow these tips, add your own and happy flying!

Learn more about this author, Bethany Harvey.
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