Pack a Diaper Bag for a Plane Trip
Remembering everything that goes into that diaper bag can be mind-boggling especially when traveling by air. Here is a helpful packing list to make sure you have everything you need, and nothing you don't.
Steps
- Be sure your diaper bag fits overhead compartment guidelines. Find a medium sized diaper bag that has both a long strap and short straps. This makes it easy to carry across your chest while carrying your child.
- Dress your child in layers. The plane might be very chilly compared to the summery airport, or vice versa. Light, easy to manage layers help travel.
- Call your airline to verify what they have on board for changing facilities. Some carry diapers on board or even bottle warmers. (However, keep in mind your plane may be changed last-minute).
- For every hour of your flight, pack 2 diapers. For instance, if your flight is 4 hours long, pack 8 diapers. Pack package of wipes. These will come in handy for accidents on both them and you.
- Pack enough formula, breast milk, baby food, or juice for the usual amount of feedings within the time frame. Be sure to bring any bottles, sippy cups, spoons, and the like too.
- If your child eats finger food, bring some snacks. It both feeds and entertains. Make sure they are easy to manage like round oat cereal, rice cakes.
- If you are nursing, bring a cover to ensure privacy. Do not use the airplane blankets, as they are seldom if ever washed.
- Bring two cloths that can be both a changing mat and burp cloth. There are disposable cloths that can be purchased for this purpose.
- Bring at least two pacifiers, if needed.
- Pack any frequently-used medication. Bring gas drops, gripe water, Tylenol, or anything else your child might need. Also don't forget rash cream if needed.
- One or two changes of clothes in a resealable plastic bag. Accidents do happen and if they do, take the clean clothes out and put the dirty ones in.
- Bring Toys! Bring amusements that fit easily in your diaper bag. A small inflatable beach ball, a hand fan, finger puppets, board books, sparkly fabric, and the like will keep fussing down. It may help if the toy is new.
- Bring a travel size blanket and pillow if the flight is long.
- Bring something to deal with sore ears at takeoff and landing. Chewing gum, hot washcloths, plastic cups, and something to suck on all help.
- Finished.
Tips
- Do call the Airline. Some might instruct you to bring your car seat all the way to the gate in the instance a seat opens up. Also, some do not allow child restraints other than car seats and it is best to check first.
- Be prepared to feed your infant during take off and landing to help with pressure in their ears. Try before this point to have your child get used to room temperature formula. If not possible, pack a travel bottle warmer or heat packs.
- There are exemptions to formula, breast milk, and juice when traveling with and without a child.
- Remember that breastfeeding isn't illegal. You do not have to feed your child in the bathroom.
- Have any liquids in a {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} size bag on top of everything. This will expedite time in the security line.
Warnings
- Be prepared to be searched more thoroughly if you are bringing formula, breast milk, baby food, or juice with you. Have this out separately when going through security and tell a security office right away. According to the TSA website, these are allowed items to carry-on a plane.
Things You'll Need
- A medium sized diaper bag that can be stowed under a seat.
- 2 diapers for every HOUR the flight is
- Travel size wipes
- Change of clothes
- Burp cloth or disposable cloths
- Formula, breast milk, baby food, or juice.
- Privacy wrap for feeding
- Pacifies
- A few toys
- Medication
- Optional: pillow and blanket
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