Travelling with an infant can seem daunting, but with the right preparation and mindset, it can be a rewarding experience for the whole family. As a mum of two and the owner of Kooshy Kids, I’ve learned that preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey with your little one. 

Here’s my guide to travelling with an infant.

1. Plan Ahead

Travelling with an infant? Prep is your best friend! Whip up a checklist of everything you’ll need and start packing early. It’s like setting yourself up for a smooth ride—no last-minute panic, and you’ll have everything on hand. I use my phones’ “Notes” and put circles (instead of dot points) that can be ticked and unticked. 

• Documents: Ensure you have all necessary documents, such as your baby’s passport and any required visas. Keep these in an easily accessible place.
• Research: Check airline policies regarding infants and any specific requirements or amenities they offer, such as bassinets or early boarding for families.

2. Choose the Right Flight Time

• Tip: If a night flight isn’t an option, try to book flights during nap times to ensure your baby gets some rest during the journey.

3. Pack Smart

Pack a carry-on that’s like a magical treasure chest of essentials! Make sure it’s well-organised and filled with everything you might need for the journey.

Think of it as your personal travel toolkit, including:

• Nappies, wipes, and changing pads
• Extra clothing for you and your baby
• Baby food, formula, and snacks
• Bottles, dummies/pacifiers, and a favourite toy or blanket
• A small first-aid kit

4. Ensure Comfort

Comfort is key for both you and your little one! Dress your baby in layers so you can easily adjust to those ever-changing temperatures. And don’t forget to pack a cosy blanket and a soft pillow—like those in the Kooshy Kids Mini Travellers Dream Kit—to turn any spot into a comfy snooze zone. With these little touches, you’ll be set for a smooth and comfy ride!

• For Babies Under 2: If your baby doesn’t have their own seat, the Kooshy Kloud is perfect for creating a comfortable space on your lap.

• For Children Up to 5: The Inflatable Sky Bunk transforms the seat space into a cosy bed, ensuring your little one can lie flat and sleep comfortably.

5. Manage Ear Pressure

During take-off and landing, infants can experience discomfort due to changes in cabin pressure. As an adult I still have extremely painful ears (9 x grommets later) on descent and find a vicks inhaler and an ear massage work best. Encourage your baby to suck on a bottle, pacifier, or breastfeed during these times to help equalise ear pressure.

• Tip: Bring extra dummies pacifiers and ensure they are easily accessible during these critical times.

6. Book a Bassinet

Flying long-haul? Snagging a bulkhead seat with a bassinet can be a total game-changer! Most airlines have these nifty bassinets for infants, giving your baby a cosy spot to catch some Z’s while you’re up in the sky. As they are located in the bulkhead they offer more space for you to stretch out your legs. If you are travelling on an accepting airline the Kooshy Kids Kooshion in the bulkhead row is great for both you and your child. 

Just give your airline a shout before your trip to lock one in. It’s like having a little piece of home floating with you!

• Tip: Confirm the bassinet size and weight limits with your airline to ensure it’s suitable for your baby.

7. Stay Organised

Keep your baby’s stuff neat and easy to grab with a bit of savvy organising! The Kooshy Kids Zip & Hang Wardrobe is like a magic trick for keeping clothes and essentials in order, especially on those longer trips. 

It’s perfect for stashing everything you need so you can find it fast and keep the travel vibes stress-free!

• Tip: Use packing cubes to separate different categories of items, such as feeding supplies, clothing, and toys. I do not travel without packing cubes….I find the compression cubes the best. 

8. Entertain Your Infant

Keeping your baby entertained is the secret to a smoother journey! Pack a bunch of small toys and books to keep them busy and happy. Get creative with interactive play—singing songs or reading stories can work wonders to keep them calm and engaged. It’s all about turning travel time into fun time!

• Tip: Introduce a new toy or book during the flight to capture your baby’s interest and keep them engaged.

9. Feed with Ease

Get ready for feeding time by packing plenty of baby food and formula for the trip, with a little extra just in case things don’t go as planned. While some airports have spots to warm up bottles, a portable bottle warmer is a handy backup. It’s like having your own little snack bar on the go, ensuring your baby’s tummy stays happy no matter what!

• Tip: Pack individual servings of formula in pre-measured containers for easy preparation.

10. Stay Calm and Flexible

Travelling with an infant means embracing flexibility and patience! Babies are like stress detectors, so keeping your cool can help keep them calm too. 

Expect the unexpected and roll with it—sometimes the best moments come from going with the flow. Just remember, a relaxed vibe makes the journey smoother for everyone!

Additional Tips for a Smooth Journey

1. Bring a Change of Clothes: Accidents happen, so pack an extra set of clothes for your baby and yourself.
2. Use a Backpack: A backpack can hold all your essentials and keep your hands free.
3. Plan for Security Checks: Be prepared to take your baby out of the stroller and/or carrier, and ready to remove any baby items from your bags during security checks.
4. Hydrate: Airplane cabins can be very dry, so ensure your baby stays hydrated by offering regular feeds.

These tips and the right tools can transform travelling with an infant into a smooth and enjoyable experience! 

Embrace the journey, savour those special moments with your little explorer, and enjoy the ride. 

Here’s to happy travels and creating memories with your tiny traveller!