Family Travel Websites

Air Travel Rules Regarding Infants & Children. Traveling on an airplane and dealing with airport security with children in tow is not something that any parent looks forward to. Lugging around a car seat, a stroller, toys, bottles, diapers, and a breast pump can make any mom want to stay home and skip the vacation all together. Should you buy that extra seat on the flight or keep the baby on your lap? Should you bring the car seat on the plane or check it with your luggage? Is your baby going to cry throughout the whole flight? (I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you!)

Airline Policies Regarding Traveling with Babies

Every airline has its own policies and procedures for flying with small children. Here are quick links to the information you will need when you are planning to fly to your destination.

Airport Security with Kids

If you are trying to learn the basics about traveling with children through U.S. airports and dealing with airport security, you are in the right place.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Transportation Security Administration
TSA information about traveling with car seats, stroller, liquids & breast milk

U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Transportation Security Administration
TSA information about traveling with children with disabilities or medical conditions

Federal Aviation Administration
FAA information about flying with children and child safety

I have found a few websites dedicated to the topic of traveling with small children. They have a lot of great information. Check them out before you plan your next family getaway.

BabyGoes2

DeliciousBaby

Family Travel Forum

Little Passports – “a global adventure…inspire your child to learn about the world”

Family Travel Tips

The hardest part of any trip with children is often the journey getting there. I have a number of tips that will hopefully help make your travels a little smoother.

Tip #1 – Nobody wants to be trapped in coach when they are traveling with little ones. Upgrade your tickets (use those credit card points) and be sure to get your family in business or first class. Having a little more room will make all the difference in the world. I promise!

Tip #2 – Buy a separate seat for your infant. It is so much easier to have the extra space, and most airlines sell infant seats at a reduced rate.

Tip #3 – Pack your carry-on bags so your hands are free. Use a messenger bag or shoulder bag instead of a hand purse. Don’t bring a shopping bag filled with last minute items or your Louis Vuitton Speedy – they are both totally impractical when you have to get through an airport with your kids in tow.

Tip #4 – Bring a portable DVD player (one per child is ideal). Make sure the battery is fully charged, or bring an extra battery so it will last for the entire flight.

Tip #5 – Stock up on DVDs – I recommend bringing a known favorite along with some new releases. You want to have lot of options. DVDs don’t take up much room so the more the better. Go to Netflix, Blockbuster or Amazon to stock up.

Tip #6- Whatever you do – don’t forget the ‘lovey’ or your child’s favorite sleep blanket or stuffed animal. You will never hear the end of it and it will be virtually impossible to replace that stuffed Curious George doll when you are tucked away in your fabulous resort in the Caribbean.

Tip #7 – Make sure you pack enough diapers, wipes and formula in your carry-on for the entire flight. Nothing is worse that a poopy diaper and no clean ones on hand.

Tip #8 – For older children, don’t forget the iPod. Let your son or daughter pick out 20 new songs or a few TV shows before you leave on the trip.

Tip #9 – Pack a bag of new travel toys and books that you can pull out one by one over the course of the trip. The constant surprises should keep your little sweet pea happy and occupied.

Tip #10 – for extra safety for your toddler order the CARES harness – it is the first and only FAA approved harness-style child safety device for kids 22-44lbs.

Tip #11 – Car seat requirements and laws are different in each state. Before you leave, make sure your car seat meets the state laws where you will be traveling. Elite Car Seats has a great matrix of car seat information.

Tip #12 – When you travel internationally it is important for every member of the family to respect different cultures, customs and religions. Vayama has created a great repository of travel etiquette for the world traveler.

Tip #13 – Just for mom! Whenever I go to a new city I check to see if Lucky Magazine has a shopping guide for the area. They have the best shopping tips that lead you to cute neighborhoods and incredible local finds.