Flying with babies and toddlers can be daunting. This comprehensive guide provides practical tips and advice on How To Travel With A Pack N Play, making your family trips smoother and more enjoyable.
Planning Your Trip: Pack N Play Considerations
When planning a trip with young children, especially when considering how to travel with a pack n play, there are key factors to consider for booking your flight and managing luggage.
Booking Flights with Little Ones: Remember that children two years and older require their own paid seat. While the extra cost may seem significant, it provides comfort and safety. For children under two, you have the option of “infant in arms” (flying on your lap). Contact the airline to add your child to your booking as “Infant in Arms.” Some airlines, like Southwest, require you to do this at the airport on the day of travel. Alternatively, you can purchase a separate seat for your baby, which is highly recommended for flights lasting three hours or more. This allows you to use a car seat on the plane. Always bring your child’s passport or birth certificate for verification.
Packing Essentials, Including the Pack N Play: A week-long vacation with a baby and a toddler often includes two strollers, two car seats, two large suitcases (under 50lbs each), a carry-on bag, and a pack n play.
Transporting Your Gear: The most efficient method involves checking the two large suitcases, car seats, and the pack n play. Most airlines offer free checked bags for each traveler and often allow car seats to be checked for free. Utilize one carry-on bag for essentials and bring both strollers through the airport. To simplify carrying everything from the car to the check-in counter, consider using bungee cords to attach the car seats to the large suitcases if you don’t have car seat bags. Remember to pack light in your carry-on.
Essential Travel Gear: Making Pack N Play Travel Easier
Choosing the right travel gear is crucial for a smooth experience when figuring out how to travel with a pack n play.
Travel Strollers: Opt for lightweight and compact strollers like the GP Pockit, which can fit in the overhead bin, eliminating the need for gate-checking and reducing the risk of loss. This stroller is suitable for babies six months and older. For younger infants, using a car seat that clicks into a stroller frame is a convenient option. Remember to get a stroller tag before boarding.
Travel Pack-N-Play: Consider the Guava Lotus Travel Crib because it is lightweight and easier to carry through the airport.
Car Seat Bag: Renting car seats can be expensive, costing up to $25 per day per child. Bringing your own saves money and ensures familiarity. A car seat travel bag protects the seat from dirt, germs, and damage. Alternatively, secure the car seats to your suitcases with bungee cords.
Luggage Scale: To avoid overweight baggage fees, use a portable digital luggage scale. Southwest charges $75 for bags exceeding 50lbs, while American Airlines charges $100.
Navigating the Airport: Simplifying the Process with a Pack N Play
Streamlining the airport experience is vital, especially when considering how to travel with a pack n play and manage children.
Check-In Procedures: If you are flying with an “Infant in Arms,” you must check in at the airline ticket counter. Avoid online check-in for yourself, as this can cause delays.
Required Documents: Bring passports or birth certificates for toddlers and infants. Immunization records for infants may also be required.
Security Tips: Navigating security with young children can feel like a dance.
TSA Precheck: A one-time investment in TSA Precheck can save significant time by allowing you to skip long security lines. It also offers benefits like keeping laptops and liquids in your carry-on and not having to remove your shoes.
3-1-1 Liquids Rule: If you don’t have TSA Precheck, adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids in your carry-on: three ounces in one quart-size bag per person. This rule does not apply to breast milk or water in baby bottles, but be prepared for extra screening of these items.
Security Process: Place the carry-on bag on the conveyor belt. Remove iPads/laptops and liquids, placing them in separate bins. Take out any metal items or cell phones. Remove the baby and toddler from the strollers. Fold the strollers and put them on the conveyor belt. Hold your child and walk through the metal detector. Repeat the process in reverse on the other side.
Onboard Strategies: Making the Flight Enjoyable
Once you’re onboard, focus on making the flight as comfortable as possible for everyone.
Pre-Flight Preparations: Use the time in the terminal to let the kids stretch their legs. While your partner watches the kids, grab coffee or steamed milk/hot water to warm breast milk or formula. Fill up your water bottle and get extra snacks. Consider one last diaper change.
Boarding Tips: If flying Southwest, take advantage of family boarding after the “A” passengers. This increases your chances of securing an entire row. On other airlines with assigned seating, wait until the last minute to board. A window seat can be a great distraction for toddlers, while a breastfeeding mother might prefer the privacy of a window seat.
During Take-Off: Wipe down all surfaces with antibacterial wipes. Keep essential items like iPads, snacks, milk, and water readily accessible. Delay giving the baby a bottle until take-off to help with ear popping. Save toys for when you’re in the air.
Conclusion: Embrace the Adventure of Traveling with a Pack N Play
Traveling with a baby and a toddler, especially with a pack n play, requires planning and preparation. By following these tips, you can reduce stress and create a more enjoyable travel experience for your entire family. Embrace the journey, and remember that the memories you make are worth the effort.
