Traveling with Baby 101

Flight booked, hotel reservation made: vacation, here you come! All that's left is that minor detail of navigating travel with a new baby in tow. (Sure makes you long for those single days when your only dilemma was window or aisle, huh?) Don't fret. You can have your beach getaway and breastfeed, too. We got the lowdown on traveling with baby from Meg Collins, founder of the wildly popular Lucie's List (a gear and advice blog) and author of "Flying with Baby"—a must-read for any mom just entering the world of changing diapers on a plane (more on that to come). Get ready for one memorable adventure.

If you're planning to have your baby sit on your lap (otherwise known as a "lap child"), you'll need to call the airline ahead of time to let them know and bring along proof of age, such as a birth certificate, says Collins. If you're flying internationally, also call ahead to reserve a bassinet, she suggests. Another thing to plan ahead: If you can swing it, schedule the flight during one of your baby's nap times, which will make life a whole lot easier for both of you.

Even if you're not planning to have your baby take up an extra seat on the plane, bring your infant car seat to the gate just in case. "If the airline has any open seat, they'll give you the seat for free. And if they don't, simply 'gate check' the infant seat at the jetway," Collins says. Bringing the car seat with you ensures it will arrive with you and not get lost in transit with the checked baggage. Plus, having one less thing to carry around is always the end goal (that, and making it through the plane ride without any meltdowns).

On the day of departure, make sure you leave at least half an hour earlier than you would prior to having a baby, says Collins. This accounts for the last-minute diaper changes and feedings that may arise en route. With security, there should be a designated "family line" you can use where you can continue "wearing" baby through the metal detector (wear easy-to-slip-off shoes in case you have to remove yours). If you have TSA Pre-Check (which costs $85 for five years and requires an in-person application), you'll be able to skirt through with your shoes on.

Speaking of security, the good news is that you won't have to measure out all of baby's milk or food into 3-ounce servings. While TSA may still have to X-ray or check the liquids, breastmilk, formula and juice are exempt from the 3.4-ounce rule and don't have to fit into a quart-sized bag. Just separate these items from your other carry-on liquids and inform a TSA agent at the beginning of the screening. Also, ice packs and gel packs are permitted as well if they're keeping the baby's food cool. They just may be subjected to additionally scrutiny.

If you plan on waiting to feed your baby until takeoff (even if it means delaying the usual schedule), you may want to rethink that. Takeoff isn't really when you have to worry about the pressure affecting their ears, Collins says, and your baby might sleep right through it. It's during the "initial descent" when most babies experience problems. During that time (which can be as much as 30 minutes before touch-down), you'll want to have a "sucking" device handy, be it yourself, a bottle or a pacifier.

As you board the plane, ask the flight attendant if the plane has a diaper-changing station. If it does, you get to rest easy. If not, you might have to get creative when your baby is in dire need of a change. If you don't have the fortune of an empty row and would rather not use the tiny lavatory sink, doing a quick change on your lap may have to suffice. Having a portable "changing station" handy will be your new best friend.

If you're breastfeeding, you're likely all set. If you're bottle-feeding, Collins recommends using the Playtex Drop-In system, especially for long flights since you won't be able to wash the bottles on the airplane. "Just be sure to bring enough bottle liners to last your whole trip," she says. If you absolutely need to pump, you'll want to use a hand pump (which works equally well for long car rides, too). If baby is already eating solids, consider bringing along a portable high chair, such as a Sack'n Seat which attaches to a chair to keep baby secure but can be condensed into a pouch for traveling.

For trips lasting more than two days, bath time is going to roll around at some point. If you're accustomed to giving baby a bath in his own tub and are wary of jumping head first into using a regular-size tub—especially if baby can't sit up yet—there are definitely options to make you feel at home. If you're driving or have a large suitcase, the Puj Tub—a foldable foam device that fits in the sink—is one to consider. For smaller suitcases, an inflatable tub, such as Mommy's Helper, will pack nicely.

When you make your hotel reservation, call ahead and request a crib or a pack 'n' play for your room (if you aren't bringing one with you). Even motels should be able to oblige. If you'd prefer to bring your own accommodations for baby, a travel bassinet—like the Brica Fold 'n' Go or the Summer Infant Travel Bed—is another option, which can easily fold and be stowed in your luggage.