https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 13 Apr 2026 04:15:21 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-flying-solo-with-an-infant#post-2822618 Tue, 15 May 2018 12:18:23 +0000 periwinklebee 2822618@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaBear87: Great to hear! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-flying-solo-with-an-infant#post-2822617 Tue, 15 May 2018 12:17:44 +0000 MamaBear87 2822617@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: and I have found that almost every fellow traveler I've interacted with had a smile for my baby and usually asked if they could help with my bag, folding the stroller etc. So don't go into it with the thought that other travelers will be frustrated with you because you have a baby with you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-flying-solo-with-an-infant#post-2822613 Tue, 15 May 2018 12:15:18 +0000 periwinklebee 2822613@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaBear87: Thank you! I agree - I've never traveled with kids before but used to travel really frequently by myself for work. I just expected that the flight would be delayed by a couple of hours because they didn't have coffee cups on board or whatever, and rolled with it. So much less stressful then when expectations are that everything will go as planned... good reminder to adopt this attitude even with LO along... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-flying-solo-with-an-infant#post-2822547 Tue, 15 May 2018 09:44:59 +0000 MamaBear87 2822547@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I found flying with a non mobile infant really easy. Take advantage of all the help you can. I found that as long as I was trying to keep a smile on my face and be as quick as I could that everyone was willing to help out. The flight attendants are also usually really great and happy to hold baby for a few minutes or bring you extra of whatever.<br /> And I really tried to get into the mindset that nothing was really a big deal. Forgot xyz, no big thing I can buy another. Baby dropped pouch all over, no big thing it will wash. Once I just decided things would be crazier it was so much less stressful </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-flying-solo-with-an-infant#post-2822535 Tue, 15 May 2018 09:08:02 +0000 periwinklebee 2822535@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Littlebit7: Thanks, I had no idea about this - yes, I'll need to belt install the infant seat internationally. It has worked great in the U.S., but I had no idea that seat belts in Europe were different, just ordered the clips. Thank you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-flying-solo-with-an-infant#post-2822469 Tue, 15 May 2018 00:03:13 +0000 Littlebit7 2822469@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Will you be installing your infant seat internationally with the seatbelt? If so, buy a locking clip. Many cars in other countries don’t have locking seatbelts. As an example, I’m living in Europe for a few months with my 4 month old and 3 year old. Our brand new Jeep rental doesn’t have locking belts and I would have been shit up a creek if I didn’t bring a locking clip for the infant seat. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-flying-solo-with-an-infant#post-2822455 Mon, 14 May 2018 20:51:29 +0000 periwinklebee 2822455@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jennlin821: Thank you so much, this is super helpful! I ordered the leg warmers, this is a great idea! And great point about boarding first v last depending on whether or not the baby is mobile, this makes a ton of sense. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-flying-solo-with-an-infant#post-2822412 Mon, 14 May 2018 15:51:43 +0000 jennlin821 2822412@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: I'm so glad we could help!<br /> I would suggest wearing you LO in the carrier to get a feel for it. Try wearing it grocery shopping, or doing things around the house, and being able to put it on an off yourself. (their youtube viedeos really helped me.) </p> <p>I didn't pay for checked bags, which is why mine is all centered on gate-checking. </p> <p>One more thing, at that age I would board first so that you can get situated and unpacked without any pressure. Once the kids are more mobile/older I would board last. </p> <p>I think I got the baby legwarmers off of amazon, baby goals might have been the brand? I got a three pack. </p> <p>I also kept everything in my each of my bags in labeled ziplock bags for ease of find things. </p> <p>Post if you have more questions!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-flying-solo-with-an-infant#post-2822410 Mon, 14 May 2018 15:50:38 +0000 periwinklebee 2822410@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bhbee: hah, yeah, as much as I don't want to overdo screen time, I do look forward to the day when it can be used in situations like these! I am sure you will rock traveling with three. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-flying-solo-with-an-infant#post-2822407 Mon, 14 May 2018 15:45:13 +0000 bhbee 2822407@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: haha well I haven't survived it yet. I feel like flying gets worse (when they are old enough to move but not old enough to be interested in anything very long) and then better and better (once they will watch screens and stay interested around 18m-2y, or stay involved in coloring etc). so flying with a kid who's 4+ isn't bad at all. I'm always happy when the lap child stage is over even though it's more money per trip! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-flying-solo-with-an-infant#post-2822404 Mon, 14 May 2018 15:29:13 +0000 periwinklebee 2822404@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bhbee: awesome suggestion! and flying alone with 3 :shocked: seriously you are my hero, I barely manage my one! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-flying-solo-with-an-infant#post-2822403 Mon, 14 May 2018 15:25:32 +0000 bhbee 2822403@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This isn’t specific to babies but if you travel a lot, I love the ebags packing cubes (generally can get on sale). They come in different sizes and colors and it’s a big help when packing the kids and me in one bag - everyone gets a color. It makes packing and repacking (and finding stuff there) so much easier for me than everything in one jumble. I keep some of the smaller ones for cords/chargers, meds, etc. Next year I’ll be flying alone with 3 (to see family) which is a scary thought!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-flying-solo-with-an-infant#post-2822400 Mon, 14 May 2018 14:52:47 +0000 periwinklebee 2822400@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you everyone, this is awesome advice!</p> <p>@jennlin821: Thank you, so helpful! I just ordered the covers for the carseat and stroller, I would have completely overlooked this, despite knowing how gross the hold can make luggage. I actually have a lilebaby carrier that I haven't gotten a huge amount of use out of since my LO loves the stroller, but it sounds like traveling will finally make it worthwhile. These are awesome suggestions on the packing/outfits. Going to look for baby leg warmers... And going to double check the ticket and my LO's passport information on it this afternoon, to avoid that - what a mess. </p> <p>@snarkybiochemist: Thank you! And good call on the change of clothes!</p> <p>@peachykeen: Hah, of all places for blowouts to be more common, ugh... but good call on doubling up :silly: </p> <p>@skiierchck99: Thank you!!! Also so good to hear that people were helpful!</p> <p>@looch: Thank you - going to implement the satellite packing and the duct tape labels. </p> <p>@JLC53: Thank you! My strategy is always to check as little as possible for fearing of the airlines losing it (especially with connections) but I see why the opposite could be best when juggling a baby solo. I also totally wouldn't have thought of boarding last, but makes a ton of sense. And I totally believe that between them being mobile and having to lug the convertible carseat that it must be way worse with a toddler :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-flying-solo-with-an-infant#post-2822358 Mon, 14 May 2018 12:05:06 +0000 JLC53 2822358@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have flown a ton with my now almost 2 1/2 year old, at least once every other month since he was 6 months old. What I found the most useful, is to go to the gate with as little as possible. Check everything possible (stroller, car seat, luggage, etc...) The first flight I brought everything possible to the gate with me... It was a disaster. Since then, when my son was an infant, I would do a baby carrier and a backpack. Once he got older I would do an easy collapsible stroller (I have the city mini) and a backpack. </p> <p>How it works for me as I do this solo from driving to the airport to arriving at my destination and getting a rental car to my families house. I just bring 1 huge suitcase to pack for both of us. When my son was an infant I would clip car seat into stroller leaving infant in car seat until I got inside the airport. Push stroller with infant in one hand, carrier in the bottom of the stroller, wear backpack, and pull suitcase with other hand. (now toddler goes into stroller, still pushing with one hand, backpack goes on back, convertible car seat gets strapped to luggage and pull luggage and convertible car seat with the other hand). Once inside the airport I would move infant to carrier and check everything except the back pack (now with toddler, I leave him in stroller and still check luggage and convertible car seat. I gate check the stroller). </p> <p>Security is a pain... Wear slip off shoes and no belt. The stroller and backpack will need to go through the xray belt (make sure you have an easy fold-able stroller if you plan on bringing it to the gate, but with infant I wouldn't). People are usually very understanding and helpful. I have got it down to a science now... </p> <p>I will tell you it is much easier with an infant then now with a toddler.</p> <p>Oh - I always board last, usually the last person on the plane. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-flying-solo-with-an-infant#post-2822324 Mon, 14 May 2018 10:07:08 +0000 looch 2822324@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I pack using the satellite system, smaller bags inside bigger bags. I still do it today, even though my son is much older.</p> <p>In the carryon, I have several gallon ziplock bags. When I board the plane, I unpack the carryon and stuff a ton into the seatback pocket. I always had two ziplocks for diapering supplies, with diapers, wipes, burp cloth, trash bags for dirty diapers and a single change of clothes. When I had to change, I would just grab the bag and go.</p> <p>I also wear a small crossbody bag, it stays on me the entire flight and has passports, boarding passes, cash, cards, etc. This way, if I get separated from my other bags, I don't freak.</p> <p>I also pack a reusable shopping bag so that I can just throw everything I've unpacked from the carry on into it and then I just repack the carry on once I am off the flight. I sometimes even throw my carry on into it with all the other smaller bags.</p> <p>I always use bags when I gate check things...I got the big red ones and used a piece of duct tape on the bag to write our last name on it. I also put a piece of duct tape with our last name on the stroller and car seat too, in case the bag ripped.</p> <p>I always board at the last possible second unless I am installing a car seat, then we get on during the family boarding if it's offered. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-flying-solo-with-an-infant#post-2822320 Mon, 14 May 2018 09:45:39 +0000 skiierchck99 2822320@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: I’m not an expert but I did take Abby on her first flight (to Florida) solo. Here’s what worked:<br /> -Drove to airport and parked. Would have been ideal to have DH drop me off but he was at work. He picked the car up so we didn’t leave it all week because that ish is expensive! Took an Uber home but he was with me then so it felt manageable.<br /> -Packed all out stuff in one large suitcase tht I checked.<br /> -Took her in stroller with car seat through the airport. I bought a cheap Chico click and go instead of the nicer but heavier baby jogger I normally use. It was a great decision - so much lighter and easier to manage.<br /> -my “carryons” were a backpack and her diaper bag. So essentially when I walked in I had a suitcase in one hand, pushed the stroller with the other, had a backpack on, and put her diaper bag under the stroller. Once I dropped the bag it was totally manageable.<br /> -be aware if you bring breast milk or formula it will take extra time as you will have to get it screened over 3 oz. This took a long time in Orlando but has been quicker elsewhere. Frozen milk is not screened.<br /> -I wore her in a carrier on the plane. Technically you have to take it off for takeoff and landing - I only did so if they asked. So far it has been 50/50 on that.<br /> -I gate checked the stroller and car seat. It was easy enough. People were kind and offered to help.<br /> -I wore her on front and had the backpack on my back as I got on the plane. This was probably the hardest part but someone helped me put the backpack up.</p> <p>That’s it off the top of my head but if you have questions I can try to tell more! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-flying-solo-with-an-infant#post-2822319 Mon, 14 May 2018 09:44:42 +0000 jennlin821 2822319@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh a few more things I remembered:</p> <p>-wear pants with pockets you can reach. I had some pants that had a zip pocket right around fingertip length, which was perfect because I could put a credit card, ID, DD's birth certificate, the boarding passes, my phone and headphones in there. (once you are sitting, you can't reach into regular pockets) Make sure your top is nursing compatiable as well, if you need to. I wore a nursing top and nursing sweater.<br /> - DD's outfit. She wore a onesie, with a hooded sweatshirt, baby legwarmers and socks. The legwarmers were one of the best tips I read, because it streamlines diaper changes. All you do is unsnap the onesie to change, no having to worry about pants! (good for diaper blow-outs too.) And with the constantly changing airport/airplane temperature<br /> I could easily adjust her outfit as needed.<br /> -We cloth diaper, but I used disposables on the plane. I did however put a diaper cover over the disposables for extra containment. &lt; Not sure if this applies to you, its not a necessary step, just extra insurance. </p> <p>I'll post more tips as I remember them! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-flying-solo-with-an-infant#post-2822317 Mon, 14 May 2018 09:37:53 +0000 peachykeen 2822317@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Lucky for you, this is the easiest age to travel with baby!</p> <p>Definitely wear baby through airport &amp; security - as long as your carrier doesn't have any metal you won't have to remove baby (they will just swab your hands).</p> <p>Check any luggage you can and only bring what you need for you and baby on board. Bring extra diapers/wipes in case of delays. When traveling solo with baby, using a backpack as a diaper bag worked best while babywearing.</p> <p>You can easily gate check car seat and stroller but I would make sure you have a bag to put each in. We use the cheap red "gate check" bags but I've seen people use clear trash bags as well. </p> <p>Make sure to bring an extra outfit or shirt for each of you and I often put a cloth diaper cover over a disposable because babies seem to always have blowouts while traveling even if they never do at home :wink: </p> <p>Nurse or feed baby during takeoff/landing unless baby is sleeping. DD1 slept right through the flights at this age so I wouldn't wake baby up for that.</p> <p>Obviously pack as lightly as possible - babies really don't need as much as you think and you can buy extra diapers and such at your destination. Anything you can do to make your life easier!</p> <p>You've got this! Good luck with the trips!</p> <p>ETA: Sorry if I repeated anything others said - I hadn't seen any other posts before submitting :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-flying-solo-with-an-infant#post-2822316 Mon, 14 May 2018 09:35:46 +0000 jennlin821 2822316@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also check out this blog post about the baby bassinets:<br /> <a href="http://www.stylehiclub.com/cruising-flying/airplane-baby-bassinet/" rel="nofollow">http://www.stylehiclub.com/cruising-flying/airplane-baby-bassinet/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-flying-solo-with-an-infant#post-2822315 Mon, 14 May 2018 09:35:12 +0000 snarkybiochemist 2822315@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had my husband with me when we flew but baby wearing through security is great, particularly if you can then fold your stroller to go through the x-ray machine. We went through a standard metal detector instead of the full-body x-ray thing. They didn't swab us or anything extra. We had no trouble gate checking our stroller frame, they just gave us a bright pink tag at the gate.<br /> In addition to bringing a change of clothes for the baby bring a clean shirt for you just in case.<br /> Pack stuff for you in the diaper bag (wallet/ID, phone)<br /> Water for formula bottles, breastmilk, or baby food are all exempt from the 3oz rule, you just have to let TSA know and they might swab it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-flying-solo-with-an-infant#post-2822314 Mon, 14 May 2018 09:34:16 +0000 jennlin821 2822314@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Last summer I had to fly with my DD 5 time solo. It was a short trip (4 hr flights) but I did my research!<br /> Here are a few of my tips:</p> <p>-Get a baby carrier! I bought the lillebaby specifically for this, and it has been great. I wanted one that the child could face in or out, especially for the plane ride.<br /> -I had a graco infant carseat with the stroller frame. Get a carseat cover. and if the frame is important to you get a stroller bag too. My frame was damaged, so I can't use the one-handed grip to collapse it anymore. I had no problem, checking them, but they do both need to go through the xray machine at security.<br /> - I really pared down my packing, so I could do it all carry-on. I had one rolling suitcase, one backback, and one pump bag. The suitcase and pump went in the overhead compartment&gt; no packing anything in those I needed during the flight. The backpack (my own personal one, from llbean) has 3 big pockets. This had my wallet, earphones, phone, ipad (ya know all the purse stuff) 2 changes of clothes for the two of us, snacks for me, toys for her, extra diapers and a diaper clutch. (more extra diapers in the suitcase)</p> <p>So here is how it worked, I wore DD, and pushed the stroller. Security was not helpful, but everyone in line was patient, because you have to put all your luggage through, and take you shoes off (&lt; wear some kid of slip ons!) and then fit the carseat and stroller frame through. I had no help from security but MANY fellow passengers helped. I think it helped them knowing that I knew what to do, and was doing it quickly.<br /> By wearing the baby, the stroller was free, so I piled all my luggage on/under it.<br /> After security, I found the gate immediately, and got situated. I think I let DD down, on a blanket (she wasn't crawling yet) while I resituated everything. I think I fed her a bit if she needed it but I tried to time it so she was nursing during take off. Once we both had a chance to stretch our legs and for me to stuff my face with some kind of snack, I started getting ready for the plane.<br /> I went to the gate attendant, and requested to gate check tags (stroller &amp; carseat), put the car seat in the car seat bag, and then put it back on the stroller (sometimes it clicked in, sometimes it just sat on top). I put my pump bag underneath, and my backpack in the car seat. I put DD back in the baby carrier, and rolled us all into the bathroom. I peed (while wearing her, so make sure what you are wearing is compatible!)<br /> Then changed her diaper, to try to avoid changing on the plane.<br /> After we were all done there, I put DD back in the baby carrier. I put the pump bag on one shoulder, and then put the backpack on. I roller the stroller and the suitcase over to the boarding area, ready for our call.<br /> MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD HAS A TICKET or you child is ON YOUR TICKET! I almost couldn't get on one flight, because my DD's name wasn't showing up on my iPhone ticket!<br /> Ok, so roll to the end of the tunnel, leave carseat, collapse stroller, and head onto the plane.<br /> Suitcase above, pump bag above, backpack at feet.<br /> As soon as I got on the plane, I took anything I needed out of the backpack (water, diaper clutch, toys, snacks, phone, ipad, etc. its very difficult to search for something in a bag in a plane seat with a baby in your lap!)<br /> DD was amazing during the flights, its was a good age. She just nursed and napped most of the time. We walked up the aisles, sometimes just standing in the aisle. We only had to do one complete outfit change on her, some poop leaked up the back of her onsie. Change in the bathroom is difficult, but again, at that age not to bad. </p> <p>I hope that helps a bit, I know it was a lot of detail. I'd be happy to give more information if you have more questions!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-flying-solo-with-an-infant#post-2822299 Mon, 14 May 2018 08:42:02 +0000 periwinklebee 2822299@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a couple of trips coming up and am taking my four month old with me. One involves overnight connecting flights to Europe (and there will be a bassinet for part of it), on an airline I've never flown before. The other is a direct cross-country domestic flight (with baby in my lap). I'll need to be able to manage getting the baby and our stuff to/from the airport on my own, and through customs. </p> <p>Looking for any tips on how to make juggling the baby and the necessary luggage feasible. I need to bring our infant stroller, with the carseat that snaps into the frame. Has anyone ever had issues checking this at the gate? I also assume that I should bring a carrier so it's easier to take him with me when I have to go to the bathroom, etc? Any tips on how to manage luggage/prioritize packing? </p>