Traveling with 10 month old for the first time

Rachel - posted on 07/06/2011

I remember years ago when I had my first child I read The Baby Whisperer. It was a great book that shared the ‘secrets’ of the Baby Whisperer (author Tracy Hogg) and helped me get baby #1 on a good sleeping schedule.

But it advocated a regular bedtime routine – in the same bed, in the same order, at the same time.

After having baby number five, I thought how much those ‘secrets’ would not fit with our nomadic, traveling lifestyle.

So as I worked on ‘teaching’ baby Atlas how to sleep, eat, be comforted and more, and in preparation with our upcoming adventure, I kept in mind what secrets I needed to help him while we were on the road.

Instead of having baby learn to be comforted by the same bed, the same room, the same routine, I needed other secret strategies – techniques that will help baby to learn to be comforted by familiar things that you’ll take with you on your travels – your arms, your voice, your presence.


1. Breast feeding is one of the best tools for traveling with an infant. It’s a self-contained food source, and a comforter all in one. It’s the magic mojo.

2. Co-sleeping helps your baby be comfortable no matter where you’re sleeping. Even if you sleep in a new bed every night, if they’re with you, it won’t be an issue.

3. Use a pack-n-play if you really don’t think you can do co-sleeping. It’s extra baggage to pack, but it provides the same familiar ‘bed’ for baby each night.

4. Practice an array of comforting strategies – cuddling, breast feeding, bouncing, singing – so you have tools at your disposal at the inevitable upset at the most inconvenient time.

5. Use a pacifier – it’s another tool that can help baby be comforted while driving in the car or flying on a plane – and can help keep ears from getting plugged.

6. Sit next to baby, then you can give comfort, feed, and play with baby, lengthening the hours you can travel.

7. If baby is eating solid food, have snacks on hand – cheerios, crackers, fruit. Food is a good way to forestall meltdowns and ‘buy more time’ to get through customs or cross the border.

8. Keep baby’s bottom dry – it’s no fun sitting in a wet or dirty diaper while driving in the car, in a backpack or on a plane.

9. Preempt your baby’s needs – breast feed before you get to the airport, change the diaper before the outdoor excursion.

10. When you’re preparing for a trip, practice sleeping in different places with your baby – on the couch, in different beds, at other people’s houses. At first it will be a challenge, but with practice they’ll soon be able to sleep anywhere.

11. Also let your baby practice sleeping around loud noises – let them sleep on the couch where your other kids are playing or where all the activity is. Run the vacuum. This is useful for when nap time happens to be at the airport or other loud location.

12. Another way to prepare for longer trips is by taking shorter trips while still at home – go hiking with baby in a back pack, carry him around the airport, or take a road trip to grandmas. This ‘practice runs’ can help you learn what will and won’t work.

13. Be in tune to what baby needs. When you do your part to pay attention to his needs, he’ll be a very happy traveler for the most part. It’s only when the ‘traveling’ results in ignoring his requests that he becomes unhappy.

14. When a ‘meltdown’ occurs, pause for a moment to take care of it. Others will understand when you have to stop what you’re doing to comfort or nurse a crying baby. It may not be the most ‘convenient’ moment, but doing what you have to will save everyone a lot of frustration.

15. Take walks up and down the airplane isles. Do this before meltdowns, and you’ll help pass the time for baby, especially on long flights.

16. When you stop, get baby out of their car seat – they need a chance to ‘stretch’ as well.

17. Make sure baby has fun too. She doesn’t care that you’re at a famous historical monument – she still wants to do baby stuff, and learn about simple things, like your mouth. Make time for playing, reading books together, cuddling, and all the things you would do while at home.

18. After the initial upset of routine due to flights, or long days traveling, try to return to some sort of regimen – regular waking, sleep and eating times. You’ll be surprised that you can have a ‘routine’ regardless of where you are.

19. Develop practices or ‘traditions’ that you can do anywhere that are ‘yours’. Bedtime stories, morning time songs. This brings a sense of comfort and cohesion to your little family, regardless where you might be on earth.

20. Don’t forget that all important bag, whether simple or fancy – the one that has all your supplies. Diapers, wipes, a bib, a book or two, some toys, snacks, some cash and infant tylenol.

(From The 20 Secrets That Ensure Happy Travels with Baby http://tinyurl.com/3ufug8b)

Kim - posted on 07/21/2009

I just took my 10 month old on a trip across the country to visit his grandparents. Not only was it his first time flying, but it was mine as well. We did just fine as long as he had something to keep himself occupied and a pacifier to help with his ears. I don't know what you should do about that pack-n-play though. My parents had one at their home already, so we didn't need to take one.

Katelyn - posted on 07/21/2009

I traveled with my boys by myself when they were 3 and 2 months, and a few times after that, my best suggestion is to have as little as possible in one bag. Depending on who you fly on, sometimes the pack n play doesnt count when you check it. Just know that when you go through security that you can do it alone with the stroller and the baby and your carry on. My biggest mistake is that when I took my youngest when he was 10 months, i didnt have that back pack carrier to keep my hands free.

Ashley - posted on 07/19/2009

I traveled with my daughter who was 8 mons at the time and my 3 1/2 year old by myself this past May. what made it easy for me was taking as little stuff as possible. I carried her in a backpack on my chest and held my sons hand i had one big carry on with everything i needed from diapers and snacks to my DL. as for the pack and play if you dont have much luggage i say go ahead and check it in. It really won't be that big of a hassel so long as your organized with everything else. Good luck and have a great trip!!!

Annie - posted on 07/19/2009

You can check with the gate to see if they can move you to a row with an open seat. If there is room you can bring your car seat on to the plane with you. Snacks and a new book or two have always kept my daughter occupied. I never board the plane early b/c it gives you more time to keep your child happy... wait until the last boarding to get on the plane and you will have less time in a confined space. A 45 plane ride will be soooo easy!

Cara - posted on 07/17/2009

I traveled with my 10 month old on a 6 hour flight!!! She was accually really good. She slept the whole time both ways! Have her travel in her jammies. bring snacks, and new toys that shes neer seen before. 45min should be nothin. Its take off and llanding that bug their little ears, so make sure you bring a bottle, or binky, or nurse her during that time. Good luck to you!

Julie - posted on 07/17/2009

I have flown now four times with our 10 month old. The most important is the descend that they are sucking, I am breastfeeding but I also brought 3oz bottle w/ water which you can bring w/ you. And yes you can check in the pack in play w/ your luggage but it does count as a baggage item. One time we were lucky and brought it to the gate and it was not counted similar to the stroller that you can bring to the gate and it does not count as luggage, you get a stroller tag. Also I brought a portable dvd player with the baby einstien videos and grahmam crackers for a snack. Feel free to send me a f/b message if you have any further questions. Good Luck!

Sarah - posted on 07/16/2009

We are taking a trip in the beginning of august to hawaii. about 5 hour flight. I was told to have new toys and new snacks for the little one. That should keep her busy for the 45 minute flight.

Kira - posted on 07/15/2009

I'm about to take a four hour flight with my two sons as well. I'm so nervous because my baby does not like to sit still especially in someones lap. He doesnt nap for long periods either....

Rachel - posted on 07/12/2009

I went on a 4 hour flight when my daughter was 9 months.... the best advice i have for you is to make sure you have a bottle of a binky/pacifier for the takeoff and landing.... the sucking helps with the air pressure and ear popping so they don't cry. and most airlines let you check pack n plays, carseats and strollers for free