PSA, oh wait, we mean TSA… We all know the fears that come with traveling with your little one, but don’t worry, help has arrived! We’re checking more than our luggage with Blonde Collective’s founder and content creator — Ashley Cassidy — as she and her husband take their one year old abroad and on board. “We are equal parts nervous and excited! The pre-flight jitters never really go away because babies, children and travel are so unpredictable, but we’ve done our best to embrace it knowing that no matter what, we’ll figure out whatever comes our way.”

“Before we had our son, my husband and I promised ourselves that we would do our best to incorporate him into our lives and not let ourselves fall into the narrative that he ‘took away’ anything that we loved pre-baby – sure, everything looks a little different these days, it takes more time to do things and sometimes a few outfit changes, but we still feel like we’re very much ourselves and now we just have another tiny bff to add into the adventures. He’s added SO much to our lives in just one year, and truly made the travel life we knew and loved so much before he arrived 10x better because now we get to see everything through his perspective and it’s magical.”

ASHLEY CASSIDY’S Travel Hacks to Board with a BABY Sized Carry-On

– Over prepare, but go in with low expectations (and extra time). 

“Our first plane ride felt so scary to me simply because of the unknowns that come with traveling with an infant. (I was mostly stressed about the milk situation through TSA). Rest assured that when you have a baby in your hands at the airport, you are going to receive so much grace and assistance. Going through TSA is (somewhat) a breeze; they’ll look through the milk / formula you bring through and send you on your way. Showing up to the airport an extra 30 minutes (maybe 45) will set you up for success so you’re not stressing with all the new steps involved, but overall, it’s not too different with your little one in tow. Stock your diaper bag with your essentials, and bring extras (diapers, wipes, onesies, burp cloths). Hand carry your feeding essentials in a milk-cooler, and keep the hand sanitizer handy!"

– Gate check your stroller.

“Keeping your stroller with you until the very last second is so helpful! It acts as a catch-all after you get through TSA, offers a place for your baby to hang out pre-flight if they’re sleepy (you’ll be holding them the entire flight so it’s helpful for you to get a little break before you board if you can), and it’s waiting for you as you exit the plane at your destination, which is SO helpful. If you have a popular stroller (the Doona is a fan favorite) make sure you have a travel bag or bag tag attached to it incase there are other families using the same stroller.”

– Check in with the gate agents. 

“When you arrive at your gate, let the gate agents know you’ll be gate-checking your stroller or car seat when you board (they’ll give you a tag), and ask if the flight is full. Sometimes they’ll move you around so you have your own row if there are open seats.”

– Dress baby in a onesie with hand covers if they’re still small. 

“We took Crew on his first flight at 2 months old, and I felt so much better having him in a footie onesie that also had hand covers; it felt safer and cleaner in such a new environment, and it was great knowing he was cozy and warm.”

“I look back to that first plane ride when our son was 2 months old and I was SO nervous, but in hindsight it was the easiest flight we’ve taken all year with him! He slept the entire time and was so small in my arms that it felt effortless to hold him for the duration of the travel day. Try to remember that you’ll never see these people again, and if they don’t have noise canceling headphones, well, maybe they’ll rethink that next time they board a flight. In our experience, we’re usually sat next to a parent, grandparent, or nice human that finds the joy in sitting next to a baby as opposed to the opposite, so try not to worry. There are so many kind people out there who will help you through your travel day.”

BONUS: WHAT’S INSIDE ASHLEY AND CREW’S CARRY-ON

— Baby CREW’S Bag:

– Milk for takeoff and landing for their ears (pacifier works too) and healthy snacks — keeping baby fed = a happy baby!

– Extra outfits in case of a blowout situation; this happened on our first flight and our extra outfits saved us.

– “Doggy bags” for any dirty diapers or dirty baby clothes that happen in-air. We learned this first-hand on our first flight as well (re: blowout situation) and I was so relieved we had some scented bags on hand so that it didn’t affect the airplane bathroom for everyone else. 

– Stimulating toys to keep baby occupied — anything they have to “figure out” more, the better.

– Small breathable blanket to cover them up while they’re sleeping — we love this knit one because it’s small and doesn’t make either of us overheat.

– A nursing cover is so helpful if you’re a nursing mom. I also loved this when we flew with Crew as a tiny baby during the start of cold-season. I could keep him covered and (seemingly) away from the coughing passengers and felt like he was protected.

— Mama ASHLEY’S Bag:

“I quickly learned that my time in the air is now strictly devoted to baby and I don’t need to bring too much for myself, so here are some notes for maintaining as much comfort as possible:”

– The right LAYERS: I always opt for a tank top as my base in case I get too overheated — the more form fitting the better. I recently experienced overstimulation during a flight where I wore an oversized tee; every time my son wanted to stand up on my lap, he would unintentionally pull the tee down with his feet and I found myself constantly adjusting it — I immediately wished I had a smaller, tighter top on. When I was nursing, I wore a nursing tank top with a built in bra that was SO helpful for in-flight feeds because I didn’t have to maneuver around any other layers.

– Baby carrier of choice. For our first flight I wore my Solly wrap into the airport ready to go, but as soon as Crew got bigger I switched to our favorite carriers from Chekoh baby. They’re easy to put on, super comfortable and supportive. Being hands free boarding the plane is essential.

– A facial spray to spritz your face pre and post flight. It’s a really easy way to feel refreshed when you are arguably feeling exactly the opposite. My favorite is the Caudalie Beauty Elixir. 

“My first year of motherhood has truly been the most incredible experience that has challenged me and changed me for the better. Having a baby has reinvigorated the way my husband and I see the simplest things in our day to day, brought a deeper meaning to our lives, and has shown me that I can find joy in the chaos and the unknown. It really is such a beautiful chapter that I am loving so much, and I am so excited to see what the years ahead will bring.”

Shop Our Travel Picks:

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE…