Tips for Traveling Alone with Baby

Baby Travel Checklist – Tips for Traveling Alone with Baby

Last year, while I was still nursing my son, Raleigh, I had a weekend work trip in Santa Barbara. I didn't want to pass up the opportunity, so I decided I would take him along. It was smooth sailing at times and totally stressful other times. Along the way, I jotted down all the tips and tricks I learned and am excited to share them in case you ever decide to travel alone with your baby!

1. Can I bring formula on the plane?  

You get a free pass on most TSA food and drink regulations when you have a baby in tow. But pack their food and snacks all in one place and make sure to keep them together. This will make it much easier when you go through security.

2. Pack a carry-on like your luggage will be lost. 

Make sure you have plenty of diapers and necessities to get you through in case something happens to your checked luggage. I want to be comfortable, but I especially want my baby to be. So I pack things without waistbands that are breathable and soft. It’s always easy to layer to warm them up or cool them off. Also, in case of spills or accidents, pack an extra shirt or leggings for you and a couple of outfit options for the baby.

3. Can I bring a newborn?  

There are no rules as to when a baby can fly, but keep in mind your baby will come into contact with a large amount of people, germs and all. I would recommend waiting until your baby has been vaccinated for diseases like whooping cough, which have made a resurgence in recent years.

4. Purchase an extra seat on the plane.  

If you can swing it, you won't regret having an extra seat for the space. An additional seat allows you to bring your FAA-approved car seat along, which is great for naps! If you don't want to pay for the extra seat, wait until everyone boards and keep an eye out for an empty one. Or figure out if it's a full flight at the gate, and let the attendant know of your interest.

5. What are the best seat options?  

If you're flying during sleeping hours, a window seat is easier for resting. If your baby will be awake and toddling around, an aisle seat is your friend. If you are traveling with someone, buy the aisle and window seat in a row. Middle seats don't usually get picked unless the flight is full, so you're likely to end up with the row to yourself. If someone does pick that seat, you can offer to switch to be next to your flight buddy.

6. Backpacks are the answer!

You'll be bending over and schlepping you and your baby’s items, and your purse or handbag shouldn’t get in the way!

7. Practice babywearing during travel by keeping the baby in a sling or other form of carrier.

I wouldn't have survived without a sling. If your little one is small enough, do the jersey fabric kind so it's extra comfortable and easier to make adjustments. Also, there’s no metal, so you’ll have no problems walking through security!

8. Bring a stroller (you can gate check it for free!)

But don't pack it until after you go through security. They will make you take it apart and put it on the conveyor belt, so don't pack it full of too many things until after you pass through. This was the most stressful part of my trip. Trying to hold my baby while dealing with collapsing the stroller and then getting it all back together again was a rookie mistake that I will not make twice! Also, don’t worry about baby seats and boosters – you can rent them from Alamo. Just book it with your rental car reservation and save yourself having to pack one more thing.

9. Have a Snack Ready!

Have something for your baby to drink or chew during take-off and landing to help alleviate ear pain – pacifier, snacks or nursing will work. Wait until you're done taxiing to the runway, and until the final 10,000-foot descent.

10. Consider Packing Multipurpose Items.

A jersey swaddle that you can wear like a scarf. A big board book for reading and holding snacks on for them to grab (lap baby + tray table don't mix.)

11. Drink Cart Lids

Some airlines have lids - Hallelujah! But when they don’t, I bring an empty water bottle and ask attendants if they mind filling that up instead of the wide mouthed cup that is sure to be spilled. Or buy a drink in the airport with a lid!

Local cyclists bundle up for the Coldest Ride of the Year

While many are spending these frigid winter days bundled up inside, some dedicated cyclists aren't giving up. 

CycleWR held their annual Coldest Ride of the Year this afternoon. The event takes place in cities around the world as a means to bring attention to the importance and benefits of cycling. 

"There's alot of people who bike every single day, all year round," Emily Slofstra, Chair of CycleWR, tells 570 NEWS. "This kind of brings some visibility to it. But it's also fun because when you're biking, you're biking alone. Usually during the summer you can pass tons of people on your commute where in the winter it's a little bit lonely at time for some people."

Participants met at Waterloo City Hall and cycled their way to Abe Herb in downtown Kitchener. Cyclists mainly avoided city streets, opting instead to take The Spurline Trail and Iron Horse Trail for most of the route. There was positive reaction to the news that Kitchener City Council will be devoting more money to clearing select bike lanes. 

"We understand the limitations of how many plows and other priority routes that have to be plowed ahead of time, but knowing that this is the route that always get plowed for cyclists, that would be a very positive thing," Hayley Rutherford, a member of CycleWR's Cycling Committee, told 570 NEWS. 

Slofstra had tips for anyone who may be thinking of cycling year-round. She said layers are important, especially on your hands and feet since they won't be moving as much. She said to invest in a pair of goggles to keep your face warm and ensure you have studded tires if you will be taking city roads. 

In response to critics who say cycling isn't a winter activity, Slofstra said her only fear is how early it gets dark. 

"Watch out for people on bikes, because they do it anyways, whether or not you think its crazy."

With files from Phi Doan

Good morning

Good morning

Increasing cloudliness in the morning. Winds up to 15 km/h. 

Our high is -5, but wind chill values will make it feel like -14 in the morning and -7 in the afternoon. 

Tonight, up to 2 cm of light snow. Winds up to 15 km/h. 

Our low is -9, with wind chill values of -17 overnight. 

Don't forget to check out the latest local gas prices, which are also listed on this page.

GRT changing 300 bus stop names Monday

GRT changing 300 bus stop names Monday

The changes are said to be part of an effort to standardize the syste

If you rely on Grand River Transit to get to work, you may want to study up before Monday morning's commute. 

GRT will be changing over 300 bus stop names across Waterloo Region starting on Monday. The change is part of an effort to standardize the system and for "wayfinding purposes", according to their website. 

Some of the noteworthy changes include changing stop names to reference key landmarks. For example, the University/Seagram route will be known as University Ave./University of Waterloo. 

Other routes will see street names added for better wayfinding, such as the current Father David Bauer route. That will now be the Westmount/Father David Bauer route. 

Special weather statement issued, calling for significant winter storm

A special weather statement has been issued for Waterloo Region and much of Southern Ontario.

During the overnight hours and going into Tuesday morning, a winter storm with significant snow, freezing rain, and strong winds is expected to move into our area.

The snow may change to ice pellets and freezing rain in the afternoon, it will turn back to snow by Tuesday night and snow will change to flurries by Wednesday.

The weather agency says the storm system may have a significant impact on travel on Tuesday, as 10-15 centimetres of snow and freezing rain is anticipated.