How to Pack a Diaper Bag for Plane Travel
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Packing your travel diaper bag doesn’t have to be stressful. It’s no secret when stepping out with a baby there’s a whole lot of stuff that comes with them. Pram, bibs, bottles, nappies, wipes, spare clothes, entertainment, pacifiers, snacks.. the list goes on.
Living in Australia, nearly every time we want to leave the country we are in for a long travel flight. Efficiently packing all the diaper bag essentials in a 40-45L carry on bag can be extremely overwhelming. That is why packing your baby’s diaper bag efficiently will help your family travel go smoothly.
If you forget something DON’T PANIC, many airline have amenity kits. Be sure to check with the flight attendant when you board. We forgot to stock up on diapers from Athen to Singapore and were given more than enough diapers aboard the flight.
If you’re nervous about flying with kids read: 8 Simple Tips to Prepare Your Family For Your Next Flight
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Does a Diaper Bag Count as a Carry on?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The short answer. Yes.
Bags can be very confusing pieces of luggage. They come in different sizes, shapes, and even serve different purposes. Diaper bags on the other hand are considered an essential item, travelling with you and your child everywhere.
With most airlines ticket holders receive one personal item and one carry on item. However, for infants there is no carry-on allowance. In this case typically a diaper bag will count as a carry-on item.
Depending on the airline, such as with Qantas. Any food and nappies required during a flight may be carried in addition to the carry-on baggage allowance.
Don’t let this confuse you with checked luggage allowance for infants. Generally airlines will allow up to two checked infant items such as a stroller or car seat. As always check with you airline first.
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Choosing the Right Diaper Bag for Travel
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]When manoeuvring through airports the reality is, you need your hands free. That is why I recommend in investing in a diaper bag backpack.
The best diaper bag for long travel is The Original Fawn Design. With interchangeable straps it can be multi-functional. Worn as a backpack or messenger style.
The outer pockets make it quick and easy to find what you are looking for. The side pockets perfect for our Dr Browns Bottles. A front pocket is where I place items I want to have easy access to, such as a pacifier. And a large back zipper pocket is for important documents, cell phone, or keys.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]
Diaper Bag Packing Tips
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]When choosing a diaper bag for travel make sure you are able to stay organized. You want to be able to easily access all your baby gear as quickly as possible.
- Materials: Choose a light weight water resistant material for easy cleaning.
- Place small items such as medicines, creams, first aid items in a clear bag. This will help finding item quickly and easily.
- Stroller Straps: Look for a bag that has compatible stroller straps to easily attach your diaper bag to your stroller.
- Sharability: Choose a color both mom and dad are proud to wear.
- Interior Pockets: Having designated spot to put items is helpful, but make sure you don’t go overboard with too many pickets.
- Insulated Bottle Pockets: Purchase the skip hop insulated bottle bag to keep your bottle cold.
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Travel Diaper Bag Packing List
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Diaper Essentials
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Diapers/ Nappies: When travelling aim to have at least one diaper for ever two hours, plus a couple extras for emergencies. Most airports sell diapers at an inflated prices and some airlines stock a few on board for emergencies.
Wipes: I go through travel pack wipes rather quickly so I like to bring a slightly larger pack when travelling. Water wipes are a favourite as they are gentle on the skin and can be used on the face and hands.
Diaper Disposal Bags: When you’re travelling with kids you will need to dispose of a dirty diaper. You will want to use a plastic disposable bag. Not only as a courtesy to others, but you don’t want to be the one stinking up the bin. You can also use disposal bags to transport soiled clothes.
Changing Pad: Most diaper bags include reusable changing pads or you can buy one separately. When travelling with kids some parents use disposable changing pads.
Diaper Rash Cream: Grab a sample size or small travel size. You won’t regret it.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Formula & Breastfeeding
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Baby Bottles: If you’re bottle feeding don’t forget your spare bottles. On long travel flights it will be difficult to sanitize after each use.
Sippy Cup: For older babies or toddlers don’t forget their favourite cup. Drinking water, juice, or milk during landing and take off will help stabilise their little ears.
Formula Dispenser: Before take off fill each individual dispenser with the correct amount of scoops of formula. This will make it easier and quicker to make a bottle.
Breast Milk/ Milk/ Formula: When flying with kids you are allowed in ‘responsible’ quantities. Make sure you remember these items from your bag separately and notify the agent ahead of time.
Nursing Cover: Though not necessary, a breast-feeding cover might make you feel more comfortable feeding in public. Take into considerations laws about public feeding in foreign countries.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Feeding & Snack Supplies
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Snacks: Rule 1 of parenthood, never leave the house without snacks or food for yourself and your baby. Its always a good idea to have a squeeze pouch on hand or some puffs.
Disposable Placemats: If you’re flying with a baby I like to bring our own disposable stick-on placemat for food. This especially helps with clean up after.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Travel Miscellaneous
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Water Bottle: Do your bit to save the environment and bring your own reusable water bottle. You can used a water bottle to hold sterile baby water needed for formula or sipping.
Blanket: I always pack an Aden & Anais muslin swaddle blanket that I use for practically everything. From shielding the sun in the pram, covering up on the plane, or paying down on an airport seat.
Sun Cream: Useful practically anywhere you go.
Spare Clothes for kids: Blowouts happen to the best of us. Keep the less desirable outfits in your diaper bag at all times.
Pacifier: If your child uses a dummy or any other comfort item they may need.
Medicine: Pack any medicines such as children’s paracetamol/ Tylenol that your child may need. This includes teething gel.
Hand Sanitizer: This is a must to keep the germs at bay. Hand sanitizer is always a good idea to have on hand when travelling with kids. Perfect for times when you can’t wash your hands.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Important Documents
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Proof of Age Documents: Proof of age, such as a birth certificate or passport will be required for infants under 2 years old.
Boarding Pass[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”302″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Essentials for Mom when Flying With Kids
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- Sunglasses
- Pen: For immigration forms
- Wallet
- Keys
- Spare shirt: Incase you get spit up on
- Cell Phone
- Camera
- Chargers
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