Tips on Traveling Abroad with a Baby

Last week was our first time to travel with Naima to a foreign country. I wasn't really sure if it was a good idea until the very last minute but I was really happy we did it. Surviving the first international flight with a baby wasn't that hard. In fact, it was more enjoyable than we thought. Although it did change our travel style, I can say we will gladly do it again! If you have an upcoming trip with your little one or planning on booking that seat sale soon, I hope these tips will help ease your flight and adventure!

1. BOOK AN AISLE SEAT

We all know that a lot of people are annoyed with crying babies and fidgety Moms on the plane, right? Let's prove them wrong! We booked two aisle seats (adjacent to each other) so we can easily get out if we needed to change her diapers or if we want to walk in case she gets bored. < Discovery #1: It gives you more leg room because you can stretch your leg to the aisle lol>

2. BABY BAG / MOM BAG IN ONE

Dear don't bother with a purse during your travel, at least not until you land. It was so much easier for me that all Naima's stuff are in her baby bag along with my basic needs (sanitizer, wet wipes, medicines, balms, money and passports) I put my empty handbag inside our luggage and just transferred it when we arrived at the hotel. My priority during the trip was my baby, not my lipstick or foundation so I was okay with the basics :)

(See separate article "What to pack in your Baby Bag for International Flights?")

3. BRING A BABY CARRIER, NOT A STROLLER

If your milk monster is already a toddler, then I don't think bringing a stroller is even a question. I prefer to carry my baby because it's so much easier to move from point A to point B, I was also able to put important things like spare money, passports and phone in her carrier's pocket during the whole airport/immigration logistics, and lastly, no bulky stuff to check-in and think of! I also think that it's so much safer to carry your baby in SOUTHEAST ASIA - where road situations are not the best - compared to having to worry about crossing with a stroller.

The only downside of the carrier is that it may be too hot for your baby so it is important that the carrier can be a "front-facing" carrier so we can change the baby's position.

4. BRING NEW TOYS

So lucky that Naima doesn't like "baby toys". In fact, the likes of a remote control, ID, highlighters, and post its strike her curiosity more than the baby toys. New toys will get their attention compared to older toys. It will help them focus on other things during the entire duration of the flight.

5. INVEST ON A TRAVEL PASSPORT/DOCUMENT ORGANIZER

I bought this travel organizer from National Bookstore that allowed me to store all three of our passports, change, tickets, bus tickets, maps (yes, maps! there's a transparent page there where you can insert the map and open it when you need direction!)

6. LOCAL DISTILLED WATER

Naima is formula-fed so if your baby is, too, it might be best to research about the best distilled water in the country you are visiting. In Malaysia though, they use tap water (boiled) but I didn't want to do that. I also avoided Mineral water. It might be too early for the baby to absorb "minerals" found in that kind of water. In our case, since she is using Wilkins here which is manufactured by Coca-Cola, we bought Dasani in Malaysia which is manufactured by the same company.

7. NEAREST HOSPITAL, PEDIA and EMERGENCY NUMBERS

We don't want anything bad to happen to our babies even back home. However, it might be best to plot the nearest hospitals and pediatricians from where you are going to stay. Have emergency hotlines handy, as well.

8. BRING YOUR BABY BOOK AND BIRTH CERTIFICATE

In relation to number 7, it might be a good idea to bring your baby book and birth certificate (for immigration purposes) with you. We want to avoid the hassle of needing a document we could have brought along with us.

HAPPY TRAVELS!