Whether you’re traveling with baby via plane, train, or automobile, babywearing is going to be easier than lugging around a stroller. In this article, we’ll share the pros and cons of babywearing for each mode of transportation and tips for making it easier.
PLANE
If you’re flying with your baby or young toddler, you’ll have luggage to check in and airport security to go through - both of which you’ll want to be hands-free for. Caregivers wearing their babies or toddlers through airport security are typically not required to take the baby out of the carrier or remove the carrier. If you’re pushing a baby through security in a stroller, airport security will require you to pick your baby out of the stroller and remove all objects stored in any of the under-basket or storage compartments. This is especially inconvenient if your little one is asleep or you’re traveling alone.
Once you board the plane, you’ll be required to check the stroller in. So, if your baby is fussy on the flight, you’ll have to navigate the aisle holding him or her in your arms, which can get very tiring quickly. In comparison, babywearing allows you to move around hands-free.
Do be aware that the flight crew will request that you take your little one out of the carrier during take-off and descent and place him or her in your lap or the seat next to you. However, this is the only time you will be unable to use your carrier.
TRAIN
Traveling by train can be really fun for little kids but the train station can be just as hectic as an airport. Since babywearing keeps your hands free, you can easily navigate through crowded train stations, carry luggage, and take care of other tasks. On the train, there’s more space in the aisle to move around and travel from car to car. However, you still must check in your stroller when you board. And if you’re traveling alone and managing a baby, luggage, and a stroller, it can be very challenging.
Depending on the length of the trip, your baby may get restless. In this case, you’ll end up walking around to entertain him or her and tiring yourself out carrying his or her weight. Babywearing to the rescue! The carrier distributes your baby's weight evenly across your body, reducing strain on your back, neck, and shoulders.
AUTOMOBILE
Considerations for traveling with a baby in a car mostly depend on what kind of car you have and the trunk/storage space. Strollers take up a lot of valuable real estate in a car, and if you’re also having to pack suitcases, you may not have enough space. This is especially true if you have more than one child and are packing multiple suitcases.
Additionally, it’s easier to take your baby in and out of the car via a carrier than it is to set up a stroller and load them in and out of it. Baby carriers are also more versatile and can be used in a variety of settings, including during car travel, sightseeing, and exploring new places. They’re more adaptable to different types of environments, which can make them a better choice for outdoor adventures or exploring places with uneven or difficult terrain.
Tips for Traveling with Baby and Carrier
1. Choose a carrier that is personally easier for you to get on and off quickly (people will naturally differ in their preference here).
2. Choosing a carrier with a decent number of pockets is helpful because you’ll want to store important items in easy-to-reach places.
3. Padded straps on a carrier make all the difference since you’ll be carrying for extended periods as you navigate crowded spaces like planes or train stations, and the extra support will make it more comfortable for both you and your baby.
4. Bring a carrier with good head support or a hood that can support your baby’s head for naps. The hood also shields them from bright lights, loud noises, and other stimuli that can prevent them from easily taking a nap.
What are your top tips for babywearing while traveling with a baby? Let me know in the comments below!