Traveling to new and exotic destinations is always an adventure, but it becomes even more special when you get to share it with your little ones. As a first-time mom, I was nervous about taking my infant on a vacation to the Caribbean paradise. But with careful planning and preparation, we had an incredible experience filled with sun, sand, and sea. In this blog post, I’ll share our journey and some essential tips on how to travel with an infant, from what to pack to what to expect. Join me as we embark on an unforgettable adventure with our little one!
Before I begin, I want to clarify that this is not a sponsored post. The opinions expressed here are my own, based on personal experience and travel journal.
Caribbean Island – Turks and Caicos
Airlines – United
Stay – Beaches resort
Duration – 5 nights
Uber/ Airport transfer
If you’re planning a vacation, one of the most important things to consider is how you’ll get to and from the airport. Although we could have asked our friends to give us a ride, due to the odd hours and days, we decided to take an Uber. It was our first time taking an Uber with our little one, and we had some concerns about how it would go.
Our flight was at 9:30 AM, and we knew we had to be at the airport early to check-in, get through security, and make it to our gate on time and squeeze in a diaper change before boarding since it much easier to do it in the airport restrooms than within the flight. We didn’t want to risk not being able to find a ride, or wait for a long time to find our ride. So we scheduled our Uber ride the previous night. We wanted to make sure we had a reliable and stress-free ride to the airport.
One thing we were worried about was how we were going to transport our car seat. Our car seat did not require a base to be installed, so opted not to bring it and instead secured it with the car seat belt.
Our resort package included airport transfer at Turks and Caicos.
Our return flight was at 2.30pm and coincided with his nap time. We hoped that he would sleep well in the flight.
PARENT-TIP:
1. Prior to your flight, learn how to secure infant car seat with a car seat belt without base (if applicable). Uber drivers may or may not know it, and this will save a lot of hassle at the nth minute.
2. Parents with children are given an opportunity to pre-board. However this means that you’ll have to spend longer time within the aircraft as other passengers board. This can be daunting when you have a toddler who can get restless. In such cases, it is a good idea for others to board while at least one adult stays out with the child and board when it is time or the child is tired.
Airport
To ensure a smooth travel experience, we made sure to allocate sufficient time for the airport, particularly for security, as we were carrying frozen and liquid breastmilk.
Due to the nature of our international flight, United Airlines required us to complete our check-in at the airport instead of doing it at home. However, we were not able to use the self-check-in KIOSK since we were traveling with a lap child, which meant that we had to be checked in by an agent, causing some delay before we could proceed to security.
PARENT-TIP:
Pick seats next to the window as it may give you additional privacy in case you need to fed your little one during the flight. More on this later
Baggage
United allowed us to carry one check-in, a carry-on and a personal item each. In addition to this, we were allowed to carry a Diaper bag for the baby.
PARENT-TIP:
While traveling with a baby, packing early and weighing your bags at home is imperative. However, there may be items that needs to packed at the last minute. These may include breast pump and parts, milk bottles, pacifiers, and of course, breastmilk, if you are bringing it along. To avoid being overwhelmed or worse, forgetting items, it’s best to plan ahead and create a list of “Last Minute Items.” Because with a baby, prediction game is very hard.
Also, it is important to pack your bags thoughtfully. For example, if you plan to bring battery-operated toys in your checked luggage, remember to separate the batteries and pack them in your carry on ahead of time.
We decided to carry light for the flight with a diaper bag, a carry-on suitcase and a tote bag since we also had a stroller and a breastmilk bag to maneuver through the airport.
Our tote bag included a mini diaper pouch, a blanket, a few toys, empty bottle, snacks for Vedanth and Us, burp cloth.
PARENT-TIP:
You can get a tote bag that can double as a fashion-accessory-beach-bag or vice versa.
Security with Breastmilk and baby food
We were well aware that carrying frozen and liquid breastmilk through security would take up a significant amount of our time at the airport. Therefore, prior to our travel, I conducted extensive research to ensure that we were well prepared.
As a breastfeeding mother who was also pumping, I knew that carrying an adequate amount of milk was crucial for the trip. Even though I was still breastfeeding and pumping, I wasn’t producing enough for five days, hence, I had to bring along my frozen stashes.
In total, we carried around 50 oz of both frozen and liquid breastmilk, and to keep it well-preserved, we had to pack it with plenty of ice and gel packs in a Yeti cooler bag. Carrying more milk than we needed was a smart move as it’s better to be safe than sorry. Read on for more details on the process of carrying breastmilk through security.
PARENT-TIP :
I used a commercial grade gel pack that I had saved when I received it along with a baby food subscription. This, I was sure would last longer than the residential use ice packs we get at store.
Security – US
As we approached the security checkpoint, I couldn’t help but feel a bit apprehensive. As a breastfeeding mom, I was carrying a significant amount of breastmilk with me. Although carrying a baby through security can be quite overwhelming, but we knew what we were in for.
After placing our luggage on the conveyor belt for clearance, we took our little one out of the stroller and walked through the security check together.
Normally, the car seat would have gone through the X-ray machine along with the stroller, but ours was too big to fit, so the agents manually checked it. As for the breastmilk, I informed the TSA agent that I was carrying breastmilk and requested that it be hand-checked instead of going through the X-ray machine. I took the milk out of the bag, and the bag with the ice packs were sent through the X-ray machine for screening.
In addition to the breastmilk that we had carried in storage bags, I also had some in a bottle for the flight. The agent swabbed the bottles and tested them for any explosives or other prohibited items. It was a quick and painless process, and I was able to repack the breastmilk and continue on our way without any issues.
Though it was time-consuming, the security check went smoothly, and everything was just as we had expected. We had also brought along some baby puree pouches, which were treated like any other food item, so there were no issues there.
Security – UK
Our return trip was full of unexpected challenges. As we were going through UK’s TSA, which had different rules from the US, we were caught off-guard. The officers were not familiar with the rules and their machines were not working correctly. It made the experience much more difficult than we had anticipated.
Unlike the US, the UK does not allow frozen breastmilk to be carried in carry-on bags. Only ice-packed milk can be checked in. We were aware of this and had finished all of our frozen milk during our stay. We strategically packed only liquid milk that was pumped during our stay to bring back home, as it can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
To prepare for the return journey, we gave our ice and gel pack to the concierge for freezing the night before our travel. Our room fridge was not sufficient for the commercial-grade pack. We followed the same packing technique, but this time we had much less milk.
At the security checkpoint, the machines were not working, and the officers made us taste a drop of milk from every bag. It was not a pleasant experience, but we were prepared for it nonetheless.
Despite the difficulties, we managed to navigate through it all and eventually made it back home with our precious cargo.
PARENT-TIP :
If you are traveling internationally, be aware that different countries have different rules for carrying breastmilk.
Flight
One of the reasons we chose Turks and Caicos for our family vacation was due to the short flight duration. We had a direct flight from EWR, and it only lasted 3.5 hours. Another reason was that there was no time difference, and it followed the EST time zone, which made it easier for us to adjust.
As a new mom, I was most nervous about how my baby would handle the flight. I was particularly worried about his ears popping during takeoff and landing. Fortunately, we didn’t have any issues, and Vedanth did remarkably well on the flight. Of course, there were times when he got cranky, but we had plenty of distractions and calming techniques to help him through.
We made sure to feed him during takeoff and landing and offered him something to chew on to alleviate any ear discomfort. We also brought a few of his favorite toys, books, and snacks to keep him occupied during the flight. He played for some time, and when he got tired, we held him and rocked him to sleep.
Many parents plan their flights around their baby’s sleep/nap time, but we didn’t do that. As Vedanth was only 5 months old when we booked the flight, we weren’t sure how his sleep pattern would evolve. Instead, we considered his behavior during the mornings and evenings to make our decision. We found that he generally did better in the mornings, so we chose a 9:30 AM flight, which allowed him to sleep through most of the morning. Even if he woke up, we knew that he would do well in the morning.
For our return trip, however, we had fewer options and had to take a 2:30 PM flight that coincided with one of his nap times. Despite this, we felt well prepared for any challenges that could come our way. Overall, our flights were successful, and we felt confident in our ability to handle any unexpected situations.
What to pack for the flight
- A mini diaper pouch – flight lavatories are really small and big diaper bags just make it harder. So we carried a little pouch that had a couple of diapers, changing pad, a few wipes, hand sanitizer, Kleenex wipes, and travel diaper cream. (Image above)
Keep a few wet wipes in a ziplock to be carried in a diaper pouch.
This was super handy in the resort as well, where we didn’t have to carry the entire diaper bag. - A tote bag that can go underneath your seat for easy access. (Highly recommend!)
- Zippered sleepies – It is easier to change diapers in a zipped sleepies. We also carried a couple in our carry on
- Baby blanket
- A poly – for dirty clothes
- An extra bottle
- Nursing cover
- Pacifiers
- Extra milk in case of delay
- Car seat
- Toys
PARENT- TIP :
We carried an additional cover (car seat/ nursing cover, linked under Products) for a setup like this What this did was –
1. Provided additional privacy or a “cover” in case of breastfeeding
2. Filtered out some light in the aircraft and created a relatively darker nook that helped him sleep a little longer
3. Kept him off the distractions of people moving, entertainment system light, etc, and helped him not get overwhelmed.
We gate checked-in the car seat and stroller at both times and it was ready for when we deboarded the plane.
Immunization
As we were embarking on an international trip with our 7-month-old baby, we consulted with our pediatrician to ensure that our little one had the necessary vaccinations. Our pediatrician advised us to have our baby receive additional immunizations two weeks prior to our travel date, emphasizing the importance of allowing sufficient time between the immunization and the travel. This allows for any potential side effects of the vaccine to subside, and for the baby to recover in case of any illness. Overall, it’s crucial to consult with a medical professional before traveling with a baby, to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to keep the baby healthy and safe.
Alternatively, there are Travel Clinics that are specialized for travel vaccines. However, it’s important to be aware that these clinics may have long wait times and appointments may be difficult to schedule. Nonetheless, these clinics offer expert guidance on what vaccinations are necessary for your trip, and can provide personalized advice on how to stay healthy while traveling.
Resort
Accommodation
We stayed in the Caribbean village (there are 4 villages) and for easy access in and out of the room, we opted for a room on the 1st level as we had a stroller.
PARENT- TIP:
It is a good idea to check at the hotel/ resort beforehand on rooms with stroller accessibility.
Activities
Beaches Resort offers a plethora of activities for guests of all ages. The resort features a stunning water park with thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools. Children can also enjoy the supervised Kids Camp with activities such as scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and video games. For adults, there are a variety of water sports available, including kayaking, paddle-boarding, and snorkeling. The resort also has a state-of-the-art fitness center, multiple tennis courts, and a golf course nearby.
We took Vedanth to the pool and the lazy river, both of which he seemed to enjoy. In the evening, we took him to the beach. A couple nights during our stay, there were concerts and kids shows, which we watched for sometime.
Dining
Beaches Resort has 21 restaurants offering a wide range of cuisines, from Caribbean to Italian to French to Indian. The resort also features several bars and lounges serving exotic cocktails, beer, and wine. Guests can enjoy unlimited meals and drinks, which are all included in the all-inclusive package.
We are vegetarians, and on most of the days there were special food made for us (I don’t eat egg).
Vedanth also received special food for him everyday for breakfast and dinner (Pancake, vegetable and fruit purees etc) that were made to our specification.
Other Amenities
Free daycare – They have 2 day cares and certified nannies to take care of little ones. We used the day care facility on one day for the few hours while we took off to the beach.
Since it was literally his (and ours) first time at a daycare, we planned to drop him off just before his nap time and picked him up after a couple of hours.
Pros:
- All-inclusive: Guests don’t have to worry about the cost of meals, drinks, or activities. Airport drop and pick-up is also included.
- Kid-friendly: The resort offers supervised activities and amenities for children of all ages.
- Wide variety of food options: The ten restaurants at the resort cater to a range of tastes and dietary restrictions.
- Accommodating allergies and dietary needs: The resort is known for accommodating various allergies and dietary restrictions.
- Free daycare for kids and infants: Parents can take a break while their children are supervised by trained staff.
Cons:
- Distance to attractions: The resort is not in close proximity to other attractions on the island, so guests may need to arrange transportation.
- It takes a day or so to just get a lay of the land
- No gym: The resort does not have a gym on the property.
- Need to submit a daily menu for special meals: Guests with specific dietary needs must submit a menu for the following day’s meals.
In conclusion, traveling with a 7-month-old can be a challenging experience, but it can also be a rewarding one. Our trip to Beaches Resort in Turks and Caicos was one that we will cherish forever. Seeing our baby’s first reactions to the sights and sounds of a new place was a joy in itself, and the memories we created as a family will last a lifetime.
I highly recommend traveling with your baby if you have the opportunity. They may not remember the trip, but the experience of seeing the world through their eyes is priceless. And with the right planning, you can make the journey smooth and stress-free for everyone.
Beaches Resort in Turks and Caicos was the perfect place for our first family vacation, with its all-inclusive package, variety of activities, and amenities for infants. But wherever you choose to go, remember to take it slow, enjoy the moment, and create lasting memories with your little one.
Miscellaneous packing list and links
- Sunscreen – Vedanth’s dermatologist recommended this brand. I highly recommend using a stick especially while traveling for easy application
- Medicines – Infant Tylenol, Gas drops, Gripe water, Teething relief drops, Prescription medicines.
- Baby Carrier
- Portable white noise machine
- Swim Diaper
- Baby laundry detergent, bottle soap, brush (travel sizes)
- Crib mattress cover (In case of using Hotel crib)
- Baby bug spray
- Coconut oil/ Massage oil
- Baby bath spout, towel
- Sunsafe hat for baby – Link
- Swimsuit for baby
- Stroller fan
- Baby powder – to remove sand (For adults too!)
- Baby Toiletteries – Lotion, shampoo
- Bath spout
- Breast feeding essentials – pump, parts, charger, pumping bags, nursing bra, nursing cover, maker to date pumping bags
- Baby solids essential – spoon, plate, bib, water cup, baby food pouches
- Selfie stick
- Pool floats
- Baby insect repellent
Related post: Baby Items That Are Worth The Money
Product links
Links to some of the items I had mentioned above –
Tote Bag –
Swim Diaper
Teething drops
Sunscreen
Travel Containers
Stroller fan
Baby carrier
Pool floats
Baby powder
Baby insect repellent
Teething relief drops
Baby rash guard swim suit
Cooler bag
Reusable ice pack
Car seat/ Nursing cover