When traveling to Los Angeles, there are a number of tips that will make your travel with your baby more enjoyable. Los Angeles is a beautiful city with so much to offer. You can still have a restful, fun vacation even with a wee one in tow. Follow these simple tips for a vacation everyone from young to old will enjoy.
Things to Bring
There are a few things that you might not use for baby care at home that can prove to be very useful with traveling.
- Binder clips – Binder clips are indispensible when it comes to creating a sanctuary for a weary baby, no matter where you are. You can use the clips to attach a blanket to the stroller to create a moving nap cocoon. You can attach a blanket to the back of an airline or train seat to create a canopy to block out distracting reading lights and nearby activity. Need extra shade at the beach? You will be amazed at the extra versatility you will have with just a small handful of binder clips!
- Blue painters tape – No, you won’t be doing any home improvement projects at the hotel, but a small roll of blue painters tape is just what you will need to baby proof your hotel room, cruise cabin or condo. Put tape over outlets. Tape cabinet doors closed. Tape up electrical cords. Tape cords from blinds or drapes up out of baby’s reach. You will be able to relax when you know these basic safety issues have been taken care of.
- Overalls – Not for you … for the baby! Overalls make for great travel wear because you can easily attach a toy or other distraction to the loop while you are standing in line, at the restroom changing station or waiting at the gate. You will be able to keep baby entertained with having to worry about the toy falling on the very public (and possibly very yucky) ground.
- Clorox wipes – A small container of Clorox wipes in your diaper bag will allow you to go where no baby has gone before without (too much) worry. It is very likely that you will be using public restroom changing stations and you may even be using the floor of a few places you wouldn’t dream of normally. The ability to wipe down very public surfaces with Clorox wipes prior to use will make you feel better when you have to make do.
Airports
- Liquid Restriction for Airport Security – The restriction on fluids over 3 ounces when going through security does not apply to breast milk or infant formula, however, you will have to go through additional screening procedures. The best way to save yourself the hassle is to store powdered formulas in bottles and then purchase bottled water to make liquid formula once you get through security. And of course, make sure you have more than you think you need in the event of an extended delay.
- Overpack the Diaper Bag – As a general rule of thumb, you should pack twice as much formula, diapers and wipes as you think you will need so that you are prepared for any unexpected delays. Also pack a change of clothes for the baby and another for you. Now you are prepared for any unexpected “blow ups”.
- Buy Baby a Seat – If at all possible, purchase a seat for your baby, and bring the car seat on board. Not only will mom be much more comfortable, but you will be providing your baby with the safest ride. If you just can’t swallow a full price airline ticket for someone who only weighs 12 pounds, still bring your infant seat to the gate. If there are open seats on the flight, the crew will let you put baby in the car seat in a separate seat. And, worse case scenario, if you are on an absolutely full flight, you can always check the seat at the gate.
- Take Your Stroller – Bring your stroller all the way to the gate, especially if you have a connecting flight. Having the stroller to hold all of your stuff is a big bonus and all airlines will check your stroller for you at the gate and return it to you as you step off the plane. If your car seat is the type that snaps into your stroller, you will really be set. Plus having a familiar comfortable place for baby to sit while waiting at the gate and between flights will likely lead to a more content baby.
- Spread Baby’s Stuff Out – Spread baby’s things out amongst your checked luggage so that if one of your pieces of luggage gets lost, it won’t be the absolutely critical one.
Ground Transportation
- Rental Cars – If you are renting a car upon your arrival in Los Angeles, an infant seat is absolutely required. If you haven’t brought your own, you will likely be able to rent one from the rental company. This is not recommended as you will not know the age of the seat (they do expire) or whether or not it has ever been involved in an accident. It is definitely best to bring your own seat.
- LAX Shuttles, Buses and Taxis – LAX shuttles are classified as buses, and buses and taxis are exempt from child seat laws in the city of Los Angeles. However, this does not mean that your baby is exempt from the laws of physics. You should NEVER travel in a airport shuttle, hotel shuttle, bus or taxi without your baby strapped in just as you would in your own car. A shuttle from LAX may require you to purchase an additional seat, so call ahead to find out. If you are on a bus and there are no seatbelts, still strap your baby into their car seat. There have been many, many instances of infants thrown from vehicles, sitting in the middle of the road in their car seats unharmed.
Follow these simple tips to enjoy and fun and SAFE trip to Los Angeles with your baby.
