Did you know that on almost every airline, kids fly free under 2? On international flights, this will still mean some fees, but the cost is much less than an actual ticket (ie. When flying to Cambodia, an adult ticket ranges from $1200-$1300, whereas an infant in lap ticket is only $200-$300!)
While this might feel daunting - there are things that can make this endeavor a lot easier. Here is a product list of must-haves for traveling internationally with a child under two!
1. Cozigo Airplane Bassinet Cover: It is hard to exaggerate how incredible this product is. It creates a black-out pod, making sleep much easier. It can be used for the airplane bassinet, a travel bassinet, and ALSO will fit on a stroller! We used this on the airplane and in the airport, our son would sleep as one of us walking around with this attached to our stroller. At $79.99, it is pricey, but 100% worth it if you have a long flight. Find out more here!
TIP: Airlines all have different requirements for their bassinets, we booked directly through Singapore Air's website when our son was 9 months, because they allowed us to reserve seats and automatically get a bassinet. Learn more about airplane bassinets here.
2. Travel sound machine: There are a lot of unpredictable moments when traveling, having a travel sound machine can help drown out extra noise and allow your baby to sleep. There are many brands you can get, but I'm partial to the Hatch Go - it comes with a usb charging cord so you could keep it charged on an airplane. Also, you can use a standard travel adapter and do not need a voltage converter in Asia or Europe.
3. SlumberPod: Whether traveling domestically or internationally, whether you're in a hotel or an AirBnb, the SlumberPod is one of the most valuable family travel hacks. You can search online for options to rent one, but if you travel and sleep outside of your own home at least 2-3 times a year, this thing ends up paying for itself. It can fit over a pack n play or travel crib, as well as a floor bed for an older toddler. There are frequent sales and coupons on Amazon, see more here.
4. Travel Crib: Almost all airlines will let you check a travel crib or pack n play for free, you do this at the check-in counter with the rest of your checked luggage. Because you could end up carrying this on trains, busses, subways, etc. depending on your destination, you want to make sure its lightweight. Here are two that we have used:
Guava Lotus travel Crib
Baby Bjorn Travel Crib
5. Travel Stroller: This subject deserved it's own post, and it has one, so see "Travel Strollers". For now, here are my favorite travel strollers that we have personally tried and tested. While you check a travel crib and car seat at the check in counter, strollers are either checked at the airplane gate - or if they are compact enough, they can go in the overhead bin.
Colugo Travel Stroller - Easiest to use
GB Pockit Air All Terrain - Most lightweight
Maclaren Stroller - Sturdiest
Honorable mentions: If you are traveling somewhere where you can use a carseat, you will need a Car Seat Travel Bag in order to check the car seat. Check with the airline if you can check both a car seat and a travel crib / pack n play. Make sure to do your research on if you need a car seat, or if you will be able to take mostly public transport!
Budget tips: When possible, you will want to find ways to travel as light as possible. This could mean checking with hotels and AirBnbs on if they provide cribs or childs cots, joining a local parent facebook group and asking to borrow one of these items (we did this in Barcelona and Madrid!), or looking into rental options (Babonbo or BabyQuip).
You can also look for these items used on facebook marketplace, or borrow from a friend! But if you know you will use them often, consider buying new as a long-term investment.
Have questions? Thoughts to add? Leave them in the comments below!
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