In collaboration with the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort in Kelowna, British Columbia.
Thank you for hosting our family of three at your phenomenal establishment.
My husband and I love to travel. We’ve explored quite a few places together (you can check out my TravelSTRUCK category for posts about Mexico, Hilton Head Island, and Panama), but when baby came along I definitely worried about how an infant may impact our ability to travel. But, in hindsight, I didn’t need to worry.
Our son Lucas is currently 9 months old and he has already travelled the continent. He has flown to Mexico at 2.5 months for a family wedding, driven to Hilton Head South Carolina at 6 months for a family vacation (a 1.5-day-long road trip for us) and flown to Kelowna, British Columbia (across the country) at 8 months old. During our most recent vacation to Kelowna, we stayed at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort which was absolutely perfect for a family travelling with a young baby. Why? Well, in this post, I am sharing all of my tips about flying and going on a long drive with baby and what you should look for in your accommodations once you’ve arrived at your destination.
Logistically speaking, taking a baby along with you does complicate matters, but does it make travel impossible? Absolutely not. With a little bit of planning, you can travel with your baby! I’ve broken this down into the three main areas with lots of subheadings so you can find the info you need easily and feel prepared when it comes to feeding baby, baby’s sleep, and transporting baby from one place to another with ease.
Don’t leave this blog post without downloading my baby travel packing list!
Baby Feeding While Traveling
How do I feed my baby milk while flying? If you’re flying with your infant and they’re still primarily (or exclusively) consuming breastmilk or formula, this is of course somewhat easier than flying with baby food (which I will get to as I’ve done both). When we flew with our two-month-old baby, he was only consuming breastmilk. I would either nurse him or pump and bottle feed him the expressed breastmilk. If this is what your baby is eating at the time of your travel, you’ll have to bring along all your breastfeeding and nursing gear (note: my son wasn’t having formula at all at the time so I cannot speak to that).
What does the pumping mama need to know? In terms of pumping, that meant I was packing my pump and all the parts (I have two sets), including storage bottles, lids, tubing, flanges, yadda, yadda, yadda. In addition to that, the milk had to be cooled so I also brought along my cooler bag and ice pack. I took along milk freezer bags (in case I pumped more than I needed or ran out of bottles) and cleaning wipes.
Let me tell you, the wipes are key! It’s hard to find a sink everywhere you go while travelling and with these, you can clean your pump parts and bottles without even unbuckling your seatbelt (whether that be in a plane or a car). They definitely became a must-have for me and helped me with managing milk for the baby on a plane. Don’t forget to wear a nursing bra, which you can hack to work as a pumping bra if you loop the straps around the flanges. Better yet, get yourself this pumping/nursing bra that I’ve been using for the last few months and is a gamechanger as it does both! I’ve pumped in cars, airports, planes and even at the pool with it at this point. Throw on your nursing cover and do what you need to do mama!
Thank you to the folks at the Delta Grand Okanagan for gifting us with this adorable onesie and with the story of Ogopogo for our little boy.
What does the TSA say about milk for baby on a plane? Remember, if you’re a nursing/pumping mama your pump and cooler bag don’t count as your carry-on regardless of whether or not you’re flying with an infant. Your pump is considered a medical device, and breastmilk needs to be cooled as you probably already know (but the TSA agent may not). If you’re a breastfeeding and/or pumping mama who is planning air travel with an infant, know your rights before you fly so you can get in an argument with a Mexican customs official who is threatening to throw out your ice pack (true story). You can find all TSA infant information here.
Since I have been doing a combination of breastfeeding and pumping, I stuffed my milksavers into my pumping bag. If you’re not familiar with this brilliant little invention and you’re a nursing mama, listen up. They collect milk from your letdown on the opposite breast, so none is wasted. You may be familiar with a Haaka pump, which I love but don’t find it easy to use on the go. These tuck into your bra and are very discrete. You should of course also pack nursing pads to use in a pinch. I use both these washable ones and these disposable ones depending on how organized I am that day.
What about solid foods? If you’re flying with a 7, 8, or 9-month-old you may have dipped your toe into the land of solid foods and are feeding your baby puree. You may be worried about flying with baby food. Don’t fret, it’s permitted. You’re allowed to take “juice” in greater quantities on a plane.
For our trip to Kelowna, British Columbia I packed packets of baby food (as opposed to jars which I was worried may break and take up more space), spoons, and silicone bibs so I was stocked up for mealtime. Bring more than you think you’ll need! Lucas had quite the appetite while we travelled for whatever reason and I was stressed that I was going to run out. I brought Tupperware instead of bowls to feed him out of on the go as these are easy to close and contain mess until you have a chance to clean them (you can stash away a tiny dish soap bottle and sponge too).
Don’t forget prepackaged self-feeding options such as puffs and teething wafers. These are great for mealtime or to calm babies when they may be grumpy via transit and just need a snack. Tip: you may want to put these in a container as they’re easily crushed making tiny pieces hard for baby to hold. If you’re in the car bring all the same things, you just may need to store food in a cooler for a long drive and feed the baby in their Bumbo seat if there are no food establishments to stop at.
What does a family with a baby need at the hotel? Once you’re at your destination, make sure you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, or at least a fridge. We learned this the hard way one time staying in a hotel where we had nothing to rely on by the ice machine down the corridor. Was I stressed out overnight about my breastmilk staying cold? Yep, I sure was.
Stay somewhere with a full kitchen. With a fridge and dishwasher right in your room, it’s easy to feed baby and clean up so you can relax and enjoy your vacation!
But that didn’t happen this time! I was thrilled to see that the Delta had a full and completely stocked kitchen upon our arrival. When you’ve spent all this time cleaning pump parts with wipes and washing bottles in random bathroom sinks, it’s a relief to find a dishwasher. They even had soap at the ready and I was able to immediately take all my baby feeding gear, throw it in the machine, and make sure everything was spotless and sanitized for Lucas. Not to mention, we were able to make meals in our room as a family, which was perfect as Lucas was tried from our whirlwind travels and wasn’t up for an outing. I didn’t have to worry about storing my breastmilk, his baby food, or our leftovers since we had a full-size fridge right in our room.
Baby Sleep While Traveling
One of my biggest sources of anxiety when it came to flying with a 2-month-old, and later an 8-month-old baby was maintaining our sleep schedule during these trips. Lucas has never been a naturally good sleeper. I’m not sure if any babies are, to be honest (I obviously only have one point of context). But I had to do sleep training and live my life around a nap schedule for a while there to get to the point where Lucas was sleeping through the night.
So, you can imagine how much I worried about flying with a baby on my lap. Would he sleep that way? What about timing? It’s likely not possible to entirely plan baby’s first flight around their daily schedule. Especially if you’re dealing with a different timezone. So, my best advice to you is to bring what you can to make them comfortable and when all else fails, feed them! This mentality also works when they wake up at all hours in a different time zone. Just go by wake windows and keep that tummy happy. You won’t form a habit while travelling if it’s not something you practice regularly at home.
Want to see more of our adventures in Kelowna? Watch the video on Instagram or Facebook.
What about baby’s ears on the airplane? If you’re worried about baby’s ears popping on the airplane, have milk (whether that be a bottle or the breast) at the ready for take-off and landing. Not only did that help Lucas with this it also encouraged him to nod off to sleep with a full belly, the plane’s engine acting as white noise in the background.
How do I get the baby to sleep on the plane? I brought along my nursing pillow which was a total lifesaver. Although Lucas probably would have slept in my arms, I would have needed a chiropractor to meet me at the gate upon arrival after sitting unmoved in that position for so long. The pillow worked well because it was wrapped around my torso and cushioned him close to me, so he drifted off to la-la land and I could do the same without concern. Of course, he didn’t sleep for as long as or well as he would at home but the pillow was instrumental in making sure he got some shuteye. If you’re on a road trip this is obviously easier as baby may be somewhat used to falling asleep in their familiar car seat. But you can also employ the aid of a white noise speaker and blackout cover if you’re heading off on a long drive.
How do I get baby to sleep in a hotel? After sleeping on the go, all of us (baby included) like to arrive to a nice cozy bed. Make sure the hotel you’re staying in has a travel crib or pack n’ play ready and set up, as the Delta did for us, upon arrival. Your little one may be absolutely exhausted, and you’ll be happy to have it ready when you get there if that’s the case. Pack their comfort items such as a swaddle, blanket, PJ’s, lovey and white noise where they’re easily accessible so you can quickly get at them. We always bring along our travel blackout curtain as well just in case the blinds in the room don’t cut it or if we’re in the same room and this will get him down without distraction.
But we were so spoiled by the folks at the Delta as we did we not need to utilize our blackout curtain at all. Lucas had his very own room (with darkening window dressings may I add). Let me tell you, as a parent who has shared meals with her spouse in the hotel bathroom as to not disturb baby while sharing one room (true story), this is a dream. My husband and I were able to enjoy the suite and relax with a glass of wine in front of the big screen TV in the evenings without disturbing Lucas. If you’re staying somewhere for more than one night, it’s worth snagging a second bedroom so you can enjoy the amenities and get some rest. I never expected to find this kind of comfort and convenience in a hotel, but the Delta Grand Okanagan completely exceeded my expectations.
Getting Around with Baby
Stay in a hotel that’s located at the center of everything so getting around is a snap. The Delta Grand Okanagan is in an ideal downtown location in Kelowna!
Right along the waterfront boardwalk where you’ll have plenty of room to stroll with your family.
If it sounds like you’re travelling with everything but your kitchen sink (which frankly would be useful) and you’re stressed about how you’re going to carry all this stuff and your baby, make flying with an infant easier by wearing them. Baby can travel, just attach them to you!
What is the best baby carrier for plane travel? We always wear Lucas at the airport and while boarding. It’s the best way to travel with a baby. Your hands are free to carry other things and the little one feels safe in an unfamiliar environment by being close to you. We used this carrier when he was still facing inward, but as he got older, we bought this one (for under $25) since we didn’t realize our original carrier didn’t have the option to turn him around. In my opinion, it’s one of the best baby carriers for plane travel at the price point. I use it on the daily at the mall or grocery store as well.
We always travel with our baby carrier and foldable stroller.
They’re all you need to explore the sights whether you’re taking a hike or exploring the waterfront.
What about flying with a baby stroller? One thing we have taken with us on every flight has been our trusty stroller. I swear by it, and it has made flying with a baby stroller a piece of cake. It’s light, compact, easy to use, and durable. It’s also inexpensive and from what I hear from fellow moms, it will last for years. You cannot go wrong! It’s what I use almost every day for walks at home. We’ve also explored South Carolina, Mexico, and of course Kelowna with these wheels. I’d be curious to know just how many miles Lucas and I have put on this thing without any issue.
Where should the hotel be located? Once you’re at your destination, you don’t want to be doing any more extended travelling to see the sights. Part of the reason we loved staying at the Delta was that it was right smack dab in the middle of everything. Located in the downtown core, we were close to shops, restaurants, and parks. One afternoon, we spent a couple of hours meandering along the lakeshore gawking at the scenery. Once Lucas got hungry, we easily popped into one of the many restaurants and had some lunch. When we tired of exploring for the day, we were back in our cozy room within 5 minutes.
I’d recommend you ask for a room on the ground floor if possible. The folks at Delta thought of this for me and I was so glad they did. It made it so easy to scoot out of our room with our stroller via the patio door and be exactly where we wanted to be in an instant. On inclement weather days we took full advantage of the indoor pool – another fantastic amenity you should inquire about when researching hotels (particularly if you’re visiting a colder climate). Since baby won’t have all their toys, it can be hard to keep them busy when you can’t head outdoors. An indoor pool is always a good time and the Delta had a beautiful facility which also included a hot tub and sauna.
Looking for a baby-friendly packing list so you know what to pack for baby? Be sure to download mine by submitting your email. It will be sent right to your inbox!
Download a copy of my baby travel packing list by entering your details below.
STRUCKBLOG values your privacy, see my Privacy Page.
Shop my Baby & Toddler Essentials
Things to do with a Baby in Kelowna, British Columbia
- Stroll around the downtown core: There are many shops and restaurants, a waterfront park (and jungle gym even has a mini zip line), and the visitor center. Pop in to get advice that’s fitting for your family. I asked about appropriate hiking trails that we could do with baby in tow, and the staff was enormously helpful with their suggestions.
- Go for a hike: With this kind of stunning scenery, this area is for outdoor lovers. We did a hike up to Paul’s Tomb while wearing Lucas. It wasn’t too long or too intense of a hike but still allowed us to take in the spectacular view.
- Go to the art gallery: Located right across from the Delta Grand Okanagan you’ll find the Kelowna Art Gallery. It’s free to attend on Thursday’s (thanks to the hotel’s sponsorship, thanks guys!)
- Visit the goats and taste some cheese: We stopped into Carmelis Goat Cheese and indulged in a cheese tasting where we got to try some of the most unique and delicious cheese ever. We also saw the goats grazing along the hillside as we admired the mountain view. It’s a beautiful drive too!
- Taste some wine: We checked out the Cedar Creek Estate Winery and enjoyed their tasting menu, beautifully renovated facility, and stunning view (you’re probably seeing a trend here with the scenery thing but it’s honestly so pretty everywhere). We left with two bottles and it probably could have been an entire box if I’m being totally honest.
The boys at Carmelis Goat Cheese 
Goats grazing and a spectacular view.
Do you have any tips of your own to share about traveling with a baby? What has worked for you and what products can you not travel without? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to follow along on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook where I’m always sharing snippets from our next adventure.
Anna
Disclosures: Thank you to the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort for hosting our family while we visited beautiful Kelowna, British Columbia. Lucas’ “Little Kelowna Vibes” onesie and Ogopogo book, which are featured in some images were gifted from the Delta team. Thank you for your kindness and stellar hospitality!
All opinions and comments are my own. STRUCKBLOG uses affiliate links. For more information about this and the use of sponsored products please see my disclaimer page.
Want to see your brand/business reviewed on STRUCKBLOG? Visit my Work With Me page to download a copy of my Media Kit.
Great blog and useful info regarding the best ways to travel with a baby! By the way, if any of you guys would need an airport transfer service that provides pre-installed car seats, Kidmoto is the way to go! You can learn more at kidmoto.taxi