When traveling with an infant as opposed to traveling alone you could easily double your time and effort exerted to prepare for the trip. Restrictions implemented by Homeland security can be almost as challenging as flying with your little one.

To face these challenges, your preparation should start well before you leave your home. If you are departing not from your home but from another less familiar point, such as a hotel in a city you are visiting, or a friend’s or a relatives home, there could be additional considerations you have to make.

If you are going to or from a foreign country the restrictions could be even more challenging. Preparations should be started several weeks in advance, with the first step involving how long you plan on being away in the foreign country. This decision will be the difference in applying for separate passports for the infant and yourself. If you will only be gone for a few months or less then you might be able to include the infant’s name on the passport.

If a foreign country is in your travel plans then visas also need to be obtained for both you and your infant. Birth certificates and proof of immunizations will be needed. These records should be kept on you person as well. This applies to most foreign countries, however it is a good idea to check with your travel agent or do some research online to see if travel to other countries such as Canada are less restrictive.

Therefore, the first step is to gather prepare all the required travel documents for your infant. Once this step is completed we you can move onto your infant’s personal needs. These should be able to be addressed without much effort on your part, since you will be traveling. Infants are unique in the fact that their needs can be met at home or the airport, or even flying, however here are some special points to consider.

Many airlines do allow carriers for infants, however you should check to see what restrictions are in place for your portable car seat. It should be small enough to fit inside the x-ray scanning system and the check-in point, and have no small metal pieces sticking out that could be dismantled or taken off.

Special attention needs to be placed on medication as well, since security measures impose that only a certain amount of fluids may be in your possession. If you are not breast feeding, it might be wise to pack powdered formula in plastic baggies, and once cleared and the check-point purchase bottled water to use in the bottles. Liquid medications your infant might take need to be in clearly labeled containers and must not exceed the specified volumes.

Traveling should be fun and rewarding even when traveling with an infant. Homeland security restrictions are implemented for a reason, and though it adds to the travel preparation it ensures safe and orderly travel. This is certainly the most important first step towards havning fun while traveling.