Traveling with baby? Use this checklist and don't miss a thing

Traveling with a baby can be daunting. There are many things to consider involving a fair amount of legwork. To remain sane, you've got to plan ahead.

• Travel outside of Canada by air requires a passport for you and your baby. Travel over land borders to the U.S. requires only a birth certificate.
• If only one parent is travelling with the child, a letter of consent signed and dated by the absent parent is required. You might need other documents, such as divorce papers, custody court orders, or a death certificate (if one parent is deceased).
• Check with the nearest embassy or consulate of each country you are visiting about additional entry requirements, such as visas.

• Kids younger than two usually fly for free, but you'll have to hold baby in your lap. If you want baby in a restraining device, such as a car seat, you'll have to buy a ticket.
• Before you buy tickets be sure you understand your airline's policies on traveling with children. Confirm their carry on policy regarding babies; usually you are allowed an extra bag.
• Note that Canadian Aviation Regulations require that no one person be responsible for more than one child under two.
• You have a right to breastfeed your baby undisturbed in a public place as supported by the Human Rights Commission, but you might want to check with the airline, too.
• Know if your plane has baby change tables.

• Make sure that you and your baby have travel medical insurance.
• Do you need to travel with prescriptions? Are there special medical concerns in the countries where you are going, such as malaria or even Lyme disease in the U.S.?

• Know ahead of time what you are allowed to bring on the plane.
• According to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, if you are travelling with an infant younger than two:
  • You can bring baby food, milk, formula, water, juice and other baby items in your carry-on baggage.
  • Gel and ice packs can be brought on board if they are being used to refrigerate baby food, milk, breast milk, formula, water or juice.
  • You can bring breast milk in quantities greater than 100 ml provided it is presented to the screening officer for inspection.
• Plan on going to the Family/Special Needs lane if it's open.
• Know that you may carry or have your child walk through metal detectors.

Carry-on:

• Diaper supplies.
• Change of clothes.
• Bottles (enough for flight plus two or three extra).
• Snacks.
• Old and new toys, books, iPad or DVD.
• Medications and thermometer.

• Lightweight travel crib.
• Car seat if you'll be driving.
• Umbrella stroller.