Growing with Freya Journal

Traveling with a baby already feels like a big leap, but traveling with a fully cloth-diapered, unvaccinated infant for the first time felt monumental. Still, we packed intentionally, trusted our systems, and headed from Tennessee to Big Bear, California to visit family.

This trip wasn’t just a vacation. It was a collection of firsts for Freya, and for us as parents learning how to move through the world with our daughter.

Road-Tripping With Cloth Diapers (No Disposables)

We committed to cloth diapers only for this trip, no disposables, no backups. And honestly? It went better than I expected.

What made it work:

Multiple wet bags to rotate and contain used diapers A simplified cloth system that was easy to change anywhere Staying organized so nothing felt overwhelming

Cloth diapering doesn’t have to pause just because you’re traveling. With intention and a little flexibility, it can move with you, even on long travel days.

Flying With an Unvaccinated Baby for the First Time

Flying with an unvaccinated baby carries a lot of mental weight, especially during cold and flu season. This was something I thought about deeply before we traveled.

We took precautions that felt right for our family:

Baby-wearing to limit unnecessary contact Avoiding pass-passing and crowded interactions Staying mindful without letting fear steal the experience

There’s no single “right” way to do this, only informed choices and trusting your parental instincts.

Sanitizing the Plane Experience

I came prepared. Before settling into our seats, we wiped down all high-touch surfaces: armrests, tray tables, seatbelts, and anything within Freya’s reach.

I kept:

Sanitizing wipes easily accessible Hand sanitizer clipped to the diaper bag Clean muslin cloths as a barrier when needed

It wasn’t about eliminating all germs, it was about creating a safer bubble where I could breathe and enjoy the flight.

Going Through TSA With a Baby

Going through TSA with a baby can feel intimidating, but it was smoother than expected.

A few things that helped:

Breast milk is allowed through security Baby-wearing made screening easier Giving ourselves extra time removed pressure

I reminded myself that babies belong in public spaces, and that we’re allowed to move at our own pace.

Big Bear, Family Time, and the Zoo 🐾

Once we arrived in Big Bear, everything slowed down. Freya was surrounded by family, fresh mountain air, and new experiences.

We took her to the zoo for the very first time, watching her take in the animals, sounds, and movement with wide, curious eyes. Even at her age, you can see moments where the world clicks a little bigger.

The Smallest Firsts Matter Most

Some of Freya’s firsts were simple, but deeply meaningful:

Her first bus ride Her first restaurant outing Experiencing new environments beyond home

Watching her calmly observe the world reminded me how capable babies truly are, and how much they trust us to guide them.

What This Trip Taught Me

Traveling with a baby isn’t about perfection. It’s about preparation, intention, and allowing life to expand instead of shrink after becoming parents.

This trip showed me that we can move through the world together—fully cloth diapering, protecting her health, and still saying yes to new experiences.

Here’s to many more firsts!

❤ Freya’s Mommy