Flying with a baby once or twice can be hard enough; imagine if it was practically your full-time job! Singer Fraser Walters offers wisdom gained from almost a year of touring with his young daughter

When most parents think about travelling with a baby, they might envision a single vacation flight or perhaps a visit to grandparents. But what happens when your livelihood depends on constant travel, and staying home simply isn’t an option?

Fraser Walters, member of the internationally acclaimed Canadian vocal group The Tenors, faces this challenge daily. Along with his partner Kelly Levesque—herself a talented singer-songwriter—Fraser has been crisscrossing the globe with their daughter Hope since she was just months old. Their story offers unique insights into the realities of frequent travel with babies, along with hard-won advice that can benefit any parent preparing for their first flight with little ones in tow.

Making the Decision: When Home Is Wherever You Are

For Fraser and Kelly, the decision to bring Hope on tour wasn’t really a decision at all—it was a necessity born from their shared passion for music.

“There wasn’t much of a decision to be made,” Fraser explains. “Both my wife and I are constantly on the road as touring recording artists, so baby Hope has inadvertently joined the circus.”

This reality highlights an important consideration for any family where both parents have demanding travel schedules. The alternative—extended separations during a baby’s crucial early months—simply wasn’t acceptable to the couple. Their approach demonstrates that with proper planning and flexibility, even the most challenging travel scenarios can work for families committed to staying together.

The Unique Challenges of Constant Travel

Unlike occasional family vacations, professional touring presents specific challenges:

  • Unpredictable schedules with last-minute changes
  • Multiple time zones in short periods
  • Limited packing space due to equipment needs
  • Public scrutiny as recognizable figures
  • Performance obligations that can’t be rescheduled around baby needs
  • Varying accommodation quality and baby-friendliness

Despite these challenges, Fraser and Kelly have developed strategies that allow them to maintain their careers while prioritizing their family bond.

Managing In-Flight Entertainment and Meltdowns

Any parent who’s travelled with a baby knows that even the best-laid plans can dissolve into chaos at 30,000 feet. Fraser’s candid account of responding to interview questions while managing a mid-flight meltdown offers both humor and practical wisdom.

“I’m literally responding to this while on a flight from Kauai to Los Angeles; Hope is finally sleeping beside me in Kelly’s arms after a mini-meltdown!” he shares. “You never know when they’re going to strike, but the combination of early-morning flights, cramped quarters, 10- to 15-percent humidity, turbulence, interrupted naps and changing time zones can make monsters of us all!”

The Perfect Storm of Flight Conditions

Fraser’s observation about the multiple factors that contribute to baby distress during flights is particularly insightful. Understanding these elements can help parents better prepare:

Environmental factors:

  • Low humidity (typically 10-15%) can cause discomfort and dehydration
  • Cabin pressure changes during takeoff and landing can cause ear pain
  • Limited space restricts natural movement and play
  • Unfamiliar sounds from engines and other passengers

Schedule disruptions:

  • Early departure times often conflict with natural sleep patterns
  • Time zone changes confuse established routines
  • Interrupted naps due to boarding, turbulence, or meal service
  • Extended confinement beyond typical attention spans

Proven Entertainment Strategies

Through trial and error, Fraser and Kelly have developed a reliable toolkit for keeping Hope content during flights:

Reading materials: Board books with bright pictures and simple stories work well and can be easily contained if dropped.

Educational videos: Loaded on tablets with downloaded content (since wifi can be unreliable), these provide focused attention during critical moments.

Regular feeding and hydration: Maintaining normal eating and drinking schedules helps prevent discomfort-related fussiness.

Aisle walks: “Long walks up and down the plane as she stops to gently tickle the arms and legs of lucky aisle-seated passengers” serve multiple purposes—physical activity, social interaction, and a change of scenery.

This last strategy reveals an often-overlooked truth about air travel with babies: most passengers are understanding and even welcoming when they see parents making genuine efforts to keep their children content.

Mastering the Mid-Air Diaper Change

One of the most daunting aspects of flying with babies is the inevitable diaper change in airplane lavatories that seem designed for contortionists rather than parents. Fraser has turned this challenge into an art form, driven by both practical necessity and personal philosophy.

“When we travel as a family, I’m on diaper duty because I always sit on the aisle,” Fraser explains. “I’ve experienced all manner of cramped and crummy toilets, and one quirk I have is I like to leave the space better than I found it.”

The Psychology of Public Parenting

Fraser’s approach reveals important insights about managing parenting tasks in public spaces:

“I think that’s partly because it’s the right thing to do, and partly because I don’t want the person after me blaming Hope and I for the mess,” he admits with characteristic honesty.

This mindset—being extra considerate when parenting in public—can actually reduce stress for travelling parents. By taking responsibility for maintaining clean, respectful shared spaces, parents often find that other travellers are more patient and understanding with normal baby behaviors.

Practical Tips for Airplane Diaper Changes

Based on Fraser’s extensive experience, here are key strategies for successful mid-flight diaper changes:

Preparation is key:

  • Always carry more supplies than you think you’ll need
  • Pack wipes, disposal bags, and hand sanitizer in easily accessible locations
  • Bring a small changing pad or disposable changing mats
  • Consider the timing—try to change diapers before they become urgent

Efficiency matters:

  • Practice the routine at home in small spaces
  • Pre-open wipes packages and disposal bags
  • Work quickly but calmly to minimize time in the cramped space
  • Have everything ready before entering the lavatory

Courtesy counts:

  • Clean up thoroughly after yourself
  • Use provided paper towels to wipe down surfaces
  • Dispose of diapers properly in designated receptacles
  • Thank flight attendants if they offer assistance

Strategic Packing: Making Every Inch Count

Professional touring musicians travel with significant equipment, leaving little room for baby gear. Fraser and Kelly have had to completely rethink their packing strategies, making “serious concessions” with their personal luggage to accommodate Hope’s needs.

The Car Seat Bag Hack

One of Fraser’s most practical tips involves maximizing the potential of required baby gear:

“One pro tip is that a car-seat bag does not fit only a car-seat, so fill ‘er up!”

This strategy serves multiple purposes:

  • Maximizes packing space without additional bag fees
  • Protects the car seat during transport
  • Keeps related items together for easy access
  • Utilizes “free” space that would otherwise be wasted

Upgrading Your Carry-On Strategy

Fraser made a significant change to his personal travel setup to accommodate family needs:

“On our first flight with Hope (and every flight thereafter), I exchanged my trusty Tumi rolling laptop bag for the biggest allowable carry-on bag—to accommodate both my work gear and baby supplies.”

This decision reflects a broader principle for travelling parents: your packing priorities must shift completely when children join the journey. What once seemed essential for personal comfort or professional image becomes secondary to ensuring your child’s needs are met.

The Ongoing Reminders of Parent Life

Fraser’s humorous observation about post-baby travel habits rings true for many parents:

“Now when I travel without Hope and get searched at security I get funny looks for having random diapers, but I just smile and nod.”

These small moments serve as reminders of how completely parenthood transforms even routine activities. They also highlight the importance of maintaining a sense of humor about the inevitable awkwardness that comes with juggling professional and parenting responsibilities.

Being recognized in public presents unique challenges for any parent, but celebrity parents face additional complexity when travelling with children. Fraser’s approach offers insights for anyone who needs to manage social interactions while caring for babies.

“I think Hope is more active on social media than I am at this point, so I should ask her,” Fraser jokes. “But seriously, our Tenors fans have been so supportive of all of our families and we love meeting them on the road!”

Babies as Social Bridges

Fraser has discovered an unexpected benefit to travelling with Hope:

“Babies are a perfect icebreaker and I’ve seen Hope bring a lot of joy to many weary travellers.”

This observation extends beyond celebrity interactions. Babies often serve as natural conversation starters and mood lifters in travel environments where people are typically stressed, tired, or anxious. Parents who embrace this reality—rather than worrying about their child bothering others—often find travel experiences more positive and connected.

Managing Professional and Personal Boundaries

For parents in public-facing careers, travelling with children requires new strategies for managing fan interactions:

Be prepared for increased attention: Children naturally draw attention, which can amplify recognition Set comfortable boundaries: It’s okay to politely limit interaction time when children need care Use children as natural conversation enders: “I need to feed the baby” is universally understood Embrace the humanizing effect: Fans often appreciate seeing public figures as devoted parents

Unforgettable Travel Adventures

Fraser and Kelly’s travels with Hope have created memories that perfectly capture the unpredictable joy of family adventures. Two stories stand out as examples of how travel with children can lead to unexpected magical moments.

The Helicopter Introduction to Performance

A dinner invitation from family friend Bubba Rawl in Raleigh, North Carolina, turned into Hope’s first helicopter ride and an early introduction to performing with a microphone:

“Little did we know, our dinner reservations were for a unique barbecue joint on a far-away airstrip that included a round-trip helicopter flight! It was an unforgettable sunset, and when baby Hope realized her voice was coming through everyone’s noise-cancelling headphones, she started shouting ‘directions’ to the pilot and we got home safe and sound.”

This story illustrates several important points about travel with children:

Say yes to unexpected opportunities: The unique dinner invitation created a once-in-a-lifetime family memory Children adapt to new experiences: Hope naturally took to the helicopter environment Document special moments: These unexpected adventures become treasured family stories Embrace child participation: Rather than trying to quiet Hope, everyone enjoyed her “contributions” to the flight

Stealing the Show at Durham Performing Arts Center

The night after the helicopter ride, Hope made her official stage debut in a moment that perfectly captures the joy of family involvement in professional life:

“While I was in the middle of a heartfelt speech about my new daughter, I heard a lot of unexpected rumbling and laughs from the audience only to find Victor walking on stage with Hope in his arms.”

The interaction that followed—with Hope instinctively clapping and creating a back-and-forth with the audience—demonstrates how children can enhance rather than detract from professional moments when approached with openness and humor.

Key lessons from this experience:

  • Children can sense audience energy and often respond positively
  • Authentic family moments resonate more than perfectly scripted performances
  • Colleagues can be valuable support systems when traveling with children
  • Flexibility allows magical moments to unfold naturally

Planning for the Future: Balancing Career and Stability

As Hope grows, Fraser and Kelly face the challenge that confronts many travelling families: when does the need for stability outweigh the benefits of family togetherness on the road?

“At some point we’ll likely have to pick a home base unless we do home schooling, but it’s hard for us to know right now,” Fraser acknowledges. “We’ve recently been splitting time between L.A., Nashville and now New York where my wife grew up.”

The Evolution of Family Travel Needs

Fraser’s uncertainty about future arrangements reflects the reality that family travel strategies must constantly evolve:

Infant stage (0-12 months):

  • High flexibility for travel
  • Minimal space requirements
  • Simple entertainment needs
  • Parents can maintain most professional obligations

Toddler stage (1-3 years):

  • Increased activity levels require more planning
  • Social interaction becomes important
  • Safety considerations multiply
  • Nap schedules become more critical

School age (3+ years):

  • Educational consistency becomes a priority
  • Peer relationships gain importance
  • Activity and sports involvement may require geographic stability
  • Academic requirements may limit travel windows

Managing Separation When Travel Is Impossible

Even with their commitment to family travel, Fraser and Kelly sometimes face unavoidable separations:

“When it comes to being away from my girls for longer periods, it’s already difficult but we try not to exceed two to three weeks. I don’t want to think about it being longer than that.”

This honest admission reveals the emotional cost of balancing professional obligations with family priorities. Their two-to-three-week maximum demonstrates a conscious boundary that prioritizes family connection while acknowledging career realities.

Strategies for managing necessary separations:

  • Set clear time limits on acceptable separation lengths
  • Plan reunion activities that everyone anticipates
  • Maintain daily communication through video calls
  • Include family in travel experiences through photos and stories
  • Make return homecomings special with traditions or celebrations

Expert Travel Tips from the Road

Fraser’s year of intensive travel with Hope has generated practical wisdom that applies to any family planning air travel with babies or toddlers. His advice combines hard-won experience with professional travel savvy.

Security and Liquid Regulations

“You are allowed water for the baby, so don’t drain all your bottles before security.”

This simple tip can save significant stress and expense. Many parents unnecessarily discard baby bottles and formula before security, not realizing that:

  • Baby formula and breast milk are exempt from the 3-1-1 liquid rule
  • Water for babies is allowed in reasonable quantities
  • Security agents will test liquids but generally process them quickly
  • Purchasing drinks post-security is expensive and may not meet baby’s specific needs

Formula Solutions for Bottle-Fed Babies

“If you transition to formula there are great pre-made travel bottles, which I used on my first daughter-daddy solo flights when Hope was six months old!”

Pre-made formula bottles offer significant advantages for travel:

Convenience benefits:

  • No mixing or measuring required
  • Room temperature and ready to serve
  • Sealed sterile packaging
  • Consistent nutrition and taste

Travel-specific advantages:

  • No need to carry powder and measuring tools
  • Reduces liquid restrictions concerns
  • Eliminates need for clean mixing containers
  • Prevents spills from powder containers

Solo parent benefits:

  • Enables one-handed preparation
  • Reduces multitasking during flights
  • Provides consistent nutrition even when stressed
  • Offers backup when regular supplies run low

Boarding Strategy: Hands-Free Approach

“To board the plane, use a BabyBjörn or Ergobaby type of carrier so you can have your hands free for everything else.”

This advice addresses one of the most stressful moments of air travel with babies—the boarding process. Baby carriers offer multiple advantages:

Practical benefits:

  • Free hands for tickets, luggage, and other children
  • Easier navigation through narrow aisles
  • Baby security in crowded boarding areas
  • Reduced items to manage during boarding

Baby comfort benefits:

  • Familiar position provides security during transition
  • Parent closeness helps manage anxiety
  • Better viewing angle keeps baby interested in surroundings
  • Easy feeding access if needed during boarding process

Travel efficiency benefits:

  • Faster boarding without managing separate baby items
  • Simplified seat transition once on board
  • Less disruption to other passengers
  • Professional appearance for business travelers

The Over-Packing Philosophy

“Make sure to bring extra diapers, wipes, clothing, food, books and toys for ‘expected delays.’”

Fraser’s use of “expected delays” rather than “unexpected delays” reflects seasoned traveller wisdom. Delays aren’t surprises—they’re standard parts of air travel that must be planned for.

Essential over-packing categories:

Diaper supplies:

  • Pack 2-3 times the number needed for flight duration
  • Include rash cream and disposal bags
  • Bring extra wipes for cleaning hands and surfaces
  • Consider overnight diapers for longer flights

Clothing changes:

  • Pack complete outfit changes for both baby and parent
  • Include extra socks and bibs
  • Bring layers for temperature variations
  • Pack clothing in separate sealed bags

Food and snacks:

  • Bring more baby food than needed for scheduled feeding times
  • Include familiar snacks that don’t require refrigeration
  • Pack extra bottles or sippy cups
  • Bring comfort foods that ease anxiety

Entertainment rotation:

  • Pack new toys or books that provide novelty
  • Bring favorite comfort items for difficult moments
  • Include quiet activities suitable for close quarters
  • Prepare backup electronic entertainment with downloaded content

The Broader Lessons of Family Travel

Fraser and Kelly’s experience offers insights that extend beyond practical travel tips. Their journey illustrates how families can successfully adapt to challenging circumstances while maintaining their core values and relationships.

Redefining Success and Priorities

The couple’s willingness to “make serious concessions” with their personal luggage space reflects a fundamental shift in priorities that comes with parenthood. Success is no longer measured by personal convenience or professional image, but by family unity and their child’s wellbeing.

Building Resilience Through Shared Experience

Hope’s extensive travel experience from infancy is creating resilience and adaptability that will serve her throughout life. Children who travel frequently often develop:

  • Cultural awareness from exposure to diverse environments
  • Flexibility in managing changing circumstances
  • Social skills from interacting with many different people
  • Problem-solving abilities from navigating new situations
  • Confidence in unfamiliar environments

Professional Benefits of Family Integration

Rather than hindering their careers, Fraser and Kelly have found that including Hope in their professional lives has enhanced their connection with audiences and created unique opportunities for authentic engagement.

Looking Forward: A Model for Modern Families

Fraser Walters’ experience with The Tenors demonstrates that with creativity, flexibility, and commitment, families can find ways to stay together even in demanding professional circumstances. Their story offers hope and practical guidance for parents facing their own travel challenges, whether occasional or frequent.

The key takeaways from their journey aren’t just about packing strategies or airline regulations—they’re about prioritizing family relationships, embracing flexibility, and finding joy in unexpected moments. As Fraser’s story shows, the challenges of travelling with babies are real and significant, but they’re also manageable with the right preparation, mindset, and support systems.

For parents preparing for their first flights with babies, Fraser’s experience provides both realistic expectations and proven strategies. For families considering more ambitious travel plans, his journey demonstrates that with proper planning and realistic expectations, even the most complex family travel scenarios can create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds.

Whether you’re planning a single vacation flight or embarking on a lifestyle of constant travel, Fraser Walters’ wisdom from the road offers valuable insights for keeping families together while pursuing professional dreams and creating unforgettable adventures along the way.