Just the thought of flying with babies and toddlers can be overwhelming. There’s all the stuff to pack, bags and strollers and slings to juggle between flights, hours confined in one seat, the fear of the unknown (What if he has a diaper blowout? What if he has two?), and not to mention the “evil eyes.”
It’s enough to make you not want to fly. And if you’re attempting it by yourself…well then, you just upped your stress level.
Here’s a few tips I’ve learned from others, as well as a bit of trial and error, for flying with an infant or toddler.
1. Pack light.
Or at least as light as you can. Stream line what you need. Can you get by with just one bag? The less you have to carry the better, especially if you’re traveling solo. Remember you’re going to have to carry all this through security and have to fold your stroller up. If you’re traveling with an infant or child that will cooperate in a sling…go for the sling.
After Joey started walking slings were impossible, so we bring our stroller. It is nice, because I can put everything in the stroller leaving my arms (and shoulders) free. And if need be…I can strap him down, because now he can crawl out of the stroller on his own. No fun.
As for personal items, I’ve gone down to just bringing my wallet, cell phone, chapstick (can’t go anywhere without it), travel size lotion, water bottle, and iPod. I figure between holding and keeping Joey entertained all chances of reading (or anything else) flew out the window.
2. Know your essentials.
Do you remember those first months of being a new mom? You know, when you’d bring a full diaper bag every where…even to a quick trip to the grocery store. It’d be packed with a wad of diapers, multiple pacifiers, a change of clothes, or maybe even a nursing cover.
Part of streamlining your carry-on is knowing what you can get by with while still being prepared for the unexpected. This gets easier as your child grows older and has less needs. For me, my essentials are diapers (always a few more than I think I’ll need), wipes, diaper cream (trial size), medicine, sippy cup, lots of snacks, a change of clothes, and the entertainment.
Depending on what time of year you’re traveling you may need more bags (or at least a larger one) to carry extra sleepers, blankets, etc. When Joey was 2 months old I flew from San Diego to Charlotte (via Chicago) in January. Our coats and blankets were fine for a Carolina winter, but I was unprepared for transferring terminals (which meant going outside) in wintry, windy Chicago. It was 18 degrees plus wind chill. I thought we were going to freeze to death.
3. Don’t forget the medicine.
This is essential, especially if your child is anywhere near or in the midst of teething. Bring the baby Tylenol, teething drops or tablets, and a teething ring. 30,000 feet in the air is not where you want to be when your child gets a bout of teething pain, so be prepared.
4. The entertainment.
Books, coloring, a few favorite toys, more books (perhaps a few new ones), simple puzzles, memorize finger plays and songs (If You’re Happy & You Know It, Head & Shoulders, Itsy Bitsy Spider, etc) and last but not least a DVD player (or laptop). I don’t really like the whole stick my child in front of a screen for hours, but if all else fails…it works. Just remember to bring something that isn’t going to drive you crazy.
5. Bring snacks.
Lots of them. If all else fails let them eat. We’ve brought everything from granola bars and animal crackers to hard-boiled eggs and bean and rice burritos. I try to have at least four different options and double of everything. Now that Joey is older and eats more (lots more!) we bring a lunch bag cooler and strap it to one of our bags.
Nursing babies are definitely the easiest to travel with. Just remember your nursing cover, wear a shirt that’s easy (and comfortable to nurse in), and pick a window seat (they give you the most room and privacy).
6. Plan your layovers.
The perfect layover is one that gives you enough time to deplane, go to the bathroom/change diapers, grab a bite to eat (if need be), and allow the little one time to run or crawl around. For us, 1 to 1.5 hours works great. Anymore than that and I think we’d go insane. Obviously you can’t hand pick your layover, but it’s something to keep in mind when picking flights.
When Joey was an infant, we’d pick red-eye flights because they seemed easiest. There were fewer transfers and the guarantee of sleep. That’s an option to keep in mind.
7. Double-check.
You don’t want to be fairly certain that you packed the wipes…double-check. You may find you forgot something else. Then double-check again.
I’m sure I forgot something, which is always the way it feels when you’re walking out the door–isn’t it?
So let me know…what are your tips for flying with the littles?
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