Up, Up, and Away

Baby got to fly the Dreamliner

Since we live in Huntsville, AL and the majority of our family is split between Oregon and Southern California, my girls are seasoned travelers already. My toddler took her first flight at about 5 months old, and my baby flew to California this past Halloween, around 6 months old.

     I've flown with all 3 of us, all 4 of us, and just my toddler and I (when she was all ages), so I have seen quite a few scenarios on airplanes. Here are a few tips from me to anyone traveling with a baby or child...

     All ages are different. Some babies will sleep through the whole plane ride, while others will want to watch what's going on and will fall asleep on landing (yes, this has happened to me). So, bring toys, books, magnetic doodle boards are a hit, and for our toddler the ipad is a saving grace.

     For babies, it's easiest to put them in footie pajamas or something equally as easy to take on and off while also keeping them warm. It's tough to predict whether you'll have a warm flight or a cold one, so it's safer to assume for cold. Also, airports and airplanes aren't exactly the cleanest places, so bare feet is not recommended, even for those not walking yet.

     I take a million diapers with me. My logic is that I pack enough for the unlikely (and unwanted) event that we're stuck somewhere overnight. Usually that means 10 - 12 diapers somewhere in our carry-on and an equal amount of wipes. Thankfully I've never needed them, but the peace of mind just knowing we have them is priceless.

Yes, this is how we fly

     Change diapers on layovers and prior to boarding when possible. When you're stuck on an airplane, changing a diaper can be very tricky in those tight bathrooms (even the newer ones that have fold down changing tables). I've even taken my little changing pad and done a diaper and clothing change on the floor of the galley where the flight attendants hang out merely for space reasons. Thankfully they didn't care too much.

     Pack plastic bags. You know the ones - you get 15 of them at the grocery store when you go buy 5 items? Those. Stick them away in the diaper bag for times when you need to dispose of a stinky diaper and there isn't a trashcan nearby, or when you have wet soiled clothes that you don't want touching anything else you're carrying. In fact, I try to stow a couple of these permanently in the diaper bag in case the same situation comes up around town. It's really helpful.

My seasoned travelers on an airport train

     Take a blanket or 2. One for wrapping the little one or cushioning a head that wants to nap in an airplane seat, and another to lay on the floor of the airport for the roller/crawler/baby that you're tired of holding onto in a seat. By having 2, you don't have to think about where the 2nd one has been before you wrap your child in it. And I'm not even a germ-a-phobe...

     Baby food and sippy cups and bottles of milk are NOT restricted through security. Bring them, and bring them full. You will probably have to separate them from your carry-on and perhaps open them for inspection, but

     That's all I can think of now, but I'll update everyone if I remember some other key travel tip. I know it can be stressful planning for a plane ride, and feeling prepared is huge. Oh, and ask the flight attendants for help - unlike the TSA officials, they are more than happy to hold your baby and to lend and extra set of hands. Good luck!