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Can We Sit With You?
Are you the seated passenger with your nose in “Spirit” magazine (or your fingers preoccupied with Angry Birds) trying to avert my gaze while I make my way down the aisle with my baby?
Don’t worry–I don’t want to sit next to you either!
This mommy is a seasoned traveler…
(And so is my 6-month-old daughter, thank you very much!)
We know the drill: claim an EMPTY aisle! Then it’s up to another passenger to decide to sit with me, and not the other way around!
But I’m getting ahead of myself…
That’s just one of many tips I’m happy to share with you mommies who are traveling with your little ones this holiday season. These are my helpful hints for traveling with a baby!
You surely know that NOW is the time to travel: with a lap baby, you don’t have to buy their own ticket until they turn two years old. So if you haven’t already done so, plan your next vacation STAT before the wee one is a mobile toddler (and a full-priced fare)!
I just got back from an early x-mas celebration with my husband’s family, which involved four flights (one layover each way). I won’t bore you with the details of the vacation: here’s what helped me get there AND home again without any headaches. Fasten your seatbelts, here we go!
1) Bring the warmed bottle in your diaper bag. FSA allows you to take breast milk or prepared formula through security. Even if you don’t have a feeding scheduled during travel time, take advantage of this.
2) Put the baby in the carrier before you get to the front of the security line where you surrender your boarding passes and photo ID to the agent. FSA now allows you to wear your baby through the metal detector in a baby carrier if you submit to a security screen. Doing this allows you to have free hands while you go through the line, take off your shoes, unload your laptop, etc. The security screen involves wiping a paper disc across your fingers, which I think is then tested for residue from explosive materials. Note: even if your baby had an explosive blowout earlier in the day, you will still pass the screen.
3) Bring your infant seat (car seat) and stroller to security. Each airline allows you to wheel your stroller all the way to the gate and check it before boarding. You will need to see a ticket agent at the gate to tag your stroller with a “claim at gate” tag before the plane starts boarding, so allow yourself a few minutes extra to do this. This is also an opportunity to check if the flight is full. Some airlines will allow you to take the car seat onto the plane if there are extra seats, which is a HUGE bonus: baby gets her own seat and you don’t have to have your lap and hands full the entire plane ride. This also means you don’t need to borrow or rent these items at your destination.
4) Pack an extra outfit… for you and baby! If baby has an accident, you’re prepared with a change of clothes. If baby has an accident on YOU, you have an extra shirt to change into. May I suggest also packing more diapers and wipes than you think you will need. You’re better safe than sorry, and wipes come in handy for cleaning up spills and stains in addition to your baby’s keister.
5) Dress baby in an easy-to-change outfit. Diaper changes on an airplane don’t need the hindrance of a zillion buttons and snaps, no matter how cute the outfit is! Also, if baby has a mega-blowout, you may want to trash the onesie in the lavatory and just change baby into your reserve outfit. Just an idea…
6) Know where the changing tables are on the airplane. There’s at least one, and it’s a great idea to ask the flight attendant which restroom has it. It’s nothing to write home about–it’s just a shelf that comes down over the commode. I’ve taken the opportunity to change my daughter on my lap or on an empty seat when she is just wet, but I find it’s courteous to use the plane bathroom for the big poopies!
7) During take-off, feed baby. I try to time the feedings so that it coincides with my daughter’s next mealtime, but it doesn’t always work out perfectly. Either way, begin feeding once the plane gets on the runway and you hear the engines start. Let me repeat this: wait until you hear the engines start! That way you know for sure you’re about to take off, and not sit on the tarmac for an eternity. This helps baby clear his or her ears during the ascent. An alternative is to have baby suck on a pacifier, which also helps with saliva production, which in turn leads to swallowing, which is what helps the ears pop.
8 ) During the descent, I don’t feed my baby, but I do make sure she’s sucking on her pacifier. I haven’t had any problems with her ears when I do this, but I have read to feed baby on the descent too, so this may be helpful for your child.
9) Consider not packing diapers and wipes for the entire length of your trip to save luggage space. My husband and I have a great travel philosophy: B.I.T.! That’s “buy it there” rather than pack it… we take enough diapers for a couple days, and then give ourselves enough time to find a Target or drugstore to stock up once we get to our destination. Plus, this means more room for Christmas presents!
10) Be sure to add baby to your airline ticket by calling the airline beforehand. I didn’t know I had to do this the first time I traveled until I called the airline to ask another question (I thought I could just show up with a baby! Silly…). Bring a photocopy of the birth certificate or an immunization record to travel with baby and you’re good to go.
11) Try to claim an entire aisle for your family, as I mentioned at the beginning of this post. If this doesn’t work, you have two choices: choosing a window seat allows you to breastfeed privately and prevents many passersby from oogling your baby, and having an aisle seat allows you to walk up an down the cabin if baby gets fussy.
12) Look for the family line at security. Some airports have a security line just for families, and it’s marked with a green sign and a picture of parents and young kids. While everyone else is in the long security line, you may be able to trot right up to the front with this line, and the TSA agent will wave you over when it’s your turn. Score!
Ok mommas… that’s all I got for you. But I bet I missed something! What travel tips do YOU have for traveling with babies or kids of all ages?
Thanks for sharing by commenting below, and for Tweeting to your network!
14. December 2011 at 3:55 pm
Aloha Melissa!
Wow, those are some great tips! I have to admit, when my son was an infant, I was so scared to travel with him. I struggled even going to the mall with him once, so I never ventured out again!
You are so courageous and adventurous! In our day, there was no security and no restriction on water, etc for the plane…LOL!
New mothers are so fortunate to have people like you giving them all the tips right here on your blog! I look forward to your tips for mothers on how to work at home and be a stay at home mom!
Much love & aloha,
Kellie
http://kelliehosaka.com/surrender-synchronicity-and-success/
15. December 2011 at 9:46 am
oh i definitely had those days when i dreaded leaving the house–i didn’t know when or where she was going to act up or cry, and i felt like everyone was staring at me thinking, “make your baby stop!” thankfully i got over the anxiety… thanks also for the gentle reminder to fix commentluv
15. December 2011 at 8:02 am
Hi Melissa, I enjoyed reading your timely and practical post. You reminded me of the times I have traveled, mostly overseas. It is easy to spot when mothers with small children are prepared for the long flight. it makes a difference for all involved. Your list of travel tips is an excellent guide for mother’s getting ready to start flying with their little persons. By applying your suggestions they will acquire confidence while going through the process of flying with them. And so when the “stares” hit them, they will not feel bad. They will know they have done what they can to help their children have a comfortable fight. Thanks for sharing your experience and help others in the process.
15. December 2011 at 9:45 am
hi delmy, thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. you’re right: the stares are nothing to be worried about… as long as one is perpared! so happy to connect w/ you
15. December 2011 at 9:33 am
Hi Melissa,
I loved your post! Yes my babies are all grown up but I can assure you that I have done my share on travelling with my babies when they were tiny
I remember bringing Meghann to an extravaganza in my network marketing company when she was 6 months old!(She slept through 5,000 people cheering!)
She was the best baby ever, probably just as well behave as your precious little carry on …LOL…Love the pic!
I think you covered it all Melissa and I’m sure this list can help many new mom’s so I’ll share!
Have a happy trip! (HUGS)
15. December 2011 at 10:18 am
you took 6 mos old meghann to an extravaganza? i am so inspired! traveling is one thing–having caitlin fully participate at the destination is quite another! i’m debating what to do with her at the january events and you may have just given me the solution
we’ll see…
15. December 2011 at 10:57 am
Gee, Melissa you are a mama pro!!! Such a transformation! I loved reading your post, now how to apply all your great tips to traveling with pets….. lol Have a great holiday
15. December 2011 at 11:06 am
kelly! so great to hear from you
i have no experience with pets but i do know there is no special security line 
happy holidays to you too chica!
20. December 2011 at 10:01 am
I believe you are supposed to keep the baby away from public places for the first six to eight weeks to avoid the circulation of germs. After that technically it’s okay for the baby to travel if the baby is otherwise healthy. Check with your pediatrician. If he/she says it’s okay , than you should follow the following guidelines for the safety and comfort of your baby while traveling on an aircraft:
Bethany´s last [type] ..stock trading
20. December 2011 at 7:25 pm
Fantastic tips, Melissa!! What a lot to remember when traveling!! Glad those days are done for me! But I often cringe when I see babies traveling as so many mom’s are nervous and baby can tell. Also some travelers aren’t too courteous with little ones.. However an infant is far easier to travel with than a toddler.. looking forward to your tips for that! I know I traveled but not much once the mobility began! Beautiful pic for the memory book!
Holly´s last [type] ..Getting Older Sucks But It Doesn’t Have To
4. January 2012 at 2:29 pm
yes indeed, i’m sure that i will be planning much more local vacations when i have a more mobile child… until then, i’m loving how portable she is!
23. December 2011 at 11:40 am
Definitely great tips for traveling with children Melissa!
It’s like a flight plan for mommies!
Preparation for traveling or launching a business is key for success!
These tips, to an extent, can be applied to running a business so thanks for sharing!
And BTW, I agree with Holly… That’s an adorable photo… your ‘bundle of joy’ looks so peaceful!
Best wishes to you and your family this holiday season!!
Blessings,
-Miriam
Miriam Buhr´s last [type] ..Business Trends: Are You A Chaser, Finder Or Setter?
4. January 2012 at 2:28 pm
yes, preparation is the name of the game. and i’m reading your comment here at the new year, when it is a solid reminder to PREPARE for the rest of 2012. i’m off to your blog now miriam–i love it! you are so thoughtful and deliberate with your words; i really appreciate you.
27. December 2011 at 7:22 am
Great tips Melissa! I have to put them in mind when I travel with my baby… Happy Holidays to you are your family..
Diana Grant´s last [type] ..The Palette Condo
4. January 2012 at 2:27 pm
thank you diana, and thanks for stopping by
28. December 2011 at 12:44 pm
Doesn’t it always seem that the smaller the child, the more the luggage?
I didn’t do much in the way of plane rides when my kids were tiny, but I will say that travelling with an infant is waaaaay less traumatic than one with an over-stimulated or worse, bored toddler!
Great words of wisdom, Melissa.
Love how you’ve moved into a new ‘training’ sphere lol!
Jacqueline Gates´s last [type] ..Is Your Parents’ Influence Blocking Your Success?
4. January 2012 at 2:26 pm
soooo true… “bags fly free” is music to my ears! i think i’ll be taking local vacations when caitlin is a “terrible two”–or just be sure to pack benadryl (kidding!)
11. January 2012 at 3:51 am
Thank’s for your wonderful post! It’s really bring a huge help for me in making my baby comfort.
Megan´s last [type] ..Pet Cremations-Edmonton and Greater Area
11. January 2012 at 5:10 am
my pleasure
17. January 2012 at 11:11 pm
Hi Melissa…I am really glad that I have found your post here and i am really honored to read your fantastic post…Great job!!
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20. January 2012 at 11:56 am
Hi there! I realize this is kind of off-topic but I had to ask. Does running a well-established website like yours require a large amount of work? I’m completely new to blogging however I do write in my diary everyday. I’d like to start a blog so I can easily share my own experience and feelings online. Please let me know if you have any kind of suggestions or tips for new aspiring blog owners. Appreciate it!
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