winter holidays quite often imply a suitcase mode, as many of us use it as an opportunity to travel. traveling as is takes a lot of planning and a little bit of stress; the amount of both doubles when you travel with your little one. and even though I wrote about traveling with Leonardo several times in the past (you can find it here, here and here) I thought that putting together an easy step-by-step air travel guide for new moms could be helpful. so here is my two cents:
PREPARING FOR THE TRIP:
start packing early! make a list of things you want to bring with you at least 2 weeks before the trip. you might find out that you need to buy some travel gear for your LO to make his and your life during the trip easier. a day or two before the flight start putting things in a suitcase. chances are, your mind is busy with million of everyday things, and it’s hard to keep it focused on just packing and thinking ahead of time. that’s why give yourself enough time to decide what you need. here is hows:
– try to imagine your trip day by day – what activities you will be involved in? where are you staying? how is the weather? what items you might need?
I personally think that safe sleeping place is the most important thing. if it can also be a safe playtime place during the day – even better. saying that, compact and light travel bed or pack-n-play is a must! add to it mosquito net if you are going somewhere torpical.
-what is your emergency kit just in case? what are the must-have items?
I always bring with me 1) baby thermometer, 2) saline drops, 3) nasal Frida, 4) baby Tylenol, 5) baby nail cutter 6) baby blanket/swaddle (works as sun shield, mosquito net, crib sheets, towel, and light blanket – all in one)
– how can you create a home-like environment for your LO when you travel?
In our case it goes as follows: 1) couple Leo’s favorite footed PJs, 2) iPad with cartoons pre-downloaded (in case there is no Internet), white noise soundtrack and soothing night music I play for Leo at bedtime at home, 3) couple of his favorite toys and books, 4) pacifier 5) bath lotion and healing balm we use at home.
– can you save space in your suitcase and get some things on location?
For example, I only pack about 10 diapers – they are one of the most space consuming items, but also smth you can easily find pretty much anywhere you go. if going to exotic location, you might want to consider buying 4-6 reusable/washable diapers.
– what kind of clothing your LO will need?
Always think layers! so you can easily add more clothes if it’s cold but also remove them when it’s warm. for traveling I always have Leo is footed PJ – it’s just easier to handle and I know that his skin is protected all over. as you know, sometimes it gets really cold on the plane so always have a beanie hat and blanket for your LO with you.
while there is not need to bring a lot of stuff, don’t worry about bringing too much extra weight either – remember that most airlines allow you one bag with baby items to be checked in for free. plus, of course, car seat or stroller will be checked in at the gate at no charge.
WHEN BUYING AIR TICKETS:
it’s not exactly true that infants until 3yo travel for free. at least, not when you want to travel comfortably.
when you buy air tickets don’t forget to add “lap infant” to your booking request. even though if there is no charge for it the airline still needs to know about the little passenger they have. (if you forget to do so, they can add him at the moment of your check-in but sometimes there is an extra charge for it, so better do in advance)
traveling with lap infant is totally doable for most of the flights up to 4-5 hours. however, if the airplane is not completely full, you can always request an empty seat next to you. you can call your airline before the flight and request it, or you can also do it during your check-in or even when boarding. if you us baby is younger than 3-4MO i recommend getting an inflatable boppy pillow – it makes the flight for both of you way more enjoyable, and takes of pressure and weight off your arms awhile giving your baby a comfy lounge space right next to you.
when you travel international, I recommend purchasing a seat with the bassinet. it costs 10% of your round-trip price, but is really worth it. you will get a seat in the front row of economy class with extra leg space for you. after the takeoff a stewardess will bring the bassinet which is securly attached to the wall just in front of you. you can use it for your baby’s rest time and while you need to go to the bathroom or have your meal (especially if you travel by yourself!) the bassinet has net cover and safety belts, and while not too roomey nor pretty, it does the job. here your baby blanket or swaddle will come handy again – you want to put it first to cover the synthetic surface.
AT THE AIRPORT:
despite common misbelief and/or what your instincts tell you, you actually don’t need to come early. come as you usually would – you want to keep trip as short as possible. after you finish with the check in (remember to ask if you are allowed one bag with kids items to check in for free! for most international flights you are allowed to do so. for domestic it varies from airline to airline) go straight to the security check-point and ask for priority (that is no line) access with your LO. remember, they will ask you to put everything on the carousel, as you would always do. no matter if your have your baby in a stroller or in a carrier, in US they will ask to put both on the carousel and take your baby in your arms. (FYI: in Europe you are allowed to pass the security check-point with baby carrier on) if you travel by yourself, ask someone to help you with luggage. wear slip-on shoes so you can easily remove and out them back on. the stroller or carrier goes on the carrousel last, then you and your baby just wait for the officer to wipe your hands with a cotton swab. that is, you don’t need to go through Xray machine with your baby (FYI: in Europe they use meta-detecting machines instead, and they actually ask you to go through it with your baby – which freaked me out the first time it happened! but metal detectors are not dangerous for your body, so no worries)
before boarding the plane I recommend changing your baby’s diaper. most of the restrooms at all airports are equipped with changing tables so it’s easy to do (easier than to do it in a tiny airplance restroom!). now you are ready to go straight to the gate.
they WILL check-in your stroller right at the gate, and you can expect to see it first thing when you exit the plane upon arrival. while travel bag for the stroller is not necessary but it can be helpful, especially if you care about the looks. one things for sure – remove and store away any stroller accessories (cup holders, straps, headrest, etc) as they tend to fall off and get lost.
WHEN ON THE PLANE:
always board last! you want to spend as little time on the plane as possible. and the plane won’t leave without you. also, when all the passengers are already seated it’s easier to spot an extra empty seat which you can request for your baby. and there will be always someone happy to help with your carry-on.
now take your seat, inflate your boppy pillow if you got one, get yourself comfortable first, prepare for nursing or bottle feeding. you probably heard that nursing helps infants to avoid ear pressure during take-off and landing. don’t rush – taxing takes time, and you might find that your baby is done with nursing before the plane starts taking off. offer the nipple when you hear the motor going on and plane speeding up on the take-off line. hopefully, by the time you are in the air, your little one will dose off happily, with his stomach full. noise inside the cabin as well as a little bit of turbulence works on them as a charm – first time we flew my 2,5 months son slept all through the flight.
well, and that’s about it. you might be pleasantly surprised how well your LO travels, and how enjoyable it is to do together with him. i wish you that, and a safe flight!
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