Once you have a baby, I feel like you fall into one of two categories when it comes to traveling: put the baby in a carrier and go, or no more trips until they are eighteen. We decided to put ourselves into the first category when Wyatt was three months old. We took him to Dallas and Wisconsin in one month. I thought I was crazy at the time, but I am so glad I did it! I won't say it's not hard to travel with a baby, but it is only as stressful as you make it.
For our first plane trip, I made countless lists, packed and repacked, and realized I was stressing myself out for nothing. I wasn't going to some remote island. So, so what if I forgot something. After all, there would be stores and, of course, Amazon. Here is what I learned about flying with a baby.
Fly during sleepy time (if you can). If you can, try and book your schedule around when baby is most likely to sleep. If that doesn't work think about what time of day your baby is the happiest. For us, we always try and take morning flights as that is when Wyatt is the happiest and will take his best nap.
Don't over-pack. I am a terrible over-packer, so I decided if it doesn't fit into our packing cubes, it's not coming. We have two sets of these packing cubes from Amazon.
Strollers and car seats check for free. I have checked them at the gate and at the curb, personally the curb was easier for us, but you do run the risk that your baggage might not get to your desitation when you do. Whether you check at the curb, or the gate, buy the protective gear for your stroller and car seat. We purchased this car seat bag from Target. It fits most car seats and bases, and you can wear it as a backpack for easy transportation. Then we got the Nuna stroller bag for his stroller. We did not think to test how the car seat and stroller would fit before we used them, big fail on our part, so unless you want to be like us at the airport trying to figure it out, practice packing in advance.
Get to the airport earlier than you think you need to. Everything just takes a little longer with a baby, especially getting through TSA with breast milk!
Carry baby through security. Just make sure your carrier doesn't have any metal on it. We use our Solly Baby wrap to get through security since it is only fabric.
Think twice about pre-boarding. You'll have more time to get situated, but you'll also have to entertain baby in your seat while everyone else boards. If you're not flying alone send your partner on first with the bags and then people watch with your baby until the end of boarding.
Pack for playtime. Bring a few toys (I like to bring a new one) and a book or two to entertain your baby. I also brought colored sticky notes and put them on the tray in front of us. He liked looking at the colors.
Nurse or bottle feed during takeoff. Takeoff and landing are when your baby will experience the most ear pressure, and you are the most likely to experience the uncomfortable meltdown. Swallowing can help to prevent their little ears from popping. If your baby takes a pacifier, pack a couple as back-up in case they aren't hungry.
Ask for help. When I traveled alone with Wyatt, I made friends with a grandmother on one flight and a flight attendant on another. When I had to use the restroom they would hold Wyatt for me and it was nice not to try and figure out how to use the tiny dirty bathroom with a baby.
Stay calm. Stress only breeds more stress. Your baby will probably cry, after all that is what babies do. The good news is they won't be the first or last baby to cry on a plane. Most people will understand, are parents or grandparents, and will sympathize with you. If people are rude, forget them and their judgey glances. Keep your baby as happy as you can, smile, get through it, make some funny memories, and enjoy the destination.
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