(*Disclaimer: Since this trip, we've actually flown twice more with L.)
Naturally, now that I've logged approximately 15 solo flight hours with an infant, I consider myself somewhat of an expert baby traveler.
Kidding!!
But in all seriousness, I did figure out some helpful tips that allowed me to navigate the journey a bit more smoothly, so thought I'd share them here for what it's worth.
1. Backpacks rule as carry-ons!
One look at my fancy schmancy Kate Spade shoulder diaper bag and I knew I needed to choose practicality over looks during travel. Digging through our luggage closet did nothing to satisfy me, so off to Amazon I went a huntin'. Luckily, I found this little number that did both and worked so awesome for the plane trip! It was the only bag I brought - doubled as a diaper bag and my purse! I wore it on my back through the airport, it fit perfectly under the seat, and then used it as a shoulder bag for the remainder of the trip. It housed a great deal without getting bulky (see my carry-on list below) and had some really nice accessible pouches for my phone/wallet/boarding passes that magnetized closed. It also comes with a change pad and wipes case! The one and only thing I'll warn about, which didn't matter to me much since I nurse, is that the bottle holders in it were practically useless. It has four (two out, two in) but only the external ones seemed big enough to hold a bottle.
2. Use a carrier instead of the stroller!
If you have an infant and you're traveling alone, seriously consider this option. While you can easily check a fold-up stroller right at the gate, I chose to check it with the rest of my luggage so I could get rid of it right at the beginning. I felt much more comfortable wearing her so she was close at all times, it allowed me to be hands-free when necessary, and it made going through security a breeze! (I slipped off my shoes and was able to walk right through while still wearing her...they just swabbed my hands afterwards.) I'll be perfectly honest - I even was able to go to the bathroom easily while wearing her! (Didn't really have another choice, as I was solo!)
**Note: If you're choosing to travel with stroller, do yourself a huge favor and invest in an umbrella stroller. While I love my big, ole travel system one at home, I'm SO happy we spent an extra $50 and got a small, lightweight one. (What I liked about this one in specific was that it features a small basket, adjustable shade, five point harness, cup holders and tray, and also reclines!) L was just as comfortable in it and we weren't worried about our nice one getting all banged up.
3. Disposable feeding items are so convenient!
At seven months, L is pretty new to solids but still offered something 1-2 times per day. I went ahead and spent about $10 to set myself up with disposable bibs, spoons, and take-and-toss bowls. I usually like to be a bit more environmentally friendly, but it was SO nice to just be able to throw everything away wherever she ate (plane, restaurant, hotel room) and not worry about packing up dirty stuff/washing dishes in a hotel bathroom sink. They packed up so well too and hardly took any space! While I make her baby food at home, I also picked up a variety of those organic pouches for the trip. They work so well for packing flat, squeeze right onto a spoon (or into a bowl), can be placed directly into a cup of hot water if you like to warm the food before serving, and you can close them back up as well, if needed.
4. Don't over-entertain!
I had the bag packed with a few new toys, in addition to some favorites, anticipating that I'd need mucho entertainment to keep her quiet. Not so! I originally was planning to take a bunch of things out right away and keep her distracted, but turned out she was so engrossed in looking around and looking out the window, we only took out one single toy on a two-leg trip! Basically, if she was sitting there and being quiet, I didn't shove something in her face. I just let her relax. It worked out beautifully!
5. Never underestimate the power of a pack of wipes!
I threw a fresh, large pack of wipes in our carry-on bag and used them for so many things. If you overpack anything at all, let it be wipes, and keep them within arms reach! In addition to diaper changes, I used them to clean our hands, her face after feedings, the tray table in front of us (which was disgusting and had spilled soda all over it), the arm rests, etc. It was also super hot on the plane while waiting for take off and everyone was getting sweaty, so I used them to wipe off her forehead and keep her cool too!
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So maybe we've developed a false sense of security, but our flights with L have gone so smoothly, we're looking to up the ante and fly to Europe with her this fall. Foolish or no?
Do tell...what have you found works best for you when traveling with an infant or children? Would love to hear everyone else's tips!
Happy trails!
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