Last week we spent the entire week in Cincinnati for the national veterans wheelchair games, which was probably one of the most incredible experiences of my life, but we will save that for a different post. We met great people, had wonderful conversation, and took our sweet girl on her first airplane ride. Being the crazy mom that I am, I stressed about the plane ride for far to long and made way to many mental notes on how to survive it. I asked everyone who had ever flown with a child what to do and received some great advice. My goal is to break it down into the top 10 things you "need" in order to survive flying with a baby!
1. Plastic Bags are Your Friend
Prior to heading out to the airport I separated Ellie's diaper back with gallon size baggies. I had all her diapers and wipes packed in one, toys in another, and food in it's own. It made fast diaper changes before take off a breeze, as well as finding snacks in the air. Everything had its place and was easily accessible.
2. Keep That Baby on You
We did take her car seat and stroller all the way to the gate but most of the time she was on me in our wrap. Airports have a lot going on so I wanted her to feel safe, plus the stroller made for a great caddy to push everything else around.
3. Put Them in Pajamas
I put Ellie in her long button down pajamas both ways for a multitude of reasons. First was I knew it would be easier to change her if she was in a one piece. Second in case of a blowout there was easy access to getting it off without making it a mess. Finally planes are FREEZING and I wanted her to be comfortable.
4. Leggings and Cardigans
When I normally fly I find a happy place between comfort and style, but this trip was all about making sure Ellie and I both were comfortable. I opted for a pair of leggings, slip on tennies, and a cardigan. Going through security was a breeze and nursing her was easy.
5. Call Your Airlines Ahead of Time
Now this is not a must, but it made our lives so much easier. We simply called united prior to our flight and informed them that we would have a lap baby. At the time of check in they had both of our tickets printed and ready to go and we didn't have to hassle with it at the airport.
6. Nurse or Bottle on Ascent and Decent
Now this one I feel is relatively common but I had to throw it in there. It not only helps with their ears but it also allows them to feel comfortable and safe.
7. Try for a window seat
On our way out to Cincinnati I did not have a window seat and it made the flight that much harder. That window seat gives you a little more privacy while nursing/ I swear you have more room!
8. Bring a Fluffy Blanket
Someone told me to bring my boppy pillow which would have been great, but it also would have been huge. So instead I brought one of Ellie's fluffy blankets folded it and used it as an arm rest. It worked great and it fit in my diaper bag!
9. Clorox Wipes
Planes gross me out so I wiped down everything! Our seat, the arm rest, the wall next to us; it all was wiped.
10. Snacks!
This one is for you mom! Traveling is exhausting, traveling with a small human is super exhausting. You need your energy so pack some snacks for you, your tummy will thank you!
These are my flying tips with an infant, please share any that you have!
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