Quick side note: I have decided that nap time is Mommy's writing time! So hopefully you will see more blogs from me in the future :)
I have traveled often with my now 2 year old and have traveled with my 1 and 2 year old alone. So while everyone might not agree with my advice and not all my advice will work for everyone I figured I would offer what I have learned and what works for us! Plus we are preparing for a super long trip next month and I'm learning a lot!
My first and most important piece of advice is that everyone needs a seat! If your little uses a car seat in the car I am firm believer that your little should sit in one on the plane. It is also likely that you will need their car seat at the destination. If you complain that it is an extra cost that in my opinion you probably shouldn't be traveling in the first place. It is also the safest place for your little to be in the event of turbulence or a rough landing. Little is used to and comfortable traveling in their seat so it won't be much of a transition at all and it gives you some space and allows you to have hands free :) of course you will want to get up and walk with them every hour or so in order to stretch every ones legs. We use the Cosco Scenera as it's very affordable and super lightweight.
This was us taking off! They thought that was so fun!
Remember during takeoff and landing, get them chewing or sucking on something!
Baby wearing in the airport for us is a must. It allows me to get through security seamlessly. We already have to have the stroller, 2 car seats and our carryons checked so it's nice to have my runner strapped up on my back :)
Getting ready to board the plane at SFO
The flight attendants are your best friend if you let them <3 United (despite all the recent bad publicity) has been nothing short of amazing for us. When I see the attendants arrive for the flight I make every effort to engage in conversation and introduce myself. This seems to make things a little bit easier when something goes awry on the plane. On the trip where I flew with both kiddos on my own, A flipped her lid. The flight attendant scooped her up and cuddled her and hung out with her so I could tend to Sammi who had just vomited all over me :/
The flight attendant who played "Grammy" to A so I could tend to S <3
To keep the kids busy on the flights I am constantly checking the $1-$5 section at Tarje. I fill a back pack full of stuff! Plus an iPad and headphones! But make sure the headphones you bring work for your little before you bring them! For this upcoming trip I am bringing lots of stickers, books to stick them in, crayons, pencils, gel pens, valentines that each came with a pencil (16 per pack! Score!). We also often purchase the in flight wifi which is helpful for some apps. This trip we are downloading our Disney movies which is great! Join the Disney movie club!
I also pack all the snacks that they love and are used to as well as fill a "bead" container with fun new snacks (see below) This trip I will pack two of these as it's a super long flight and we will be sitting two and two.
Many travelers have posted about little baggies to give out to surrounding passengers as a sort of "sorry you had to sit near my toddler". I am not a fan of this practice as we shouldn't be punished to travel with our toddlers. And kids will be kids. I am a fan however of buying a neighboring adult a beverage if they are unable to recline their seat due to my rear facing toddler or in other certain instances. I will not apologize for my kid being a kid as often times as seen recently it's the adults that need a little taming! lol
Last but not least is that your kids feed off of you! If you are nervous and uptight they will follow your lead. Try to stay relaxed and go with the flow like it's no big deal.
I think that is all I have for now. Don't ever be afraid to travel with your little! We started them early and they are wonderful travelers! This upcoming 6/2/4 and 5/2/7 will be the ultimate test! Starting with a 6 hour flight, 2 hour layover and then another 4 hour flight! At least we are traveling as a foursome and we have Daddy!
When all else fails sometimes its just you that needs the bink!
Feel free to reach out with any questions or if you have anything to add I would love to add reader feedback and suggestions!
Thanks for reading!
Much Love,
S
xoxo
No comments:
Post a Comment