Traveling with children is no easy task, but I have found that all advanced planning and organizing pays off. Children under the age of two are able to sit in the lap of someone age 18 and older, but always check with your air carrier regarding their rules. Additionally, an infant must usually be added to the reservation by calling the airline after you receive a confirmation number. Also, check your airline’s policy regarding infants and carry ons. Car seats and strollers can usually be checked free of charge, either at check in or at the gate. Strollers make navigating the airport a little less stressful and keep your little one secured in a safe spot, which frees up your hands. Plus, that handy stroller basket is great for stowing a bag and is one less item to carry. I have a runner, and without a stroller to keep him locked in place, we might find him sprinting down the runway. I recently traveled solo with my youngest, an 18 month old, and I opted for our baby carrier, which I love. I knew that we would not need a stroller at our destination, and she would not have to come out of the carrier at security, a plus. Although the stroller is convenient, you have to take everything out and collapse it to fit through the security scanner.
I have traveled multiple times with my little ones, and I now live by the phrase “less is more”. By that I mean, forget all your needs, and bring everything for your children. All the items I used to “need” are now left at home. Reading material for the plane and layovers? Forget it! Unless it’s Curious George and the Rocket Ship, you will not have time for pleasure reading. Bring plenty of snacks and drinks. Although you may be subject to some extra pat downs, security allows almost any amount of breast milk, formula, milk, and food items for young children. Often these containers are opened, and a small testing strip is waved around above the container and tested. Then you pack it all up so that the moment you sit down in your seats on the plane, you can unload it for immediate and rapid consumption. Bring light weight entertainment: an iPad, crayons, stickers, coloring book, and a favorite lovey (knowing it will drop on the floor multiple times). Check out this article for other ideas to keep your child occupied. http://www.parenting.com/gallery/50-ways-entertain-kids-plane?pnid=363337
I have found that my children most enjoy opening and closing the window shade every few minutes, followed by playing with the tray table, and pushing any and all buttons rather than play with the exciting toys I have tucked in our carryon bag.
Changing diapers on planes can turn into diaper Olympics. Pray you and your traveling companion are the only two seated together and change that baby on your lap, or brave the bathroom. I opt to change baby on my lap and be as quick as possible. I always pack extra wipes and my favorite hand sanitizer for the whole family. When traveling solo with a child, I have found that flight attendants are usually more than willing to help, especially when your child is a sweet little baby. I imagine this will change as my children age, but for now, I thank them for any assistance. Lastly, ensure that transportation is lined up at your destination, whether it is a hotel shuttle, rental car, taxi, or family member. By this point, all you will want is to reach your destination, so having transportation ready will cut out potential waiting…read meltdown... time. The travel experience is usually not as bad as you think it will be. Plan ahead, pack snacks and extra patience, plan for delays, be on time, and enjoy the adventure.
