It's been quite a while since I last blogged. Tristan and I have been busy traveling... We did five flights (two layovers) in less than two weeks. Tristan has officially turned 9 months and the kid has already been on ten different flights can we say world traveler!?
A lot of friends have asked for advice for traveling with an infant.. I think I now qualify as an expert since good ol' TAB-ular and I have been on so many flights.
Pre-flight
Since Tristan is only 9 months old, I have always brought my snap and go stroller to the airport. This allows me to have my car seat with me just in case there are extra seats on the plane. If there are, the ticketing agent will allow you to bring the car seat on. can you say hands free!? If not, you can just check the stroller and the car seat at the gate. No harm done.
disclaimer: rearfacing car seats must be in the window seat. That way you don't have to climb over it in case of an emergency.
The only downfall to bringing the snap & go and the car seat is going through security. You have to take the baby out and fold up the stroller & the car seat and push it on the belt. Sometimes though, you get lucky and find a good samaritan who will pretend to be a part of your party so he doesn't have to go through the invasive body scanner. However, if the creeper isn't there to help you out, sometimes a TSA agent will help.
Feedings
The only downfall to bringing the snap & go and the car seat is going through security. You have to take the baby out and fold up the stroller & the car seat and push it on the belt. Sometimes though, you get lucky and find a good samaritan who will pretend to be a part of your party so he doesn't have to go through the invasive body scanner. However, if the creeper isn't there to help you out, sometimes a TSA agent will help.
Feedings
Tristan is a formula fed baby. Instead of searching for water at the airport, I just pack warm water in a thermos. You have to take it out at security and they do a litmus test on it, but it's worth it. You even save a few dollars -- I just bought a Vitamin water at Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport for $4.00! I've found feeding him beforehand makes things a whole lot easier for me. At take off, I just give him a pacifier.
If your baby doesn't use a pacifier, then I would hold off and let them eat during take off/ landing, but again, to me, it is just added stress. Every time I go to feed him, it reminds me of a chemistry experiment.
If your baby does use a pacifier, I suggest getting a pacifier clip. This eliminates the five second rule and the need to ask your neighbor to help find the pacifier.
Keepin' Busy
I frequently switch out Tristan's toys so that he doesn't get bored with his toys. When we get ready to go on our trips, I always pull out the least noisy toys as possible. Some of Tristan's favorites are:
1. soft book - this is good because I can read it to him & he can chew on it.
2. Eric Carle's butterfly - it lights up too :)
3. "the baby ipod" - this comes with two volumes. Low & Loud.
4. the rubber duck
Diaper Bag
1. Extra clothes. They are a must.
I've learned this the hard way. On our third flight (at 3.5 months), Tristan had a massive blow out. I was lucky enough to have John with us for this one. I knew how tight the space was in the bathroom, so I took Tristan's pants off as we boarded the flight. WHOOPS. John had quite a few pity looks coming his way.
2. Tupperware of formula (if you formula feed your baby).
You never know if your flight will be delayed. Flight #10 was. We hung out in Chicago for the night.
at our hotel in Chicago. I'm blessed with one happy boy!3. More than one pacifier.
I left the pacifier clip in NY. Pacifier #1 fell on the bus floor. I normally abide by the five, okay ten second rule, except when something falls on the bus floor. Pacifier #2 fell somewhere mid-flight and my neighbor and I couldn't find it. Bring on Pacifier #3 & an overnight in Chicago.
4. Diapers, Diapers Diapers! (and wipes!, and a travel-sized powder too!)
I change Tristan at every feeding (every three hours) unless he poops. Plan accordingly.
5. Snacks for baby (He's currently eating Puffs)
6. My kindle just in case he gets his own seat & sleeps
* When he was younger I would always bring an extra shirt for me. However, now that he's older, we've reached an understanding... no bodily fluids on the mama.
The most important thing is to remain calm. The flight attendants are super helpful. Fellow passengers typically are understanding too, especially if you are actively trying to soothe your baby. Enjoy the trip!
ahh, a sleeping baby is always a good baby.
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