A couple of weeks ago, I traveled from Washington State to NYC, with a seven month old, all by myself. Let me tell you, it was not easy. For the most part she was an easy traveler, but that’s also because I made it easy for her.
While traveling with a baby can be difficult, these simple tips I used, made it much easier.
photo credit: jyri via photo pin cc
Bring a separate Diaper Bag
Most airlines only allow you to have one carry on bag and one personal bag – like a purse or backpack. However, if you are traveling with a baby or infant, lap or ticketed, you are allowed to bring a diaper bag, no charge. Take advantage of it. I packed it full of diapers, wipes, quiet toys, snacks (for me and baby), change of clothes (for both of us), and my personal things, like wallet, keys, cell phone, and camera.
Use an Infant Carrier
I can not tell you how often I use and recommend a baby carrier to friends and strangers, especially when I am traveling by myself. Between juggling the luggage and bags, the last thing I need to worry about is trying to hold onto the baby. Even when I bring our stroller, it’s still sometimes just easier to wear her.
For our trip, I brought with me my new BobaAir, and actually left with a Stokke. Both of which I will have more detailed posts on very soon.
Wear comfortable clothing
It is so important for you and baby to wear comfortable clothing. With having to fly across the country, and sitting for most of the time, I made sure that I wore loose, light, and easy to clean clothing.
Dress baby in layers, which you can easily take off or put back on. At times, the airport was chilly, but once we were on the plane with everyone on board it became quite warm and stuffy.
Since she exclusively breastfeeds I decided to wear my Leading Lady Square Neck Nursing Cami. I love the color and style of the tank, which looked cute paired with a cardigan sweater. Their nursing cami is soft, supportive, even for full chested ladies like myself, and wearing my nursing tank made her feedings a breeze on and off the plane.
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Besides my nursing tank, I also made sure to wear my chew-able jewelry from JellyStone Designs. She has been teething now for a while, but doesn’t take a pacifier. So when she would get fussy or bored, she would either sit in my lap and chew on my Organic Pendant necklace, or I would take off my Organic Bangle and let her chew away on that.
What I really love most about Jellystone Designs jewelry is the fact that they are 100% BPA Free. Practical jewelry made for the modern women with (or without) children. The necklaces include chunky pendants and are secured with break-away clasps, which separate easily when tugged or snagged.
These silicone jewelry pieces not only look really cute, but are a great non-toxic alternative to regular costume jewelry. They are ideal for:
- Active Women – waterproof , odorless pieces suitable to wear whilst playing sport or swimming
- Gourmet Cooks – heat resistant jewelry that will not support the growth of mold or bacteria.
- Office Workers – soft on wrists and quiet against office desks.
- Childcare Workers -soft & safe child friendly jewelry that is easily cleaned.
- Mom’s with Babies – perfect for teething babies to tug, suck and chew on or as a stylish nursing necklace.
I received a nursing tank from Leading Lady and jewelry pieces from Jellystone Designs for my review, which I absolutely loved having when traveling to BlogHer with my baby. All thoughts in this post are my own.
About Hanan Webster
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2013/06/08
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I’ve traveled with my 6 month old a lot. He’s been on 8 airplanes and we’re headed to Germany next month. My biggest advice is to feed often. Older kids? Bring snacks and lots of them!
We have lots of experience with our 4 year old driving across country a bunch. We did lots of little trips so that she was used to being in a car/car seat. Snacks are huge to have on hand. Stickers with a book to put them in. We love our iPhone which she plays on and watches movies on.
On a side note – I’m sensitive to chromium and nickel and can’t wear just any costume jewelry. So… I guess these should be safe for me. :-)
As for the snacks for older children. Not to step on anyone’s toes (and we each must know what is best for our families) – but I’m re-thinking my attitude towards snacks. Snacking to fight boredom. Eat because/when you are bored (rather than because you are actually hungry). While it sure is tempting, it just doesn’t sound… right… to me. So I’ll have to tote something else along, such as books, coloring stuff (maybe PlayAtHomeMom can help out LOL)
I agree about snacking when your board, but if you’re on the plane during usual meal or snack time, it’s much better and costs less then buying airplane food!
I like to take a few new books and toys that they’ve never seen before because it seems to hold they’re interest better. And of course for infants, try to make it so that feeding time is right around when you would be taking off. Nurse (or give a bottle) while you’re taking off to help keep those little ears unplugged. Otherwise their ears hurt and that’s when they cry.
I agree that eating when you’re bored is not good, but with kids sometimes they get fussy and they need a snack. Just make sure it’s something nutritious and not just empty calories. In my experience (which isn’t saying much lol), kids, or at least my kids, won’t eat if they’re not hungry. Even babies know when to say no. :)
Thanks for this great review and giveaway!
Looks like I forgot to submit my comment. DUH!
I love the jewelry its very modern and so not boring. Perfect for baby! I also love that tank.
I’m so glad I traveled 2,000 miles and got to see you and baby. Hopefully next time will be closer to home. hehe!
kristin recent post: Wizard of Oz Costumes: Wizard of Oz Dress Up Trunk – Giveaway!
snacks like rice puffs, and foldable chewable toys, like rings or chewable books. also i like to wear a long flowy sweater that can double as a blanket for baby.
My best one is to have LOTS of snacks in a bag next to each child.
I always make sure to have a pacifier when we are on a plane, helps to make sure their ears won’t hurt.
Another travel tip… Humor :) for you and he people around you
That’s a great one!
I buy dollar store toys and give 1 an hour…coloring books, sticker books, journals
I made fabric bags with the name of each child on it. They love having their own little bags to keep next to them and in them they can bring 4 of their favorite toys. This way they do not fight over toys and have only the ones they really enjoy using or playing with.
lauraemerson17 at yahoo dot com
That is a GREAT idea!!
I traveled with my daughter when she was nearly 8 months old by myself from Ontario to PEI. I classified it as one of those “what doesn’t kill you” experience. If you can survive traveling alone with an infant, you can survive most anything!
I do remember wishing I had something for her to fiddle with that was on me. They spend so much time facing you (during take off, landing, turbulence, etc). I got off the plane thinking I should invent some sort of infant teething jewelry! Then I googled it and found a bunch. Although I must say, Jellystones is the best designed line I have seen yet. Will definitely have to invest in some of that before we have another little on.
One thing I learned form the experience is that you shouldn’t be afraid to take help where offered. I had a very kind older women who helped me lug all my stuff onto the plane while she told me about her granddaughter. And then another mom of 3 who helped me get all my luggage off the belt and up to the shuttle. Total blessings.
Crys Wiltshire recent post: Not-So-Funny Friday: Mothers Judging Mothers
Yes, get allow help if you can! I was lucky enough to have an older lady sit next to me on the way to NYC and she was so nice and even held the baby for a little bit.