Crawl. Walk. Travel.
1st time flying with Stella, we both learned a lot…
I was nervous to be that mom on the plane, you know, the one with the screaming child. But I had decided long ago that part of parenting for us meant that we wouldn’t stop traveling, so Stella is along for the ride. I prepared myself for her first flight with a “come what may” attitude. Paise the Lord we made it through without any temper tantrums and she really seemed to enjoy the take off and landing.
Also, there is still good in the world. So many people around us smiled and played with Stella during our flights and it just made me feel so much better that they didn’t mind a little peekaboo and baby talk.
✨5 tips for flying with a little ✨
Traveling with a baby is not easy but here are a few things that can help!
✈️ Check your stroller at the gate! Stella wanted to be carried anyway but the stroller gave me a place to throw my carry on, diaper bag, and everything else to keep my hands free for her.
✈️ Breast milk/formula is not subject to TSAs 3 oz limit so you can have a bottle ready to get you through security without so much fuss.
✈️ Have a pacifier, snacks, or a bottle ready for take off and landing to help with ear pain.
✈️ Bring a new toy they’ve never seen before, intrigue is everything.
✈️ Work with what you’ve got! Ask for blankets and set them on the for added space to explore. Water bottles and flight safety cards are the best toys.
I clapped for the plane during the landing so Stella would have a positive association and on our second flight she was clapping with me, excited for the ride-in.
I thought a window seat would be best but I’ve got a nosy baby so she liked watching the flights attendants walk up and down the isle most. At the end of the day you know you’re baby best so prepare however you think is right.
I’m sure the list goes on and wisdom is always welcome here, but I’d say mental preparation is most vital. On the way home, our flight was delayed and we were stuck on the tarmac for another hour. I gave her my seat and sat on the floor playing with Stella until it was time to take off. Traveling is always unpredictable but with littles, you need a lot more patience and the appropriate expectations for what you can handle. When traveling with connecting flights, build in extra time with layovers to give you both a break.
Check out my experience for a look into the realities of flying with Stella. I can confidently say I won’t be bringing a book to read any time soon.
Click the image for the video link
You’ve heard the saying it takes a village?
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