Baby and I just returned from a lovely vacation in BC. Two 1 1/2 hour plane rides, a 4 hour car ride and a 6 1/2 hour car ride were accomplished. We survived them all! This was the third time baby and I enjoyed a ride on a plane together (the first two trips he slept the whole flight!). I didn’t get so lucky this time. Baby is almost 10 months now and he is active! He has just started to walk and is very curious about his surroundings; that all adds up to tiring travel. Here are some tips on how I kept us organized (and happy) through our travels:
AIR TRAVEL:
1. Choose a seat close to the back of the plane. I always choose the farthest back row I can. Airlines fill the seats from front to back so you just might get lucky with an empty seat next to you for baby to explore.
2. Choose a window seat. This seems like an obvious one to me, but I have seen my fair share of babes in the middle seats! At least with the window they can look outside and you can point things out to them. The aisle is too dangerous for the little explorers and your seat mates won’t appreciate you in the middle!
3. Change the diaper on the plane. Don’t be afraid! All planes are equipped with a change table in at least one of the washrooms. It may be small; but, it gives you and baby the opportunity to get out of the seat, stretch your legs, and explore.
4. Gate check your stroller. Bring your stroller all the way to the gate. Baby can sit in it, sleep in it, and wait in it. It’s also a familiar place in an airport and saves you from carrying the little one or worrying about them walking away.
5. Bring toys. I connect all my toys together with the plastic chain clips, this way they don’t get lost. It also makes it easier to grab them quickly or hang them off the stroller, your bag, the seat, etc.
6. Bring food and drink. Infant food, formula and breast milk are all exempt from the carry-on limits. So bring everything you can! (Careful not to bring restricted food items though). Feeding or drinking baby is always a good distraction. Drinking can also help with any ear pressure discomfort.
7. If your baby uses it, bring a baby carrier. If you already use one, you recognize the convenience of being hands free in the airport. With so many items to hold and carry, having a baby carrier is very handy. It might also assist with getting baby to sleep on the plane.
8. Don’t hold baby back. Let him explore the seat! Let him climb on you, play with the tray table, sit on the floor and explore. Babies need stimulation and you can find lots in that little area!
CAR TRAVEL:
1. Pick the right time. I always start my travels as soon as baby makes any motion that he is tired. That way, he will nap for a good chunk of the trip.
2. Take extra time. You will need to stop to let baby out of the car seat and to feed him. Always budget for this extra time when travelling by car.
3. Load up on toys. Baby will be strapped into his car seat the whole time you are travelling; make sure he’s got enough to keep him busy.
4. Bring a sunshade. There is nothing worse than sitting for hours in a car with the sun beaming right in your face. Baby can’t move out of the sun! Make sure you have a shade to keep him cool and comfortable in his seat.
5. Keep baby involved. It’s tiring for everyone to sit in the car for hours and conversation really helps. Don’t forget about the little guy back there; involve him in the conversation – even if he can’t quite talk back yet!
6. Buckle baby up right. Make sure you’ve buckled baby up comfortably. He’s going to be in that position for a couple hours. You don’t need sore necks from falling asleep in an awkward position, sore bums from not sitting properly or sore shoulders from too-tight straps!
7. Use a mirror. This is a double duty one: baby can enjoy looking at himself in the mirror and you can have peace of mind knowing what your little one is up to from the driver’s seat.
8. Don’t forget about the windows! Not only does it provide fresh air, but it can also make fun noises and give baby something new to look at.
I hope you found some helpful tips here. What tips do you have for air or car travel?
Our next adventure involves two flights and a layover; hopefully we will survive that one!
Thanks for reading, your next adventure awaits!
Travelling Tillenius 