Let’s Talk Babies

We are about to embark on a little vacation this upcoming weekend that will involve us flying with Maya.  This will not be Maya’s first flight, she has flown a few times in the past, however, this will be the first time she gets her very own seat.  On our previous flights we opted to have her just sit on my lap.  Now that she is a big girl (2 years old) she gets to sit by herself.  I think she’ll love it, although I wouldn’t be surprised if she ended up in my lap anyway once the fasten seat belt sign is turned off

Having traveled by plane in the past with my daughter I know a few things that we must bring with us to make the flight a little easier.  I’ve also done a little research on airplane and airport safety in the past few weeks as we gear up for our trip.   Anytime you travel it can be a bit nerve-wracking, but add a child into the mix and the stress of traveling can go through the roof if you’re not careful.

Here are a few tips to help make your next trip to the airport with your kids a safe and sane one:

• Don’t forget to tag all your items including any baby/toddler gear you may be checking such as carseats, travel beds, etc.  Remember to tag the stroller too, even if you plan on doing gate side check-in.
• Tag your child as well.  Put your contact info on your child somewhere, either on their clothing or on their person so if you get separated you can more easily be reunited.
• Be sure you know all the rules regarding flying with a child, especially what documentation they will need to prove their id.  If you will be traveling with your child on your lap you will still need to bring their birth certificate to prove they are under 2 (over 2 children must have their own seat).
• Remember the security rules regarding liquids and be sure that whatever you have for your child such as juice, milk or water is within the allowed limits.  Check with the airport to determine how much you are allowed to bring through the security checkpoint.
• Security check points with children can be nerve-wracking and a pain since you’ll likely hold up the line because of all the extra stuff and people you have to keep track off.  Don’t get flustered, people usually are understanding.  Ask for help if needed from the security personnel.
• Remember that you and your child will be required to take your shoes off to go through security so be prepared for that and plan on wearing easy on, easy off shoes.
• Bring plenty of activities and snacks for your child to help keep them occupied both while waiting in the airport and while on the airplane.  Crayons, books, music, small toys, travel dvd player and stickers all make great air travel gear.
• Bring something to help with the ear issues during take off and landing such as suckers, or you can try those ear plugs that are supposed to help reduce the pain from the change in pressure.

The best piece of advice I can give a parent traveling with their child is to stay calm, arrive extra early so you aren’t in a rush and just go with the flow.  It will be easier than you think and everything will work, even if it doesn’t seem like at the time.

I’ll be sure to let you know how our trip goes.

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