Travel photo created by freepik – www.freepik.com
Traveling with children- especially long-distance plane travel – is enough to make even the most seasoned, well-organized mother cringe. Do you have a trip planned? Nervous? Don’t be! Sure, it’s going to have its challenges, but if you just prepare yourself, it is nothing to worry about.
Let’s start with the airline reservations…
First, if you are booking with an infant don’t forget to call the airline to book your seats – as FAR IN ADVANCE as humanly possible. You want to make sure that you ask them for a seat equipped with a bassinet. Yes, if you haven’t traveled with a baby before airlines do generally offer this feature free of charge on a first come first served basis, so like I said BOOK NOW.
If, you don’t have an infant or aren’t interested in a bassinet seat, the next best option if you are flying on a large aircraft (the kind with 2 aisles) is to book three seats in the center row of the plane relatively far back (most people seem to want to book the seats close to the front, so if the flight isn’t full there will usually be empty seats back here. Now the key to booking it is to book the 2 aisles in the row and one middle seat. Leave the other middle seat open as most people will only book that seat as an absolute last resort. If it all works in your favor you have an extra seat. If not, as the person in that seat to switch with you so you can be next to your family – I’ve never seen someone say no.
Next let’s talk about carry on bags….
It’s important to make sure that you are well organized and have everything you need for the children on the plane. As some of you may know, I have 3 children – ages 6, 2, and under 1. I’m going to share what I pack for each of them for a plane ride so you have a god idea based on age.
My 6 year old’s carry on – he gets a backpack – that he is capable of carrying. Here’s what is in his backpack:
- Snacks – Some cut up fruit and veggies, a small bag of chips.
- Empty water bottle – so you can stop worrying about your 6 year old with that cup of juice on that flimsy tray table.
- Tablet and over the ear headphones (you’ll thank yourself for not having to fix the flimsy earbuds provided by the airline 1000x)
- 3-4 books to read.
- Crayons and coloring book.
- OVERNIGHT FLIGHT….stuffed animal and neck pillow.
My 2 year old’s carry on – he also gets a backpack – that he is capable of carrying (but usually doesn’t). Here’s what is in his backpack:
- Snacks – Some cut up fruit and veggies, a small bag of chips. (He gets the same as his brother – no need for fights over who has what on an airplane).
- A water bottle/sippy cup
- Tablet and over the ear headphones
- 3-4 small toys – little cars or dinosaurs have worked best for us.
- OVERNIHGT FLIGHT….stuffed animal
My 9 month old’s carry on – aka diaper bag:
- 2 outfit changes – you never know!!!
- Enough diapers to conservatively last you for 2 days – once again you never know and they really don’t take up that much space.
- A brand new pack of wipes
- Disposable diaper bags – these are great for dirty diapers, soiled clothing, and to collect all the trash from your other children to drop neatly in the bin as the stewardesses come around collecting trash — game changer….here are the ones I find the best for all purposes: Nuby Diaper Disposal Bags.
- Baby food pouches – squeeze right into the mouth, no mess no fuss.
- If you are formula feeding – make two bottles before you go to the airport – you may be surprised what a new environment does to your baby. They’ll probably drink more than you expect. Bring the powered formula with you (in the travel pouches like these is even better: Enfamil Travel Formula Pouches) and just ask the stewardesses for water if you need it. Or buy a big water bottle once you get past security if you don’t like bothering the stewardesses.
- 2 or 3 little baby toys – a good teether and a rattler or two.
- Pacifier if your baby uses one.
Mommy’s Carry On – Large Tote Purse
- Special Snacks – Fruit Snacks, Lollipops – it’s always good to have a few really enticing snacks for your kids, but YOU control them, they don’t go in their bags.
- Wallet – If you are travelling internationally bring at least some of the destination country’s currency with you.
- Everyone’s passports and boarding passes – you hold them all – you are in charge.
- Cell Phone and charger
- Chewing Gum – for takeoff and landing
With everything you’ve done above you have had a successful flight!! Safe Travels…….
Just Another Mom 