On our recent trip to Chicago, I learned a lot all at once about traveling with a toddler since I did it solo for the first time. These are things that worked for me, but I am not an expert by all means... I don't jetset often ;) Here we go:
Baby is #1 in this whole situation
Keeping Cece entertained was a full time job. All my attention was on her during the flight. Pulling out toys, snacks, singing quietly, reading stories. Not just letting her play with the toys, but joining in the fun. Pointing out things she could do with the toys, asking her to do/find different things on the plane, out the window or with her toys.
Keeping Cece entertained was a full time job. All my attention was on her during the flight. Pulling out toys, snacks, singing quietly, reading stories. Not just letting her play with the toys, but joining in the fun. Pointing out things she could do with the toys, asking her to do/find different things on the plane, out the window or with her toys.
New and Exciting- My daughter hadn't seen ANY of these toys ever before, so each one she was very interested in. We played with them as long as possible, then we would clean it up, and I pulled out a new one. Usually with a snack in between toys.
The Tablet- I used the tablet as a last resort. I loaded a few games and baby TV episodes on it. I also bought some kid headphones that she thought were really cool. I made sure to check the volume before placing them on her head. I was thinking "save the best for last" and it worked out well because it gave me a little break and she enjoyed Dora for 10 minutes before falling asleep for the rest of the flight.
The Tablet- I used the tablet as a last resort. I loaded a few games and baby TV episodes on it. I also bought some kid headphones that she thought were really cool. I made sure to check the volume before placing them on her head. I was thinking "save the best for last" and it worked out well because it gave me a little break and she enjoyed Dora for 10 minutes before falling asleep for the rest of the flight.
Packing the carry on-
SNACKS SNACKS SNACKS! I tried to bring stacks that weren't messy, and that she could feed herself with. I also let some things fly that I normally wouldn't at home.
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Babywearing-
In the airport I wore Cece the whole time. Yes, she's 30lbs, but it was easier then wrangling her while managing all of the stuff. Babywearing also makes you hands free to carry/hold/push everything else.
When checking in, I could not get rid of the carseat and luggage fast enough!
My system when I did have to carry everything:
It was slow going, but I managed to go travel up and down elevators, on and off trams and down corridors this way. One day if we have 2 kids, I'll have to come up with a whole new system, but this time around, it's what worked for me.
I gate checked the stroller. It actually was never used as a stroller, more as a luggage cart.
In the airport I wore Cece the whole time. Yes, she's 30lbs, but it was easier then wrangling her while managing all of the stuff. Babywearing also makes you hands free to carry/hold/push everything else.
When checking in, I could not get rid of the carseat and luggage fast enough!
My system when I did have to carry everything:
- Wear the baby and baby bag
- Push the stroller with the carseat in it
- Pull luggage bag
It was slow going, but I managed to go travel up and down elevators, on and off trams and down corridors this way. One day if we have 2 kids, I'll have to come up with a whole new system, but this time around, it's what worked for me.
I gate checked the stroller. It actually was never used as a stroller, more as a luggage cart.
Stay Focused, it will be over soon. Remember that no matter what the plane will land, and you will be there soon. By the end of our adventurous day, I had a tired little toddler on my hands. She was a fantastic little traveler, and I would travel again this way. This trip she was still a lap infant. I know many people who purchase the extra seat for their child so they can bring the carseat on the plane, but we just didn't this time, and it all worked out. It truly is an adventure traveling with a little one, but they can do it and so can you! Enjoy a nice glass of wine after the trip is over and you have reached your destination... It's well deserved. |