How to make it easier to fly with your baby!

I remember the days Steven and I used to pick up and book a flight across the globe or simply over to the next state. Our biggest worry was leaving our jobs or losing those last 5 LBS. Once our daughter arrived, being the gypsy wanderer I am, I vowed never to stop because I would become a mother. Besides, some of the best memories growing up was traveling with my parents. It was one of the greatest gifts they could ever give me. A life of possibilities and the unknown was out there, attainable and waiting to be discovered of which I would be the explorer. It was the first taste of having control of something that I loved, and be able to chose anywhere in the world and go explore it. It was through their hard work and willingness to take us on their adventures that it inspired me to start taking Penelope on trips as soon as possible. As a child it always seemed so easy, but now that I am the parent I know it takes guts and a lot of determination. It also requires energy and preparation. The flight alone can turn most parents away, believe me we thought about how much easier it is to stay home but not as fun! I can say it is one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences of my life, being able to see the world through the eyes and spirits of my child. To know she will get exposed to things otherwise never even thought about. She will learn to appreciate where she lives and how we live. She will also learn humility and compassion for humans and animals that live with her on this incredible planet. I will say it is getting easier the more we do it and like most things, it just takes adjustment and transition to evolve. We have evolved to this lifestyle and have learned to make it a better experience along the way. It is this reason I have put together some tips and hacks to alleviate some of the stress that can cause parents to stop traveling the world just because they are scared of even the thought of the flight. If you can get passed the stresses of the flight and the stigma around taking babies on an airplane it will get you closer to that place you have always dreamed of. I hope you find this helpful and if you think traveling with kids is too hard, I hope this inspires you to begin.

1. Flight Time is important

Depending how long your flight is, try to book your flight during nap times and normal sleep times. On long haul flights longer than 7 hours I always book red eyes because as soon as we get to the airport we follow our normal routine. If you are lucky enough the baby will follow their normal routine and sleep a blissful 8 to 9 hours straight leaving you with the rest of the flight to entertain and feed. Flights shorter than 7 hours I have booked during nap time, usually afternoon so the baby can sleep at least 2 to 3 and leave the rest to entertainment and meals. If you are traveling with a toddler, it might be harder to get them to sleep, however, I recommend to start getting them on the schedule you want them a month earlier. Kids between 2 to 4 are harder to travel with because they are more active. It is up to you to take that challenge lol

2. Where you sit matters

Always call the airline or airlines if you are taking more than 1,before the date you travel. You can arrange a bassinet seat (Bulkhead seat) with extra leg room and a wall to hang a bassinet so your baby can sleep and best of all you can get a break from holding them on your lap. If they are younger than 2, you don't have to buy an extra seat because you can sit them on your lap. However, on International flights you will still pay almost the full ticket price of a seat so it's almost better to buy the seat or go on Seat Guru to find out if you can get better seats. Another tip if you can not reserve the bulkhead seat, you can reserve an aisle and window seat....most people will not want to sit in the middle of you and your loved one. If you do not do this, you will most likely be sitting in the back next to all the other mommy's and babies.

3.And....you're off!!!!

*Always pack a bottle or sugar-free lollipops for take off and landing. This will hurt your baby or toddlers ears and they will cry...nonstop so therefore, pack something the baby can suck on.

*Take a tablet with entertainment, you don't always know if they will have it on the flight or your child will like the entertainment, download a movie or games they will love for sure. Also take puzzles, coloring books, and their favorite toy. I like to go to the dollar tree and get new "surprises" for my daughter that she can open on the flight and will entertain her because its something new.

*Pack their favorite snacks to make sure they always have something to munch on. I recommend to get snacks with low sugar...you don't want an overactive baby or toddler on a flight. Also, don't pack anything messy or too bulky

*Bring only what you need on the airplane. sometimes parents take too much they will never use unless you have a long layover like we did in Shanghai and we learned then, we should not have taken nearly as much stuff on our carryon. Sometimes it's better to take a backpack and the other parent a purse ....believe me you will feel free. Do pack a lot of diapers for the flight and a pair of extra clothes and pajamas for you and the baby. Pack your hygienic essentials, it will make you feel human and better. wipes are a must to sanitize and pretty much everything. I also advise to get a blow up square to put under your child's seat and make it more comfortable. Turns the seat into a bed.

4.Take a stroller

I HIGHLY ADVISE YOU TO BRING A STROLLER OR A BABY CARRIER. Even if the flight is short or you do not have a layover you can simply check the equipment with the flight crew. It will make your life easier when you have set backs, flight delays, baby gets tired/wants to take a nap, exploring, and freeing your hands when you need to carry luggage or Starbucks. I personally like umbrella strollers with longer handles if you are tall, also a back rest seat. If you are going somewhere you will be doing a lot of activities like hiking or simply romping the jungles, take a baby carrier because there will be more flexibility. Don't forget to check your stroller in....we did in a secluded island in the Philippines but the airline returned it to us....that should have been a trip we took a baby carrier on.....get the drift

5. Don't Over pack

I mentioned this briefly when I talked about the carry on but I will say it again for the people in the back! I can't express this enough because it always happens and we have done it too many times...even with the trip to the beach 10 minutes away from the house. I have found that packing all of your outfits and babies outfits in bags saves a lot of space. You can pick out the outfits before you pack and this will allow you to fit everything in your luggage without going over the weight or having to put things in a carry on. You are already packing double what you would because you are packing for more people, therefore learn to reduce the things you pack and think you need.

6.Let them explore and have fun!

The airport and the airplane are all very interesting places where kids can explore and learn. Most airports are awesome and even have play areas where kids can mingle with kids from around the world or the country. They can learn about the country or state they are in. On the airplane, let them walk around and stretch their legs. This is another place they meet people and see things from new angles and perspectives. Don't stress too much when the baby cries or has a tantrum because it happens to all parents and most of the time if you are nice to the people around you...they will be nice in return. If not...don't sweat it, you most likely will never see them again. Certain places and cultures are also more tolerant of small children (which I will discuss in the next blog).

I hope these little tips and hacks help you when flying and traveling with your little ones. It can be very challenging and stressful if there is a lack of planning but if you plan ahead and follow some of this advise on your next flight, you will get to that dream destination ready to make the best of memories and have pictures your kids will look at and cherish. Most of all, you will get to experience flying and exploring new places through the eyes of your child,and teaching them in an innovative and exciting way. If you have anymore questions or would like me to write a packing list according to destination please email or contact me through my IG @Wanderlustmommy_. I hope you and your little explorers go wander!!!

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