Traveling with small children is always an unpredictable adventure. One must approach this feat with bravery and acceptance to survive. That said there are some things you can control that will hopefully make things a little easier. Here are some tips from a recent International field trip.
Tip #1 TAKE THE RED EYE
Doesn’t seem like the obvious choice but if your flying during baby’s bedtime, he or she will likely sleep through the flight. Also depending on where you’re going these flights are less likely to be full.
Tip#2 BOOK THE ENDS
You’re a Big Family so there’s no problem putting butts in seats. Book the end and the window seat. You have a good chance that the middle seat will remain open getting a free seat for baby to rest, play, or to change a diaper if need be (airplanes do have trays changing tables, but they are small and awkward. Not to mention hidden).
Tip#3 BABY WEAR
Even if it’s not something you typically do, give it a go. If you want to catch some zzzs on the plane yourself, having baby strapped to you will ensure his or her safety as well as provide some security for your little one. I use this one by cozitot. It’s just fabric, no hardware so it’s pretty comfortable. You can put it on while seated. But do practice your wrapping skills in advance so you’re not frustrated trying to figure it out en route.
Tip#4 MY PILLOW
I actually have travel sized MY PILLOWS for my older children but it came in handy for a make-shift bed for baby in the empty middle seat we appropriated for ourselves. And if you need to scream, bury your face and have at it.
Tip#5 NO EXPECTATIONS
Don’t try to predict one way or another how your trip will play out. It’s sounds kind of cliche but you really need to live in the moment and take situations as they come. If the baby is crying non-stop just do your best to get through it. It won’t be forever. The flight will be over at some point. If you get the stink eye from a fellow passenger, remind them that they probably were worse when they were toddlers- I’m kidding!! Just roll with it. You might apologize for the disruption. But on the flip side, baby could sleep the entire time or be quite content in the middle seat area. Take it as it comes and congratulate yourself either way at the end.
I hope these tips helped. If you have anymore to add to this list please let me know. Be blessed and Shalom.
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