Impromptu trips……don’t you just love them?! But are the even possible once you have kids? Well I’m here to tell you, heck yeah they are! And this is how I did it:
On a random Thursday I decided to buy a ticket to fly home that Saturday, for only $98 how could I pass that up?! And of course if I’m going home then baby girl absolutely must come with to meet her family! Now I’m a veteran at flying; I’ve done it so many times I find it relaxing but flying with a baby?! And alone?! Who would do such a thing?!
Well I did and I survived! (with only being peed on and puked on once, so I consider it a major win)
Days leading up to the flight:
- call airline and find out what items can be checked for free (most airlines will allow a car seat and stroller but it never hurts to see if a pack n play or other items are free as well)
- make a list and check it twice! and three times! and heck even a fourth! Lists are your best friend for any type of travel.
- only bring absolute necessities in diaper bag ( my complete list will be posted below)
- spend lots of time loving on your significant other (especially if they aren’t traveling with you; I had Riley and Louise spend alone time together since they’ve never really been separated for this long)
- start packing as soon as you can! Anything you won’t need in the next few days pack away! The more you pack the less you’ll stress later on #protip
What’s in my diaper bag:
- diapers (remember you can never have too many of these)
- wipes (one unopened packed worked for us)
- blanket (perfect for layovers for baby to crawl/lay down in the connecting airport)
- pacifier/pacifier clip (if baby won’t take a bottle during take off have them suck on a pacifier to help their little ears pop; and clips are perfect so paci’s don’t go missing during travel)
- teether (if you have a baby in the teething stage)
- toy/stuffed animal (keep it small but if they have a special item that soothes them it doesn’t hurt to bring it for comfort; remember this is all new for little baby)
- bottles; I bought 3 (the amount depends on the length of flight & if any layovers to clean bottles mid-trip)
- formula (how you bring formula is personal preference; I brought one unopened can and it made TSA faster & easier)
- water bottle (TSA allows brining your own water for baby’s so save yourself some money at the airport & pack your own!)
- Wallet with I.D.s & other important docs (always check ahead of time with your airline; example: united on my way to OH didn’t need anything for Louise but southwest on the way home to CA wants proof of age for her)
- chargers for any electronics you bring ( I like to travel light so I only packed my phone but depending on age a tablet for baby might be a god send!)
- EXTRA CLOTHES!!! for you and baby (I’m so glad a mommy friend shared this with me last minute cause Louise had two accidents while flying; I did an extra sleeper for her and an extra shirt for myself)
Might seem like a lot but this all fit into one backpack for me!
Pro-tips!
While Louise did have two accidents during flight she did sleep the whole time and didn’t cry so that makes me a pro right?!
- carry car seat to gate for checking; if it’s not a full flight they may let you use it for your baby!
- bring as much baby food/snacks/water as you need…..TSA can’t say no for baby!
- (if of drinking age) enjoy a drink on flight and splurge on that wifi! It helped this mama relax
- If possible fly late at night or earl in the morning during baby’s normal sleeping time
- Most of all; DON’T STRESS! Easier said than done I know but I had so much help and offers for help from not only the flight attendants but also the passengers!
Louise and I have been loving our time with family here in Ohio but we are ready to brave the long flight home again and be reunited with Daddy!
**comment any tips or tricks you have for flying or let me know if any of these helped you out!**
Stay Rambling
-Annie
