Tips For The Airport

Brenna's first flight was from Des Moines, Iowa to Shannon, Ireland via Chicago and Dublin. Needless to say it was a very long flight. She was 12 months old. Luckily she showed no ear problems and slept quite a bit. Caelan's was from Des Moines to Dallas, TX when she was just two months old. Here are my tips for remaining sane.

1) If your child uses a safety seat in the car use it on the plane. Not only is it safer but your child will be more comfortable. It will also be familiar to them and will make the strangeness of the flight a bit more normal. Some airlines charge less for a child's seat; ask. We used a wheeled, collapsible dolly (you can find them in most stores in the luggage department) to pull the seat through the airport. If you fly often the Sit-N-Stroll Baby Car Seat and Stroller may be for you.

2) Do not try to carry your baby, your luggage and your carry-ons. Strap as much as you can in the carseat (if your child isn't in it!) and strap the carseat to a rolling suitcase or Folding Cart. And get a stroller/backpack combination. We have the InStep version and absolutely love it! This is the most versatile product we own and we can't imagine doing without it!

3) If you plan to keep baby on your lap, as we did for Caelan's first flight,I recommend using a Snugli By My Side carrier. Of course there are many other brands. I chose the Snugli By My Side for two reasons: one, I am short. The front carriers didn't allow me to walk easily with baby as her legs dangled too far down. And two, with baby on the hip it is more comfortable to sit.

4) Don't take your big, bulky stroller through the airport. These systems are expensive and will probably get damaged in some way. Airport baggage handlers who have to take the stroller from the jetway to the luggage area and back will thank you. Use an inexpensive umbrella stroller or the stroller/backpack.

5) Pack plenty of juice, milk and snacks - just be sure it's allowed through security before you go. Don't forget food if your child is too young to eat what the airline may serve. Pick up some new books and small toys to entertain your child. Brenna loves flash cards, coloring books and crayons. If you have purchased a seat for your child she gets one carry-on and one personal item, just like everyone else.

6) Yes, families with small children can board first. And if you are traveling alone with children you need to do this. But, if you have the option, one parent can go on and get the seats set up while the other remains in the terminal until final boarding call. Why strap the kids down before absolutely necessary?

7) Most flight attendants are great with kids. If you get stuck on the tarmac waiting for the weather to clear in Chicago (as we did for over an hour) the flight attendant can be a big help. Even though we were told to remain seated our flight attendant walked our daughter up and down the aisle and "introduced" her to the other passengers.

8) Know that sometimes you can't prevent the fussiness. Apologize to fellow passengers who are close. Most of them will understand and will appreciate your acknowledgement.