So in just 3 weeks, I am headed on my first airplane adventure with my little guy. We are flying to Texas to spend some quality time with my extended family. Not only am I taking my baby, but I’m taking my older two kids also. And, no husband. Yikes! I have realized in preparing for this trip that a lot of preparation is necessary. It is kind of stressing me out a little bit, quite frankly. Just the gear needed to travel with three kids is daunting. But, the one that comes with the most necessities is the baby!
I am staying in several different places on my week long adventure. Bouncing around between hotels, friends, and relatives that can put me up for the night. I’ve started making a mental list of things I will need. How I will pack it all is beyond me.
*Portable crib
*Portable high chair
*Baby Monitor
*Baby food
*Baby formula
*Bottle Warmers (one for night, one for when I am out all day)
*Bath supplies
*New Toys
*Bath supplies
*Diapers/Wipes
*Stroller
*Car Seat
*Baby Bjorn
I wish I could take my bouncer that hangs in the doorway, my saucer, and all the other things I have in the comfort of my home to help keep my little guy entertained. I am just going to have to rely on lots of extra hands to help out with those kinds of things.
My little man has never really slept anywhere except in my bed with me as a newborn, and in his own crib in his own room. I hope that he will be able to adjust to all of his different environments, otherwise I am in for a very long week without sleep. For many nights, we will all be sleeping in the same room! That should be interesting.
I used to fly all the time with my daughter, but then that involved just one child and me. Much, much easier. But, I’m hoping that having his siblings near will help him be happy and entertained. One great idea I heard about flying with babies was to make little cards to give to all the passengers around you that say something like, “I will do my best to keep my children quiet, please enjoy a free drink on me.” Or, you could hand something out with your card like a candy bar, or other treat. The fact is, you will probably be more worried than the people around you, but just in case, by using this idea, you can make peace with other passengers before anything ever happens. After all, we have to get from point A to point B with our children, don’t we? My number one piece of advice when a baby is unruly, try to do something. Others will want to help you if they see you trying to quiet your children.
I hope this big trip will be a fun one, and one that we will remember for a long time to come!