Flewed Out ; Traveling with Your Baby
Gotta spend a hundred if you really want it flewed out (period)
— Caresha (City Girls)
Now that Easter is over, traveling is about to start picking up. And let me tell you from personal experience, the thought of traveling with a baby for the first time is fucking overwhelming. But I am a traveling person and I didn’t want Harlow being scared of planes and not being able to sit still in a small space for periods of time. She was on her first flight at 4 months old. We ripped the bandaid off and baby… we never looked back. Now, at 7-years-old, Harlow has been on at least 50 flights. Flying with a baby is sooooo much easier than what you may think. So, put your worries aside and let me tell you all the shit you need to know about flying with your little one. I’m going to make sure these little travel tips will make it earlier and more relaxing for you.
You ready? Listen up.
Check for baby-friendly airlines. I know people like to shit on Southwest but in my opinion, this is the most baby/kid friendly out here. They have very flexible change/cancellation policies and allow priority boarding for families traveling with children 6 and under. It also has unassigned seating which is ideal if the flight is not fully booked. We’ll get to that later. Also, children fly for free up to 24 months old. Southwest is also the only airline that allows 2 free checked bags per ticketed passenger in economy, in addition to the free checked car seat and stroller per child that most airlines offer. For airlines, it’s also worth mentioning JetBlue as their staff and flight attendants have always been exceptionally helpful and kind to us as new parents. Check in them damn suitcases. You already carrying a baby. Make it easier for yourself.
Schedule flights around nap/bedtime. This really was the key for me when traveling with my daughter. Even now, she still falls asleep around the same time. I would try my absolute best to keep her awake as much as I could. I would play with her, let her watch the planes in the window, sing, and toys. Once on the plane and getting settled, I would nurse and her ass would be knocked out. Sometimes before takeoff.
Maximize that car seat bag. As mentioned, since a car seat is free to check at the ticket counter or gate, pack your giant car seat protector bag with a few extra items like a bag of diapers or even a small portable high chair. Honestly, it’s probably against the rules. But I haven't seen one so… get in a corner and throw some extra shit in there. Just don’t overdo it. LOL
Show me your ID. Yes, you need an ID for your baby. Even if you fly with a baby domestically, you could be asked to prove the age of the baby. A copy of the birth certificate, the actual birth certificate, a military ID, or another form of government ID such as a passport with work. Now, I have never been asked for ID for an infant, but it happens. If you are flying with a lap-child getting close to age 2, you will likely be asked, so have your papers ready. If you are flying with a baby out of the country, I would also take photos of all of the baby's identification records (in addition to carrying them) just in case something gets stolen or lost on the trip.
Pack extra shit. Babies don’t give a fuck, okay?! They will puke, poop, and whatever else they feel like doing in mid-air. Pack an extra outfit for you and three extra outfits for the baby. Keep an extra bag (my ghetto ass had a plastic Kroger bag. LMAO) just in case you need to put soiled clothes in it. Also, pack enough diapers and formula (if formula fed) for the entire journey PLUS 10-15 hours. *BONUS* Use a backpack instead of a shoulder back. Makes a world of a difference.
Breastfeed/bottlefed your baby on take-off and landing is the best advice I can give you. Sometimes babies were often distracted by all of the excitement of the plane. And let them. Feeding offers you the chance to follow their moving head and keep them suckling during this time. If the flight isn’t during normal feeding time, I would dip a pacifier into Gripe Water and let them suckle that for take-off and landing. It takes the pressure off of their popping ears.
Get TSA Pre-check. UHHHHHHHH DUH! Keep your shoes on, leave your liquids in the back, and baby gear in tow. You don’t have to deal with all that extra top flight security shit.
There are so many tips and tricks to offer. I have so many but those were the MAIN ones. I think I am going to do one for toddlers too. Cause that list is a little different. If you have any questions, you know where to find me, baby!!!
Safe Travels, boo!
Love,
Your Doula
