I'm Flying Mommy! Part 1.

Recently Babe and I went on a trip to Washington D.C. to visit a long time friend and her baby who was born shortly after mine.

While I was fully confident in my ability to travel alone with her (J. stayed home) I admit I was a little apprehensive about the flights.

Mostly I was worried about Babe's behaviour. She is a notorious loud-mouth. As I've mentioned before she's been quite the little screamer since day one. And in the weeks leading up to the trip she developed a nasty habit of shrieking just for the hell of it. It doesn't seem to matter what I do to try to curb the behaviour, sometimes she is determined to scream.

And of course she hates the car.

So as much as I was looking forward to the trip I was dreading the flight there. I really didn't want to be the lady with the screaming kid that everyone hates.

I might as well admit now that I am also afraid of flying, so that too was weighing on my mind.

I have experience with kids and flights. Back when I nannied I used to get the kids ready for flights with their families and I also flew with my charges. So I have a few ways of controlling the mayhem on the flight, but of course most of my tricks wouldn't work with a baby.

None of my ideas are rocket science but in case you're yet to hit the tarmac with your own brood here are some things to try when planning your flight.


Clothes:

• Dress your kid(s) comfortably. Some families like their children to look cute or even dressy for a flight. Don't make your daughter wear a frilly dress on the plane, no matter how adorable it is. Do you like flying in business attire or ball gowns? Probably not. Make sure you have a clean cozy outfit ready for them. Sweats are a good bet or even a nice pair of jammies. The more comfortable your kid is the less they will squirm in their seat.

• Don't bother "doing" your daughter's hair. The style won't stay in, the hair accessories will fall under the seat and it'll be a constant fight to keep redoing it in cramped quarters. If you really want her to have a cute doo when she meets Grandma at the airport, bring the stuff you need in your carryon and do her hair just before you land.

• Layer. You might be leaving a cold climate and arriving in a warm one or vise versa. Or the airport might be air conditioned and the plane stifling. In any event, make sure the kids have a short sleeve under a long sleeve and if you're heading somewhere warm, a pair of shorts tucked in your carryon. If you have a baby, a messy toddler, sweaty kids or toilet training issues do not forget to pack an extra outfit. 

• If you are changing diapers make sure the outfit you pick is super easy access. The changing table in the airplane bathroom is the size of a cutting board and the bathroom itself is the size of a broom closet. A million snaps just won't do.

Toys:

• Bring toys that provide the most bang for their buck. Toys should not be too big. The smaller they are = the easier to pack = the more you can bring = the more fun they will have. 

• Noisy toys will definitely annoy other passengers. If your child absolutely loves a particular noisy toy weigh their enjoyment against the inevitable stink-eye from other passengers and decide if you want to bring it. DON'T bring it and then decide it will be too embarrassing and refuse to let them play with it. That's unfair and a guaranteed tantrum, plus you will still get the stink-eye because people will think you're an idiot. Any toys you want on the trip but not on the plane should be stowed out of sight out of mind. 

• Secretly pack a "last resort" toy that you know will stave off a meltdown and whip it out when all else fails. This will only work once so choose the time wisely (not 15 minutes into a six-hour flight).

• If you're willing, buy a few new toys, books, games or crafts to bring out as a fun surprise mid-flight.

• If you allow hand held game devices make sure it is on low volume or mute while in flight. If your kid is used to playing with the sound up, practice playing on mute for a few days before the trip. Bring extra batteries/charger. Like I said above, if you are willing to spend the money, bringing along a new game as a surprise will likely buy you a TON more quiet time if you get it out just as the old game is getting boring. Same goes for movies to play on the iPad or laptop. If you have a reader for sure pick up some new books.

• If you have a safe adult item (like keys) that your little one loves to get out of your purse...make sure it is in your purse.

• Play games like Eye Spy etc. in the airport while you are waiting for your flight so that you don't use up all the novelty of the airplane entertainment before you even board.

Packing:

• Pack what the kids will need in the carryon you plan to store at your feet. You are likely to only need access to your own stuff a few times during the flight. But a kid is going to need something every five minutes. All snacks, toys, tissues, wipes etc. should be in arms reach, not stowed in the overhead. 

• If you have a baby riding on your lap you'll want his stuff and yours in arms reach.

• Older toddlers and kids can carry their own bag. Make them. Little kids will usually be thrilled if they have their very own child-sized wheely suitcase. Allow your child to help pack their bag. Pack them light. Don't weigh down your four-year-old's Disney Princess suitcase with all the camera equipment and travel guides. No matter how sparkly it is she will abandon it halfway to security if it weighs a ton. 

• Make sure you have your kid's essential items in your carryon in case the airline loses your checked bags. As if you weren't carrying enough. Arriving without your bags is a huge drag but it will be easier on you if the kids have the things they need for 24 hours or so. Definitely have any medications they need with you in the carryon (or I always split mine up in case I lose the carryon) because if your luggage doesn't show you don't want to be running around a strange city trying to get a new prescription for Baby.

Seating:

• I've been told some flights have a bassinet seat. This is apparently a seat with extra leg room and a bassinet that you can place on the floor so when Baby nods off you can put them down. My flight did not have this option :( I read that you should ask ahead of time and even then there are no guarantees of getting it.

• You can chose your seats and you should. Either at the time of booking, a few days ahead of time or at check in, whichever. You may be in luck, if the flight is relatively empty you might be able to switch your seats to a row that is empty. Then you or the kids get to lay down during the flight. This luxury is becoming less and less common because flights are now often booked over capacity. But it's worth asking. Chose your seats wisely. I love the window, but with a baby on my lap the aisle made way more sense. Don't ever get stuck in the middle.

Safety:

• Sick kids suck. Sick kids on vacation suck more. If you're so inclined there are special preventative supplements you can take which claim to boost your immune system and stave off bugs. One is called Airborne. I've never tried them, don't know if they work or are safe to use. 

• And here is a whole web page that provides tips on avoiding germs on planes.

• Bring gum for older kids to chew when taking off and landing and a pacifier, teething ring or bottle for Baby.

• Babies under two can usually ride for free on your lap. This is a great way to save money. But there is some controversy over the safety of this. Opponents claim that babies can be injured in the event of turbulence or a rough landing (or...eeek...a crash) if they aren't secured in their own seat. There are safety restraints that you attach to yourself and Baby and special seats but check with your airline before hand to see which brand if any it allows. I also read that there may not be enough oxygen masks if there are two bodies to one seat. I freaked when I heard that but I don't know if it is true.

• Don't take your eyes off your kids in busy airports and don't have their name visible on their bags or clothes.

• Tell older kids what to do if they get separated from you.

Planning:

• Avoid layovers and transfers if at all possible. Direct flights are best. It's like ripping off a Band-Aid - just do it fast and get it over with.

• Bring food your kid likes. No one likes airplane food so your kid probably won't either. And there is never enough of it.

• Have all necessary documents on hand. This includes a letter of permission from your partner/spouse if you are taking your child out of the country without them.

• Missing your flight or showing up for a flight that was delayed or canceled sucks when you are single but it is going to be a HUGE pain in the ass when you are dragging a kid and all their gear along with you. TRUST ME! Call ahead to check on the status of the flight and double check your ticket (more on this in part two). 

• You practically have to get naked at security now. Be prepared, especially if you will be carrying your child. Wear shoes that easily slip on and off (because they have to come off). In fact...just do yourself a favour and wear tear-away pants a mesh shirt and no bra. Have all items that need to come out of the bag or need to be turned on in an easy-to-reach place. Don't wear metal jewelry, it will be hard to remove it all while holding your baby.

As it turned out Babe did really well on the flights and I was worried for nothing. But more on that in part two!

Babe on one of the cool rocking chairs at the Baltimore airport.