5 TIPS FLYING WITH A TODDLER AND BABY ALONE

Looks like you found yourself here looking for some tips flying in the daunting world of airports with your toddlers and babies. I have been there! 

Even though I watched countless YouTube videos and read blogs, nothing prepares you for flying with toddlers and babies quite like actually doing it. I have come up with 5 practical tips on flying with toddlers and babies that keeps me with hair on my head and my sanity.

I travel very frequently and alone with the little ones. Flying solo with my toddler and baby was definitely scary and nerve racking the first time. I said you know what? I am going to write a blog to help another Mama or Dad out there AVOID my naive pitfalls.

I also don’t want to keep you here all day since we are all moms and all so I have compiled my Top 5 Tips for Flying in the airport with a toddler and babies!

Let’s begin shall we?

Tip#1: Take a pic of where you park in the parking garage. Trust me! You do not want to forget where you parked traveling with little ones. I have and it is not fun.

Tip#2: Do not freak out about checking online, you will still need to check in with the agent at the desk if you have a lap child. TIP: I don’t know about you but I love saving time and money, so in order to do so you should have your baby (if under 2) ride as a lap baby. For me, I breastfeed so it’s easier to just hold my 9 month old daughter on the plane and purchase a seat for my 4 year old daughter. Your baby will most likely want to be near you anyways on the plane so no need to waste your money on a seat for the baby.

Tip#3: Should you or shouldn’t you bring the stroller? ABSOLUTELY BRING THE STROLLER! My little one does not like the baby carrier and you can use your stroller to hold everything while you walk through those crazy airport lanes! I chose to check the stroller in at the gate. Like, literally right before we take our seats. I’m telling you mamas this will save your back walking through the airport. Breastfeeding mamas your baby cannot grab at you while they are in the carrier. I know so many people who are pro baby carriers and it works well for them. However, for me, carrying the baby even in the carrier makes your walk through the airport heavier, more stressful, and just too much with a toddler as well. To each their own though! LOL

Tip#4: THE KIND OF STROLLERS YOU HAVE MAKING THE WORLD OF DIFFERENCE! I cannot stress that enough if you couldn’t tell lol. Here is the stroller I have. This is not the exact one, the only difference is my handle is black.

You can instantly shop my looks or items that I post in my blogs by following me on the LIKEtoKNOW.it shopping app. 

The reason I love this stroller so much is the fact that it is versatile. It is the Maxi-Corsi 5-in-1 Modular system. So it comes with the car seat, and the carriage switches to an additional adjustable 4 positions. When we are walking through the busy airport, I have Zara ride with the carriage as a bassinet. She typically will go to sleep on her own with all of the movement and commotion. Another plus is I can change her diaper while she is in the bassinet and completely eliminate that stressful trek to the bathroom with your toddler, bags and stroller. Not fun and I would highly recommend not doing that. HA! Plus, I can either check her carseat separately for when we land or I can just keep her attached with the car seat. I like options!

One more plus, I love this stroller is the space it has but yet it is not bulky. I can store our personal bags or if Melody gets tired of holding her backpack, then I can throw it under the stroller and keep it pushing! It is so convenient. It is on the pricier side. BUT… I look at it like this, anything worth having will cost you something. Trust me, this stroller is worth having love!

Tip#5: FORGET about the jeans, high heels, sandals, flip flops, short skirts, and get you some comfortable and loose clothing girl! The airport is cold. COLD!!

All of the time. Even in the winter o_O! I like to be comfy. The key is to keep it cute. I will wear minimal makeup like eyebrows, BB cream, concealer blush, mascara. 

Make sure you follow my instagram, @amelroseuniverse for mommy friendly quick 10 min. 

GRWM (Get Ready With Me) videos and content:

For my toddler, I usually have her wear jeggings, a loose fitting long sleeve shirt and sneakers. That way we can maneuver quickly and easily. I usually wear a sweatsuit with an easy accessible tank underneath so I can breastfeed the baby. I wear adidas comfy socks and my PUMA sneakers. I typically have a carry on 360 wheel suitcase, the diaper bag, and my small purse inside the diaper bag. I like to feel like I’m sitting on the couch while in the airport so I prioritize comfort every time. 

Shop some similar sweatsuits, and shoes that I like to wear every airport journey!

**I have a couple of additional small tips for you ladies and gents!**

Have your toddler use the bathroom and you too mama or dad BEFORE boarding the plane. It’s a lot easier than navigating the aisles with a toddler and infant. Trust me, NOT FUN!

Have your toddler wear a backpack with some of their favorite things. I try to limit our tech gadgets so my stop at security is swift and easy especially when I travel alone with the girls.

Buy snacks at the airport. 

I KNOW I KNOW! Y’all are going to come at me and say those snacks and food at the airport are crazy expensive! And you are right. However, I am a “matter of convenience* type of person. I will pay if it makes my life easier. Me and Jesus are already dealing with enough burdens, I do not need to add flying craziness to that LOL. I still pack the baby's food and small things but I for sure buy them at the airport. It takes up time as well for your squirmy toddler while waiting to board.

Pack gum for you and your little one’s ears. It helps!

Look at you! Making it to the end of this blog. You get a STAR! lol. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog and I hope it helps make your travel more manageable and easier. Let me know in the comments if these tips helped you!

Was this helpful for you? Drop me a comment below and subscribe here to my blog for weekly motherhood, faith, travel and lifestyle content. 

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@amelroseuniverse) and YouTube, @amelroseuniverse for all things faith, beauty,and motherhood! Until next time Roses 🙂

Love,

Melissa McAllister ❤

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