Last updated on March 19th, 2024 at 11:42 am
Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. If you are looking for ideas to help get through your trip, here are 10 tips for moms or dads flying solo with young kids.
Flying Solo with Young Kids
Itâs no secret that traveling with kids can be stressful. But what happens when getting to your destination there means youâve got to fly alone with a baby or young child?
Thatâs right â nobody with you on the plane to hold your baby while you search desperately for a sippy cup. Nobody to help reason with your toddler when he has a temper tantrum in the aisle. Just you and your little one and dozens of cranky passengers waiting to give you the evil eye.
But flying solo with a baby doesnât have to be impossible, or even unpleasant. When my son was tiny we traveled alone together…a lot! If you want your flight to be a breeze instead of a burden, follow these tried and true tips for smooth sailing as you take to the skies.
1. Travel During Nap Time
If you schedule a flight during the time your baby normally sleeps, she will likely stick to her routine and rest on the plane. Donât make the mistake of forcing your child to stay awake all day in hopes that sheâll conk out before take-off. This can easily result in an over-tired, cranky baby who wonât close her eyes at all. Imagine being stuck on a flight from San Diego to Chicago with that problem?
2. Go Big in the Stroller Department
Donât be afraid to bring a stroller, and bring a big one. You can check it at the gate. Some advise an umbrella stroller because it is small and lightweight, but when traveling solo opt for the big one. These traditional strollers are more comfortable for your child and have cup holders for you, and most importantly â plenty of storage below for holding your carry-on bags while running between gates. Never check your stroller with your luggage, especially if you are going to have to change planes. Youâll need it during your layover and it is a safe place to keep your child while negotiating baggage claim at the end of your journey.
3. Get Organized
Take advantage of your early boarding option and spend a few minutes making your limited space work for you, before anyone sits next to you. Since you wonât have a spouse to help out during the flight, pack the seat pocket in front with everything you might need so you wonât have to dig for it later â snacks, books, phone, sippy cups, water, wipes â keep it all within easy reach, especially if your baby will be sitting on your lap during the flight.
4. Fly Direct Whenever Possible
Once youâre settled on board and comfortable, wouldnât it be nice to know that when you land, youâre done?
5. Make the Flight Attendants Your Friends
When you board the plane say hello to your flight attendants and let them know you are traveling alone with your baby. Be nice, smile, and give them the opportunity to tell you what a cutie you have. Theyâll be more helpful during the flight if you get friendly early on, and that could come in real handy when you need someone to hold the baby for a minute so you can use the restroom.
6. Eat, Drink and be Merry
Forget your rules about no snacking in between meals. A full tummy may be your best defense on a long flight. Even if your airline has a scheduled meal service, bring snacks, extra bottles, water, and donât be shy about nursing in public. (Just be sure to check with TSA before you leave home to make sure any liquids are permitted through security.)
7. Introduce New Toys
Have a diversion handy: a new toy or book is exciting and will keep baby occupied as you explore it together. Keep her occupied and youâll prevent restless fits that may annoy other passengers.
8. Pack the Mother of All Diaper Bags
You want to travel as lightly as possible, but you donât want to be stuck without a pacifier when your babyâs ears start popping on the decent. Be wise and pack a little bit of everything to take on the plane with you.
Extra diapers, wipes, toys, snacks, Tylenol, an extra outfit for each of you, and â if youâre really optimistic â a magazine or two to read when your baby falls asleep. Itâs better to be prepared than get caught without a necessity. And remember, flights are often delayed, requiring you to have more stuff on hand.
9. Download Movies on Your Phone or Bring a Portable DVD Player
You may not be a big believer in letting your kids watch TV, but on a plane this can be a life-saver. Your best bet is to wait until your child starts getting a little restless and then whip it out, along with a new or favorite movie. But beware, if you are on a long flight and start watching movies right away, they may end up getting restless anyway a few hours into the trip.
And don’t forget to bring your charger!
10. Dress Comfortably
Even if your dad (who you havenât seen in six months) is going to be picking you up on the other end, pack the nice outfit in your carry-on and wear sweatpants on board. Same goes for your little one. You are going to be standing up, sitting down, lifting luggage, running through terminals, eating fast food, and wiping rear ends for the next couple of hours. Besides, how disappointed would you be if the only blouse you had got spit-up on it the first hour into your flight?
Most importantly of all, have a sense of humor. Realize that it may not go perfectly when you’re flying solo with baby, but you will arrive in one piece. Roll with the punches and try to relax; kids can sense your tension and will respond accordingly.
And if a temper tantrum does occur, donât sweat it. You might think those other passengers are glaring at you in anger, but chances areâŠitâs sympathy.
âș Looking for more healthy travel tips? Check out these 10 Tips for Eating Healthy While Traveling.
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