Up in the Air

Congratulations!  George Clooney has officially mentioned you in a film.  Oh!  How I wish it was by name?!?! 

In the film Up in the Air, George is explaining to Anna Kendrick the best way to get through airport security.  During this speech he says, "You can't be serious.  Never get behind people traveling with infants.  I've never seen a stroller collapse in less than 20 minutes."

This is YOU!  Too bad it is not a flattering comment about traveling moms.

The idea of going through the whole airport debacle with L gives me hives!  I get stressed enough traveling without L and all of her gear.  I have yet to do it, so I can't offer any help in this department. 

My friend, Larkin, and her baby are frequent jet setters!  I consider her an expert in the infant traveling field.  I asked her to write up a post with any travel advice.  She has some VERY helpful suggestions.  I have decided to break this up into a three post series.  Thank you Larkin for taking the time to write this!

Overall tips for traveling with a child:

• Arrive at the airport at least an hour and a half early. Security does take longer.
• Bring extra formula, milk, and food (if you are at the solid foods stage).  Also, you can ask the attendant at the gift shop closest to your gate for bottled water that has not been cooled yet.  You can then use it to mix with your formula and your baby won’t have a meal straight out of the refrigerator.
• Change your child’s diaper just before boarding begins, so that hopefully you will not have to change it on the plane.
• Take advantage of pre-boarding and board first.  Its also a good idea to wait and get off the plane last.  This helps you avoid pushy people that are in a hurry, and sometimes the pilot or flight attendant will offer to help if you look like you need it.
• Take a change of clothes for you and your baby (hopefully not needed).
• When taking off and landing, feed your child a bottle.  A pacifier does not work as well, because you want your child to be swallowing so that their ears pop.
• If flying with a car seat, you may consider getting a shell for the car seat so that strangers feel less compelled to breathe on or touch your child. 

• Right Start has a great play set (Keeping it Simple FAVE) that slides over the tray-table in front of you.  It is small and compact, and zips closed.  The benefit of it is that you do not have to take a lot of toys with you.  Also, if you use the play set only with airplane travel, it seems brand new for your child with every use! 

 Hope you find these travel posts helpful! I know I did. 

Any other suggestions out there?