Hello! Elizabeth Whittington here. I have been a Bubbles parent for almost a year. As a first-time mother, it has been a true-lifesaver and source of joy. I’m here to share my travel tips with you!
“Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go…” Remember the excitement and ease of traveling before you had kids? I know that I sure do. Honestly, it was even easier traveling in year one when I could tuck my little one safely in her car seat and she would sleep for the majority of the trek to grandmother’s house. Now that my little angel is more active, traveling presents a whole new set of challenges.
I approached our Thanksgiving travels with a lot of fear and trepidation. I desperately did not want to have that baby on the plane. You know the one that I am talking about. Think back to before you had kids. You saw them boarding the plane and just prayed that they weren’t sitting next to you. As a single mother, I was even more fearful because it was all on me. I couldn’t pass her off like a football. I sought advice from fellow moms, but ultimately it was all on me.
We were pretty lucky for our first flight. It wasn’t full so we had two seats even though I did not purchase one for her. Despite my best efforts to schedule the flight at nap time, she was too excited to rest. I created a play pen of sorts. Toys were strewn all about and snacks were plentiful. It’s a good idea to have a couple of new or unfamiliar toys along with your child’s favorites. And, I don’t know about you, but I am not afraid of bribery using puffs. They could entertain my daughter for hours. She, of course, passed out the last twenty minutes of the flight.
Our return flight did not start off as magical. We were seated next to a man who was less than thrilled at the prospect of spending two hours next to my thirteen-month-old. And, she was equally upset. There was some kicking of the seat in front of us and throwing of toys. Fortunately, however, after take-off she drifted off to the Land of Nod and was asleep for the entire flight. Isn’t that what we all dream about?
We embark on another flight for Christmas travel and I am equal parts excited and fearful. What tips do you have for holiday travel?
My Tips for Holiday Travel with Kids
Transportation to the Airport – We are lucky to live in a city with a plethora of options. There is no way that I was dealing with the hassle of driving to the airport. Do yourself a favor and take a taxi/Uber. I do know that O’Hare offers Valet Parking service, so that may be another option. As an added bonus, if you are a VIP member of Bump Club and Beyond there is a discount.
Baggage – The rules with each airline vary. We have only flown American Airlines, which allows you to check a stroller/car seat. I choose to wear my daughter and check the car seat. Consider what you need at your destination and what will allow you to most easily navigate the airport.
Security – I recommend wearing your baby. Even though my daughter is more active, she is quite content to be attached to mom. TSA does not require you to remove the baby so you don’t have to worry about your little one making a run for it.
