airlines beware...i'm traveling with a toddler...

#SMOM
Aug 31, 2018
5 min read

Southwest, American, United...Y'all have been warned! They all do not stand a chance against my traveling toddler...but luckily...I have TRICKS!

Ok...I debated about even doing a post about this subject, but I thought..."There are probably a lot of parents who have a child like mine who simply is not the best traveler."

Let me be honest, Sloane has been on an airplane almost every month since January 2017. There have probably been only a handful of months where she has not flown.

Let me also add, I have only traveled by myself with her-meaning I have not had ANY help. So you would think we make the #dreamteam when it comes to travel...WE.ARE.NOT.

You would also think a child that has been on as many flights as she has would be a Grade A traveler. SHE.IS.NOT. LOL

We experienced such a bad flying experience that I promised her I would remember this moment for when she is older and spank her for it lol ;-) #keepingitreal

She is SUPER polite boarding. Tricking both the crew and passengers, but the moment they lock the door...it is GAME ON #lawdhelp

Even if the flight is scheduled during her nap time...she somehow finds the energy to push through. If we get a flight at her bedtime...again..she finds the superhuman strength to push through and clown:-)

It was mid-air that she decided she no longer wanted to use a pacifier...she took it out her mouth and threw it and never looked back...she was SEVEN MONTHS!

Here is the thing: #MiniMe does not scream and cry. She DOES seem to get an unnatural case of the #wiggles. #MiniMe kicks the back of seats...Apologies to fliers who had to experience this. She wants a constant stream of milk...like #MiniMe would probably LOVE if an IV of milk was hooked up to her. If she cannot get this constant stream of milk...temper tantrums occur. She also magically takes a poop every.single.time.at.some.point.during.the.flight.

And now that she is not a baby...she can clear a room or a plane in this case :-o

But I have some tips that have finally worked!

RED EYE FLIGHTS ONLY

The last few flights we have taken have been red-eyes and Sloane has been perfect-probably because she is still dazed and not entirely sure what is happening. She has gone to sleep on these flights. She has not needed as much milk. She has not taken a poop as we take off...yes she has done this SEVERAL times.

Redeye flights make for the best flights for a toddler who simply is NOT a good traveler — #redeye #flightlife #besttimetoflywithatoddler

Fully Loaded and charged Tablet

I do not let Sloane watch TV like that...whether it be on my phone, tablet, or actual TV. This is not to say she does not watch TV at all, but I would say 90-95% of her time during the week is not in front of a TV, tablet, and.or iPhone.

Tablet fully loaded with baby's favorite movies to keep her distracted. — #tablet #fullyloaded #snacksfullystocked

Because of this, these wonderful gadgets do their job....DISTRACT. I even got her some cool headphones. I load the tablet with a couple of movies and TV shows and introduce it at the beginning of the flight with her milk and snacks...which leads to the next tip...

Eat, Drink, and All Other Passengers Will be Merry

I come fully equipped with two already made bottles of milk, an unopened water bottle, lots and lots of snacks, and an extra small jug of milk for an emergency like a delayed flight.

Do not worry, TSA will allow all these items to go through. They will test the milk, but everything else is good.

Traveling Toys...Book...Crayons

These items are to be used before the plane. I live in a big city, so I have to be at the airport extra early to ensure we get through TSA and bags checked with enough time to spare.

After going through TSA and checking bags, we are there 1.5hrs before our flights take off. #MiniMe needs something to do. Cue the toys, a book, and crayons to color. I also have a secret weapon item...BUBBLES. This is great for burning off energy.

Perfect Timing

I change Sloane's diaper 10-15mins before we are due to board. This seems to be the perfect timing. Of course, she has still managed to make a dirty diaper LITERALLY while we were taking off, but, MAJORITY of the time she can keep a fresh diaper up until we land with the 10-15min rule.

Gear

Unfortunately, I have not figured out how to not travel with so much stuff, but this is the BARE MINIMUM.

Stroller-#MiniMe is thick with it and I have tendinitis. She likes to ride in it and I like to push her and have her set up with all her distractions while being seated in the stroller;-)
Leash: Yes, I said it-L-E-A-S-H. Life has been so much easier for me since I got Sloane a leash. It is so much easier to keep up with her, while also allowing her to run around.
Traveling Car Seat: meaning one that is cheap and you do not mind if they say forget to put it on your flight...YES THAT HAPPENED TO ME and can get a little banged up
Fully Loaded Diaper Bag
One Checked Suitcase: I have been able to fit all of our items in one shared suitcase to be checked.
Extra Bag in the Suitcase: this is for just in case I am over the weight limit AND if I return with more than I had when leaving.
Back Pack: for putting stuff like your purse, my laptop, etc.

Important to note...all airlines allow for car seats and strollers to be checked for FREE. Additionally, almost all airlines allow for either the car seat, stroller, and/or both to be gate checked.

Logistics

I call ahead and let the airlines know I am travelling with a lap baby. Southwest does require passengers with lap babies to have a copy of the baby's birth certificate to show. Unfortunately, this means you still have to check in at the Southwest front desk:-(

Airlines are kind enough to understand the woes of traveling with children and allow for families to pre-board. I still go up to the gate attendant and let them know I will need to pre-board, but you can get a little extra time. This comes in handy when traveling with Southwest because you can get an even better seat than you would if you were with you group.

Additionally, I check with the gate attendants to see how full the flight is. Because I do red eyes, they tend to not be as full, so this allows for me to either get two seats or a WHOLE ROW.

Remain Calm and Kind and You Will Attract Calm and Kind

Even though my darling little #MiniME can transform into a monster when we travel, people show the beauty in humanity by being so calm and helpful. I cannot tell you how many strangers and flight attendants have helped me carry stuff, fold and unfold items, even held her.