Inside: Tips and tricks to make life a little easier when you are flying alone with a baby.
“Who is crazy enough to fly alone with a baby?”
Well, the answer to that is usually pretty simple; it’s a military wife.
Nothing beats the look a stranger gives you when you sit down next to them on a plane with an infant. It has the power to immediately stress you out because you know they are cursing in their head saying “Great! This kid will be screaming the whole time..”
Not to mention, if your baby does end up crying, it’s easy to become instantly overwhelmed.
Take it a step at a time
My son was only two months old when we flew to Mississippi on our own to visit my husband while he was in tech school, which actually made it easier since he was still sleeping a lot during the day.
What made my situation difficult was that I had short layovers, I was breastfeeding, and my husband was not ATP status yet which means he could not leave the base to meet me at the airport.
Here are some tips that helped me get through the airport alone with my baby.
Baggage Check
I checked almost everything. My wallet was in the diaper bag and I packed my purse. I checked the car seat, the base, the stroller (I used one like this so I could click the car seat on), and my suitcase. All I had was the baby and a backpack. Inside the backpack was all the things that would normally be in my diaper bag, and a change of clothes for me and him.
I put the baby in his baby carrier and carried the backpack on my back which means my hands were completely free. I didn’t want to bring the stroller because my layovers were so short I could not wait for them to unload the stroller and car seat and I just figured it would be more stuff to keep track of and drag through the security checks. Plus, Delta does not charge extra to check strollers or car seats.
Security Checks
All the airports I’ve been in did not make me take my baby out of the carrier. I did have to have my hands tested each time. This only took a few extra minutes.
What took forever was the first time I went through security with my diaper bag. They tore it apart and it took a while to put it back together. The TSA told me that it was the wipes. It shows up on the monitor as a big dense object. I learned from this and took the wipes out each time and they never had to search the bag again. I also took out the diaper cream and baby oil.
It is significantly faster to just pop the wipes back in the bag then have to figure out how you fit everything in there to begin with. Obviously, keep in mind the current liquid restrictions when packing (which I believe is 3 0z).
Getting to the Gate
I would immediately find my gate and try not to wander too far off. If I had to find food I just got something at the closest place. Anyone that has kids knows that everything takes longer when you’re trying to get somewhere with them.
Honestly, my layovers were so short I only had time to feed my kid. The only place I ventured to was the bathroom because I did not want to try to fit into an airplane stall with a baby strapped to my chest.
I did cut it way too close one time with feeding my baby in the bathroom stall. I learned from this and just used my nursing cover at the gate (if you are a whip-it-out type of breastfeeder, then all the more power to ya!)
Boarding
Different airlines have different rules. Southwest has boarding categories and will allow people with children to board after group A and before group B. Delta will let people with kids board after the handicap.
Do what you think is best. We flew southwest when we flew to Texas with my in-laws for BMT graduation and it was helpful to board early so that we could find seats together.
Delta has assigned seats and if I knew I had all aisle seats, I probably wouldn’t have boarded so early because I had to get up two separate times to let people in on each flight. But it did give me time to get everything situated which was nice.
Take off/Landing
I fed my baby BEFORE getting on the plane so that he was full and sleepy. Also, I didn’t want to try breastfeeding him when I was already way too close to a complete stranger. If you are using a bottle, I recommend feeding your baby during take-off (or have them suck on a pacifier– which is what I did)
Not only did it help him fall asleep but it also seemed to prevent any issues with his ears. He never seemed uncomfortable, and slept the entire flight each time. Also worth noting, airlines will make you take your baby out of the baby carrier during take off and landing- so keep that in mind when your baby falls asleep so you don’t wake him/her.
Baggage Claim
Have a system and practice it! ESPECIALLY if you are going to be alone. You have to find a way to be able to gather all of your things and transport them. This is what worked [wonderfully] for me.
First, I found a spot near the front and got everything together. Most people will try to help you grab things when they see that you have a baby strapped to you. That was helpful when I got to Mississippi since all my stuff came out one after another. I opened the stroller (click connect), clicked the car seat on, and put the base in the car seat.
I still had the baby on my chest and the backpack on my back. This meant I was able to push the stroller and roll the suitcase behind me. I strongly recommend using a suitcase with spinners (like this one); it will make life a million times easier.
I also got my rental car without having to get on a shuttle which was great!
Invest in Antibacterial Wipes
I am not a germ freak whatsoever but airports are disgusting and if you DO have to put your baby down (to change diapers or clothes) then a travel pack of Lysol or Clorox wipes are very handy. Not to mention, you will probably want to clean when you get to the hotel.
Stay calm.
My flights went very smoothly and my baby slept the entire time. If your baby doesn’t do as great, then my last tip is to try not to get too worked up over your baby crying.
As parents, we generally try not to disrupt people too much with our crying children but most people understand and if there is one thing I have learned- the more worked up you get, the more likely you will be unsuccessful in calming your kid.
Take it a step at a time, stay as calm and relaxed as you can, and have a safe flight!
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