So far I've managed to mother my little one with dignity and without being chastised. Flying alone with an infant and several hundred other people will challenge that. I used to be one of those people that would be mortified to inconvenience anyone, but I'm slowly getting used to the fact that babies aren't don't share the same sentiment. So, like any mother, I plan ahead and hope for the best.
I am extremely meticulous, and while this list is overkill, it keeps me sane. From all of the information I have found, this is my game plan:
- Be Prepared! Pack Smart:
- Check one rolling bag
- Clothes for me and baby for the week
- Everything needed for pumping and feeding
- Carry on one mommy bag
- Flight Tickets, Identification
- Change of clothes
- Empty water bottle (refill after passing security)
- Have both baby and mommy liquids in plastic bag assessable for security
- Carry on one diaper bag
- Stocked with diapers, wipes, changing pad, 2 sets clothes, socks, hats, bibs, burp cloths, blankets, nursing cover, pacifier, you name it!
- Have bottle(s) easily accessible for checkpoint
- Any entertainment items such as ipod. I doubt I'll be able to read a book!
- Pack an extra snack
- Be Courteous! Travel Smart:
- Pass through security
- If available, locate the family security lane
- Take off shoes, grab liquids bag and bottles
- Remove baby from stroller and pass through security together
- Put baby back in stroller and obtain all personal items
- Put on shoes and restore everything to its correct bag
- Check in at the gate and select seat preferences.
- Arrange to board the plane first
- Get tags for checking the car seat and stroller at the gate
- Tip: Cover the car seat with a plastic trash bag in the event of rain. Check the weather to see if this is necessary
- Use family bathroom and diaper baby
- Board Plane
- Present tickets to gate attendant
- Gather bags and stroll baby to end of jet way
- Remove car seat. Fold up stroller, give to attendant
- Remove baby from the car seat and give the car seat to attendant
- Gather bags and board the plane. Accept any help offered
- Place the mommy bag in the overhead bin
- Keep the diaper bag stowed at feet
- Place baby in lap. Play with baby until plane is ready for takeoff
- Flying
- Feed or discreetly nurse baby during takeoff
- Except if baby is already sleeping!
- Relax and try to keep baby happy or asleep for the remainder of the flight.
- Experienced parents insert chuckle here.
- Exiting Plane
- Pack up baby bag
- Wait for most of the passengers to exit.
- Obtain overhead bag, ask for help if needed.
- Obtain stroller and car seat. Place baby in car seat. Then attach car seat to stroller.
- Load stroller with bags.
- Repeat necessary steps if boarding a connecting plane.
- Locate next departure gate while still seated on plane. Check that it is still correct.
- Leaving the Airport
- Visit a bathroom to diaper baby.
- The remainder should be pretty standard.
- Remember to keep a hand on stroller and have an eye on the baby at all times.
- Install car seat in transportation.
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment