Two weeks ago, our family decided to go on a pre-holiday vacation to the good ole midwest with our adult daughter and two of our grandkids in tow, so needless to say, this was perfect timing to post on this topic!
Aside from the lack of sleep, I must say that I was pleasantly surprised at how smoothly this trip went. Dragging my grandbaby around town is difficult enough, so when we decided to go on this trip, I was genuinely concerned with exactly WHAT to bring to make our journey easier.
We had to fly and stay with relatives in Illinois and Indiana, which meant taking a flight and driving for about 4 hours. We packed all of our suitcases and decided to go bare-bones with the baby stuff. We checked the car seat and the snap-n-go and had the baby attached to momma the whole time. This was perhaps the best thing for us because chasing a three-year-old through the airport required everyone’s full attention (and both of my hands!!!) So having the baby on momma was fantastic.
We didn’t have to fuss with the umbrella stroller through the airport foot traffic, and going through security was a breeze. We didn’t have to take the baby out of the K’tan (available here on Amazon). Momma just walked with him attached to herself right through the metal detector, allowing everyone else to focus on the three-year-old trying to put his shoes back on.
Security opened our Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack diaper bag (which can convert from a traditional diaper bag into a backpack) because we forgot to remove the baby food and the formula (oopsy!). After TSA thoroughly searched it, I was able to grab it, strap it onto my back, and go on to find our gate.
If you’d like to read more about the Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack check them out here on Amazon.
Surprisingly, through all of this commotion, the baby was able to fall asleep on my daughter’s chest, and when we got on the plane, we found our seats, and she just strapped the seatbelt onto her waist. Halfway through the flight, he woke up happy and contented and played with grandma and grandpa. He did so well! I was so proud of my little one!
Having the baby attached to my daughter’s chest kept her calm and gave her a great sense of relief. She is not a massive fan of flying and having that little human being breathing in and cuddling up safely next to her made her so calm. I think she could have flown all day!
Nursing on the plane kept the baby calm and provided him with some relief from the ear-popping torture. Getting off the plane was also not a big deal, and she just strapped the baby back on the carrier and walked out onto the baggage claim to get his car seat. Off we went to our destination.
All in all, we had a tremendous trip-no major meltdowns or headaches! I was so relieved! We all had fun and enjoyed our vacation, even with two small children in tow!
Have you traveled with baby? How was your experience?
