We recently went on an adventure. A perfect little four-day getaway to Tampa, FL to visit our Florida family in their own (amazing) habitat. The only hitch was getting the baby to and fro without wanting to cry, turn around and call the whole thing off. 

Flying is not a part of our daily life. So the idea of navigating airports with the little one and the many necessities that she necessitates seemed a little daunting. Obviously I researched prior to — Pinterest and mom blogs and Pinterest links to mom blogs. The most legitimate of sources. 

Luggage:

Checked at counter —

• One big rolling duffle containing my clothes and most of the babies belongings
• Carseat base. 

Brought through the airport —

• Backpack diaper bag complete with multiple outfit changes and bibs, probably 7 diapers for good measure (we used 3), full travel wipe container, nursing cover, Sophie, a crinkly soft toy, wubbanub, 2 bottles with measured out formula just in case and everything else we usually keep in the diaper bag (changing pad, desitin, aquaphor, yadda yadda) it was bursting at the seams I’ll admit so it was prioritized by likelihood of need
• A big purse – I kept our boarding passes and IDs and assorted other document-like things in there. Along with our electronics (phones, headphones, iPad). And once we boarded I placed the stroller blanket on the top for easy access if the plane was chilly. Basically a muggers dream. 
• Carry-on containing Ryan’s  clothes and some baby necessities in case our checked bag went missing (I would’ve just been SOL if that happened). 
• Stroller and connected car seat containing 1 baby.

So how did we make it through…

Arrival…followed by immediate diaper/full outfit change due to blow outs on the ride to the airport…both times. Cool, Lydie. Real cool. 

Checked our bag and carseat base and got our boarding passes at the counter. Upgraded to seats with extra leg room. Worth all the many dollars. 

Removed baby from stroller and carried her through security checks. They gave me and her the wanding vs the crazy full-body scan machines where you stand like a star fish. They took the stroller aside because it wouldn’t fit through the conveyor belt check machine. Our diaper bag also got pulled and searched because formula… powders are generally a no-no.  None of this was a big deal just a hurried herding of our belongings and selves through the checkpoint. 

We grabbed some food and did a diaper check just before boarding. Because we had the baby we were able to pre-board the plane and get settled. And breathe. 

Right at the door of the plane they checked the stroller and car seat.  SO convenient!!!

Break out the toys and commence operation keep baby happy and entertained while everyone boards the plane, sees a baby and grimaces. Attempt to charm these passengers with baby’s cuteness and giggles. Succeed. 

Break out the nursing cover and start feeding the baby while taking off to relieve her poor little baby ears from the changes in air pressure. Pray that she falls asleep usually boob milk is her Tylenol PM. Win. 

Lydie slept for 75% of both flights and was completely pleasant and content (and intentionally VERY well fed) for the rest of the flights. Ryan was a dear and changed her once on each flight. He noted that the changing table folded down over the toilet. I didn’t even attempt a mid-flight pee. 

We didn’t have to deal with any connecting flights and would definitely recommend direct flights with baby whenever possible.

They brought our stroller and car seat right back up to us at the gate — albeit they were very chilly from being stowed away in the plane belly. We laid down her blanket and off we went to baggage claim. 

I really don’t think it could’ve gone any better. I’m sure many horror stories exist but if you are able to get yourself out and about at a mall by yourself – this really wasn’t all that much different. Just the added stress of knowing that disruptions are really ultra disrupting in enclosed spaces and dealing with the added restriction of movement and space. 

My take aways from this trip:

• Direct flights 
• Upgrade seats
• Feed feed feed the baby
• Window seat for comfortable arm resting if possible.
• Use the stroller for ease of transport through the airport and check it at the gate. If not, babywear and check everything upon arrival.
• Chill out. Babies are tiny-human stress detectors. If you embark on your journey anxious and frantic, your pumpkin will become anxious and frantic. Set the tone. 
• Smile. It’s contagious. People like happy people.