BABY'S FIRST PLANE RIDE

The LO just went on her first airplane ride! Actually, she traveled 2 times in a consecutive weekend.  It was not bad as I thought it would be.  Prior to traveling, I worried as to what to do at the airport and on the plane being that I've been to a lot of plane rides and I know that baby and airplanes do not go together.  I "googled" for information on what to expect when traveling with a baby but all I got was what to pack for a baby.  So, here is a run down of 5 things you should know when traveling by plane with a baby. Hope it helps! 

01. The Stroller and diaper bag do NOT count as hand carry.  You are still allowed to carry a small purse and a small luggage.   Though you are allowed to bring a small purse and a small luggage, pay the $25 check in fee. It is money well spent.   You need to consider that you have to disassemble your stroller while carrying your baby, carry the diaper bag and your small luggage in a 1 foot width aisle.  

02. Get to the airport early.  My husband and I travel at least once a year and we always arrive at the airport an hour before our flight.  This time since it was our first time to travel with the LO, we decided to come 2 hours early.  You need the extra time to check in  because the airline agents have to manually input your baby's name on the computer. 

03.  Don't stress yourself as you go through security.  If it isn't stressful enough to put your coat, belt, shoes, jewelry and cellphone away, you are also going to disassemble your stroller, carry your baby as you go through security and have your bottles tested.  Do your prep -- Put all your bottles in a ziploc bag so that it is the only thing you have to take out.  Place all other liquids (lotion, alcohol, etc) into a ziploc too, they did not check ours but you do not want to be sorting through your bag with your baby in your hip.  It is a good idea to bring a cross body bag or a backpack as your luggage instead of a wheeled carry-on so that your have hands free. 

04.  Feed your baby before take off.  This is the best advice that I got.  We gave her a bottle as soon as we were seated on the plane.  My baby dozed off right after her bottle. 

05.  Prepare a bag of goodies in your diaper bag. Put her favorite toys, books, extra pacifier and blankie.  Babies get fussy on the plane and you need to be prepared to redirect them. I had at least 10 different things for her.  I also made use of the plane's magazines and menu.  She loved ripping them lol.  

Overall, our trip was very pleasant and peaceful.  The people we sat with at the plane loved her because she did not cry and they couldn't believe how behave she was.  Hope the list helps.