We took Riley on her first trip for the Holidays...we flew from LA to Denver, Denver to Chicago and then Chicago to LA. The first leg was tough...we chose not to buy her a seat so I wore her in a Bjorn through the airport and my back was killing me...even though I have traveled most of my life, I still overpack so even my carry-on bag was overloaded and heavy! Add a baby, a winter coat and a dog, and getting through security and the airport was kind of a pain. Then, while waiting at the gate, Riley started crying and that was tough. I tried feeding, changing her diaper and walking around to calm her. Once we got on the plane - which was a very tiny little jet so it was cramped and tight - I started to feed her. But we had to get up and change planes because there was a problem with the tire...super fun! Finally, we got on the plane and started for the takeoff and Riley was a gem from there on out. I fed her during lift-off, when she got fussy and as we started our descent. She stopped feeding and actually was laughing and joking during our landing....this girl was born to fly!
By the second leg, it got a lot better, I think just getting the first time out of the way was the hard part. And the final leg was the best....we upgraded ourselves so it was like heaven having all of the room to hold her and feed her and still feel some privacy.
Some things I learned during the experience -
1. Buy a seat if you can, it just gives you freedom to move around and get comfortable.
2. Upgrade if you can, first class is so much better...definitely worth it
3. Bring your Snap and Go stroller or a stroller to get through the airport...so much easier then carrying the baby with other bags hanging from your shoulder. Check it at the gate.
4. DO NOT STRESS - otherwise it will make the whole experience just a big pain and frustrating, plus the baby will feel it and get fussy
5. Take your time...who cares of people get frustrated in security
6. Feed during take-off and landing and whenever they get fussy, it does help. Riley did not cry once and other passengers hardly knew she was there
7. Flight attendants love babies...and want to hold them. Fine with me!
8. Babies enjoy flying...or at least mine does (hopefully this will last)
9. I love flying, but I am a 1000 times more nervous and sensitive to little bumps and noises with the baby traveling with me. I just don't want anything to happen to her...kind of confirms buying a seat will make me feel more comfortable, I hope.
10. Pack light, but make sure to have everything you need for baby!
Traveling is definitely a whole new ballgame with the baby, but I am so glad I am doing it!!! Up next, Hawaii at the end of the month!
Pix - Riley and dad in the Admirals Club in Denver!
