Thursday’s Tips: How to entertain your baby on a plane

All of my tips have been about flying so far. (see my earlier posts here and here) That’s because it’s on my mind a lot lately as we gear up to take yet another flight. And yes I’ll be alone again!

I mentioned earlier that my 9 month old is very active and squirmy. Keeping her entertained for a few hours is no small feat. And being in a claustrophobic plane ups the challenge. Ah if only I had a private jet…then I wouldn’t have these challenges. But since I’m not that lucky and probably most of you aren’t either, I am sharing some ideas on how to keep our little ones occupied and therefore keeping us sane!

1. Lots of snacks and preferably those that take your baby a long time to eat. Remember to put these in an easily accessible spot because nothing’s worse than digging through bags under your seat while holding a baby. Those who have done it know its pretty impossible!

2. Visit the dollar store or the dollar bin at Target. Pick out some new and cheap toys. Do Not bring your baby’s regular toys. You will lose them. Either you little one will chuck them rows away or they’ll get lost any way possible. Which reminds me…always bring extras of everything!

3. Wrap these toys like presents. Your baby will love the paper, the task of unwrapping and even the tape. I haven’t tried this but I’ve heard people say that babies love masking tape! So use that and pretend its Christmas in August.

4. Fill a wipes case with little scraps of fabric. They will enjoy pulling them out and if you lose some, no worries!

5. Finally, there are electronics. Many people say their children enjoy Baby Einstein. My daughter isn’t really into that yet and I’ve been trying to wait as long as I can before introducing things like iPads and tv.

So I’m going to try a few of these and report back to you next week.
Do you have any other tips?

Since you probably don’t need to see pictures of the stuff I’ll bring on the plane, I’ll leave you with a picture of my baby waving bye!

Thursday’s Tips: Flying ALONE with a Baby

I have been ‘lucky’ enough to fly alone with my baby at least 4 times so far.  (she is only just over 9 months)  The older she gets, the harder she gets.  I am preparing to make a trip to Salt Lake City to visit my husband’s family.  We leave in two weeks and, yes, I am already planning ahead.  I’m like that!

Anyway, my daughter is actually usually very well behaved on plane rides.  She rarely cries, and when she does I just feed her.  But it is quite a challenge to hold her squirmy, chubby body in a confined space!  She is not a fan of sitting still!  I am just a little nervous for this upcoming adventure.  Luckily, this flight is direct and not as long as previous flights.

My overall tips for flying alone are these:

1. Just breathe- I’ve come close to breaking down into tears out of exhaustion or from just being overwhelmed.  Usually you can look around with that “I’m going to kill over any second now” look and some kind stranger will come to your rescue.

2. Accept strangers’ help-  I am not usually a fan of letting complete strangers hold my baby or even letting people carry my bags for me.  But when I am alone with my baby on an airplane or in the airport, all my rules about this kind of stuff are thrown out the window.  People wouldn’t offer to help if they truly did not want to, so I say go ahead.  Let the stewardess hold your baby while you squeeze into that minuscule bathroom.

3. Pick a window seat- I have tried window seats and aisle seats and I prefer the window.  I really didn’t think the extra arm space would make a difference, but it does.  The extra space is even worth making the other two people get up and move when you have to go to the bathroom.

4. Take as little as possible with you-  I don’t really take my own advice with this one, but I try.  It is challenging enough to have a baby, let alone having multiple carry-ons and extra items.  I resolve to be more organized this trip…I always say that.

Finally, I’m sure you’ve seen this idea on Pinterest.  Someone had the cute idea to give a little baggie full of goodies like earplugs, candy etc to thank people and prepare them for sitting near their child.  I have encountered many kind and patient people while flying with my little one.  Strangers usually go out of their way to help me.  This time I am prepared to thank them, since a simple “thank you” doesn’t seem to be enough.

I filled these little baggies with Reese’s Pieces with a note saying, “Thank you for helping make this trip a “piece” of cake!”  (note: have I said that we are subleasing here?  Well, at home I have access to cute paper and markers, but here I don’t even have a Sharpie.  I didn’t want to go out and buy stuff that I have at home, so please excuse my post it note)

Also, excuse the poor photography.