Gathered and Growing

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Over Labor Day Weekend, we traveled to Alabama. It was a great first trip as a family of 3! This is how we prepared and planned for our first time flying with our baby.

• About a month prior, I started researching what is allowed on the plane and also watched videos how other families traveled. 
• I went through our supplies: what we had and what we needed. Anything to make it easier in the airport and on the plane.

1. Portable Diaper Pad. (My husband’s favorite!) This made diaper changes in the airport so much easier. Perfect as a quick grab n go and was so handy to place at the top of our diaper bag. We now use it for just a quick trip out the door or into church. It fits an extra outfit, diapers, and travel size wipes.
2. Toy Clips. I had several pouches I wanted to use in the diaper bag to keep his items accessible and organized. The shiny pouch had his toys and the red pouch contained miscellaneous items. I bought these pacifier clips to attach the toys to, so nothing would be dropped on the airport floor or in the plane. I now use them for everyday use at home or in the car. They make great teethers!
3. Car Seat Bag. We would be gate checking the car seat. This bag was great protection and the straps made it easy to carry like a backpack. Also, there’s so much extra room, we put a few other bags into it.
4. O Ball Set. (My husband’s favorite!) I gave him an O Ball when he just turned 3 months. After playing with it, he immediately started reaching and grabbing more. He loves this ball. I have a set for the car/traveling and for at home.
5. Rotating Toy. I didn’t use this very much on the plane, but it’s great as a distraction toy for in the car. I now have one in the car and on his bouncer. He likes spinning it.
6. Stroller Bag. Our Mockingbird Stroller fit perfectly inside, once we removed the wheels (which was so easy to take on and off). It rolls, and protected our stroller for gate check. We packed it with other items too since there was extra space.
7. Travel Size Wipes. These wipes fit the portable diaper pad perfectly!
8. Luggage Tags. There were a lot of families traveling at this time! The bright green tags made our bags at gate check easy to spot.
9. Teether. The toy clips worked perfectly for these. He loves holding these.
10. Insulation Foam. I had read a review about someone traveling with their Mockingbird Stroller and how it got damaged during gate check. It wasn’t necessary, but we knew we wanted to protect ours since it’s an item we’ll be using for years to come. We added it to the handle of the stroller as well as the car seat.

Tips:

• Don’t pack up your stroller and the car seat in the bags until you’re at the gate! TSA Security will make you take it all out as you go through. (We learned this the hard way.)
• Do use your stroller to carry items. I carried baby in the carrier to go through TSA, so my hands would be free to put items in bins if necessary. 
• During take off and landing, feed your baby, so they can swallow. It helps with ear pressure. 
• Anything related to baby (nursing pillow or diaper bag) does not count towards your carry on item.

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