So, it's Joaquin's first time to travel, and I'm lucky my mom is with me. We used to travel when I was little and I consider her a pro when it comes to traveling with a child, actually she's a pro in everything I can think of!
When we finalize that we were traveling, I heard advices like some people told me I can use Benadryl so he would be drowsy during the flight to avoid angry stares when he gets cranky and starts screaming, while my mom advised me to just let him drink water or milk from time to time to help the ears pop especially during take off and landing. Of course I took my mom's advice; one, because she is my mother, she speaks from experience and two, I am not comfortable giving meds to the little monster unless he really needs it.
I didn't have much trouble with the little kiddo since I have my mom with me when we left, but going back, it was just us two. So here are some few tips when travelling alone with your kid:
BEFORE GOING TO THE AIRPORT
1. Make sure you have everything you need (passport, ticket, ID, cash, baby's bottle, formula, diapers, wipes, etc). Have a check list so as not to forget anything.
2. Bring a bag that has an easy to reach compartment for passports and tickets so it wouldn't easily get lost.
3. Snacks. Don't forget to bring snacks, they will get hungry and this also distracts them from being bored and running around. I wouldn't mind that he runs around if I have someone with me to watch our bags, but it's just the two of us so I prefer that he sits in his stroller while waiting to board.
4. Some people disagree when it comes to children using iPads, I on the other hand limit his usage and still make sure that he engages in physical activities and interact with people. For some occasions such as this, I let him use it as much as he wants as long as he behaves besides it's not going to be everyday. Just to avoid a screaming cranky child in the airport and plane when they get bored. So load it with apps appropriate for your child and familiar movies.
BEFORE BOARDING
5. They give priorities to people with children. Be alert when they announce that it is almost time to board, especially when you have a stroller with you, they still have to put a tag for it.
IN THE PLANE
6. There is no problem with your bags when you are seated in the business class, they have storage beside the seat, very accessible. But if you are seated in the economy section, put your bag that you don't need anything from in the overhead bin and the other bag where your child things are, under the seat in front of you for easy access. For security purposes, have your bags padlocked especially when you have gadgets and cash with you just to be sure nothing gets stolen. I heard that there are some people who lost their SLR cameras, wallets, gadgets etc. because someone stole it while they were sleeping. Better to be safe than sorry.
BEFORE BOARDING
5. They give priorities to people with children. Be alert when they announce that it is almost time to board, especially when you have a stroller with you, they still have to put a tag for it.
IN THE PLANE
6. There is no problem with your bags when you are seated in the business class, they have storage beside the seat, very accessible. But if you are seated in the economy section, put your bag that you don't need anything from in the overhead bin and the other bag where your child things are, under the seat in front of you for easy access. For security purposes, have your bags padlocked especially when you have gadgets and cash with you just to be sure nothing gets stolen. I heard that there are some people who lost their SLR cameras, wallets, gadgets etc. because someone stole it while they were sleeping. Better to be safe than sorry.
* inside his bag:
- 3 Bottles
- formulas
- blanket
- socks
- activity book
- iPad
- extra clothes
- jacket
- wipes
- diapers
- 3 Bottles
- formulas
- blanket
- socks
- activity book
- iPad
- extra clothes
- jacket
- wipes
- diapers
7. Don't forget to bring a pen for filling out declaration forms.
8. It's a 12 hour flight, so he is definitely not going to be sleeping the whole flight. It is important to listen to what he needs if he's hungry, tired or bored that way he will be less likely to throw tantrums when he gets frustrated. Offer him snacks, activity book etc. to keep him preoccupied.
LANDING
9. Before the plane is about to land, fix your things and make sure you have all your stuff. Have your passports and forms ready. Having it all prepared will make it much easier and faster to leave the airport.
10. I'm not sure if some airlines welcome you with your stroller as you deplane, but in our case, the stroller comes out with the baggages. So you'll be carrying your baby plus your carry ons. I got two carry ons, a back pack and a bag that I can carry on my shoulder so my arms are free to hold or carry him. I wouldn't suggest the pull luggage if your child is already heavy, for me I prefer to carry him with both arms. Remember you still have to walk (it may be a long walk) and go through immigration stuffs, this would make your arms numb if you are carrying your heavy baby on one arm and pulling your luggage on the other.
11. In the baggage claim carousel, if there are porters around, leave all the lifting to them and just focus with the little one and your carry ons, it wouldn't hurt much if you will just give them tips rather than loosing your bag or worse, your child. (I get paranoid about this one because most of the news that time was about children being kidnapped, they strike anywhere and who knows it can happen in the airport too. I wouldn't want to take a chance, that is why I'd rather hold him close to me.)
12. Check your bags, is it complete? Now you're ready to go home :)
12. Check your bags, is it complete? Now you're ready to go home :)
*Most of the tips written here are mostly from our experience. If it is possible to pick the time of your departure, I think it is best during their sleep schedules.
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