WFMW: Car Edition

So today Shannon is hosting a "Works for Me" Car Edition, but since my babe is only 8 months and is only child so far, car trips aren't a hassle yet. BUT we've already taken two trips on an airplane with baby in tow, one of those times just being baby and me, so I'll share some tips for getting through the airport without chaos....

#1 As long as baby is still small enough to hold in your lap fairly comfortably, check the car seat so you don't have to lug it around.

#2 Only bring diaper bag and a small toy bag. Pack your purse in your suitcase and just find a place for your wallet and keys in the diaper bag. Less baggage = so much less stress!

#3 Get an umbrella stroller!! a) You can collapse it and set it back up with one hand while baby is on your other arm. b) It easily fits through the X-ray machine. c) It's so much easier to quickly weave through the crowds. d) Easier to navigate through bathroom when it's tight quarters. As long as baby is in the stroller, just hang the diaper bag off the back of it (it won't tip over), so you don't have to carry the bags while you're walking. Then check the stroller plane side. Sometimes they'll even have it set up for you when you go to retrieve it after your flight. People are VERY helpful and kind to you when they know you have a baby, especially if you're traveling by yourself and don't have Hubby's help.

#4 For formula-fed baby: Bring your normal can of formula. Bring a small thermos and as soon as you get through security, stop at the first coffee shop or restaurant and ask them to fill your thermos with hot water. (They'll do it, no questions asked.) And also buy a cold bottled water. When you need to make a bottle, make it with half (or less) of the boiling hot water and half with cold water (just so the temperature is right). I try to make sure baby is fed before going on plane but if I don't have time for that, I at least make sure that the bottle is made and ready to go because once you're on the plane, you don't have much space and baby is in your lap and stress and frustration is inevitable.

#5 For solid food meals: bring a couple Bibsters (disposable bibs) so you can just throw it away when you're done and not have to worry about somehow cleaning off baby's bib.

#6 While on the plane, make sure baby is sucking on something during take-off and landing to help his ears pop. My son didn't have any troubles at all with this and only once did he scream for a few minutes because he was overtired and resisting sleep. Yes, we were one of those people, but we got through. You have your small bag of toys to attempt entertaining baby, but the best option would be to get baby to sleep during flight. All I can really say is good luck during the flight!

I've been so wonderfully blessed with our positive travel experiences. Just be flexible, go with the flow, and stay calm. My son was an absolute trooper and did better than expected!

For other great travel tips, visit Shannon. Happy Wednesday!