Tuesday Talk | Tips for Flying with a Baby

ONE | Fill the Diaper Bag with Essentials

I made sure I packed that thing with everything but the kitchen sink. These are just a few of the key things to make sure you have.

-Diapers (no less than 6)

-Wipes (brand new bag)

-Change of clothes (or 2)

-Nursing cover

-Extra blanket (airports are cold)

-Small toys
-Snacks

TWO | Baby Wearing

Since I was flying by myself I didn't have much of a choice, but even if Sean had come I would have worn Stella. It just allowed me to have my hands free for carrying bags. They will also let you wear the baby through security so you don't even have to worry about taking him/her out.

THREE | Gate Check

Gate checking is a life saver. The only thing I ever took on the plane was Stella's diaper bag, and her, of course. I had to take the car seat, since we had a rental car, so hauling that thing around would've been a pain. You can gate check and request that it go to your final destination, and it's free.

FOUR | Aisle Seats are a Life Saver

I don't know if you've ever tried to nurse on an airplane, but it can be difficult. With an aisle seat you at least have a little more room to maneuver, plus you don't have to worry about your babe kicking the person next to you. It's also great if you have to get up multiple times for diaper changes.

FIVE | Ask for Help

People are always willing to help, especially when it's a lady with a baby. There were people always offering to help me out. People helped me carry luggage, get through security, and maneuver through airports.

One thing I learned while flying was how tolerant people are of babies. I was completely terrified of flying with Stella because of horrible things I'd read. You so see people posting about passing out "goody" bags on airplanes to ease the pain of flying with their child. But I never felt like Stella was bothering anyone. Honestly, most people seemed more sorry for me when she cried, not themselves. And I can't tell you how many people made comments about how they'd been in my shoes or how they'd forgotten what it was like to have one so little. It was such a great experience that for a second I thought about taking Wyatt next time. Ha.