A couple weeks ago, I had to make a quick trip to Atlanta to see my newly engaged sister and take their engagement photos. We decided on the particular weekend spur of the moment because it worked better for everyone’s schedules. Unfortunately, my husband Matt wasn’t able to join us. Since I had been out of town the previous weekend for work, I decided this time little Ainsley would go with me. That meant I would be traveling alone with an 8 month old! I am not going to lie, I was a little nervous. It’s tough traveling in general, add to the mix keeping an eye on a busy baby along with all of your luggage. Whew, it was a job to say the least. As always, I learned a lot, and I figured I would share my knowledge with you 🙂

1. Wear layers. This is one of my tips for traveling regardless, but if you don’t heed my advice normally on this, it’s important when traveling alone with a child. If you’re anything like me, I tend to run a little behind schedule [I blame the babelet ;)] which inevitably means I have to run through the airport at some point. By the time I got on the plane I was sweating. It was nice to be able to shed a few layers once I got situated on the plane. Bonus, layers can be used for pillows and blankets for the little one.
2. Go to the bathroom before getting on the plane. Be sure to leave some time before boarding to use the restroom. It seems like a funny tip, but when you think about using that itty bitty bathroom on the plane, where will baby go? Thankfully, people are generally kind when they see you traveling alone and if you’re not able to duck into the bathroom ahead of time, a flight attendant will step in and offer to hold her for a minute.
3. Have a stroller for going through the airport. I asked some of my mom friends tips for traveling alone, and this was one I got most frequently. I brought my lily baby carrier, but ended up using the stroller through the airport. That way I didn’t kill my back since I had other things slung over my shoulder, and I could hang stuff on the stroller or put extra things in the basket below.
4. Let your little get the wiggles out before boarding. I brought a blanket to have Ainsley crawl around or play on before boarding. It allows for a little extra energy released before having to sit in a confined space for a while.
5. Have snacks in your bag. This applies to you and baby. I don’t know about you, but after carrying all sorts of luggage, pushing a stroller, rushing to the gate and getting situated on the plane, mama needs a little fuel. Snacks help pass the time of the flight, and definitely keep the little one occupied for a while.

Is anyone a seasoned traveler with a baby? I’d love to hear more tips [not that I’m planning on this being a regular thing because I am worn out!].

P.s. I’ll do another blog post sometime soon with links to some of my baby traveling essentials.