Let’s be honest, traveling somewhere with kids is a trip more than a vacation. I’m not discounting the fact that wonderful memories will be made, but if we’re keeping it real, it’s a lot of work! And that scenario is with my husband helping, maybe even some grandparents involved. But have you ever had to take your kid(s) on a flight alone? You know, when you tell people, the common response is usually, “Oh, bless your heart.”
I recently found myself in a situation where I had to travel solo with my two small children. We take an annual beach trip to see my family on the East Coast. Since flights aren’t exactly cheap and we only get to see my side of the family once or twice a year, I like to maximize our time there. This year, we decided to go for 11 days. My husband was not able to be away from work that long, so we decided he would leave in the middle of the trip, and I would fly home with the kids … by myself. Bless my heart, right?
Travel aside, motherhood is challenging enough. I’m all about anything to make mom life easier. Here are a few pro mom tips tailored for making solo travel with kids go as smoothly as possible. I’ve separated the tips based on before, during, and after the flight.
Before take-off
Carseat and stroller
- Have an extra car seat or two at your final destination. This usually makes sense when you’re traveling to see family, and will go there regularly. We have one at my family’s house in New Jersey, so that I only have to bring one instead of lugging two of those monsters. Having an extra umbrella stroller at your final destination is helpful, too. They are an inexpensive buy.
Proof of birthday
- Make sure you have a copy of your kids’ vaccine records or birth certificate so the airline agent can verify that information upon check-in.
Weigh your suitcases!
- I don’t care how gifted you think you are at guessing suitcase weights, or how many times you’ve been safe. Sooner or later, one of these times, you’ll be off. Do you really want that to be when you’re juggling the kids by yourself? Let me paint a picture for you of a stressed and overwhelmed mama, digging through her suitcases on the side of the road, trying to take an excess five pounds out of her suitcase, while her kids are getting restless. Not fun. I know this from experience.
Curbside check-in
- Always do curbside check-in! It is a lifesaver. Don’t try to be supermom and carry all the bags while pushing/wearing all the babies into the airport. Take your suitcases from the trunk of the car to the curb, and tip the kind attendants for doing the heavy lifting.
Babywear or stroller
- If your child can be worn, by all means babywear. Since my kids are too heavy and disinterested, the double stroller is my BFF. Strap those babies in!
Car rental
- Rent a car if you’re staying anywhere longer than a weekend. It will make your trip less stressful to be able to come and go whenever you please. Having your own car gives you the freedom to operate on your kids’ schedules versus relying on someone else.
Backpacks
- Each kid gets their own backpack. Have them select a few (light) toys, small books, and snacks. I like to teach my kids to be responsible and accountable by carrying their own backpack.
In-flight entertainment
Congratulations, you boarded the plane! You’re that much closer to the end goal! Because I’m a germaphobe and airplanes are cesspits for all the nasties, I disinfect the seat, armrest, and tray table with sanitizing wipes. Then comes the million dollar question: How do I keep my children entertained on a flight? If you also have a squirmy toddler like me, then the short answer is: you don’t really. But here are my go-to options that make for a really good effort. Bonus: they’re all screen-free!
- Water Wow – mess-free, reusable coloring books
- Gel window clings – repositionable stickers perfect for the window seat (Find them at the Dollar Store or in Bullseye’s Playground at Target)
- Reusable sticker pads
- Cheerios Play Book – incorporates an activity and snack, is great fine motor skills practice
- Washi tape
- Small novelty toy – new shiny object unveiled during the plane ride will carry excitement value that lasts a little while
- ALL THE SNACKS – healthy stuff and a few treat options. No, I am not above bribery–I mean, reward–for good behavior. For my toddler, I always bring a self-feeding snack cup, because it is more time-consuming for him to eat out of. To prevent ears from hurting/popping, I offer a crunchy or chewy snack at takeoff and landing (usually crackers at takeoff and gummy bears at landing, as an incentive to behave throughout the flight).
- Walk – when the seat belt sign is not on, and the squirmy toddler is in full effect, feel free to stretch your legs by walking the aisle a little. People may frown at you, but you are totally permitted to do so.
- Nap – if your child will nap on the airplane, a) they are a unicorn, and b) that will occupy most–if not all–of your flight time. You lucky duck!
Mom hack: Due to cabin pressure changes during a flight, water bottles with straws (i.e. Contigo or Camelbak) will explode if you don’t release the pressure first before drinking. To do this, simply unscrew the lid and then screw it back on the bottle. Because mom brain is real and you have a million things going on, chances are you’ll forget. What I do as a precaution, I put their water bottles in Ziploc bags. When I forget to depressurize their bottles, the water that explodes out will be caught in the bag instead of all over everyone’s clothes.
After landing
Congratulations, mission accomplished! I wash the kids’ hands at the nearest bathroom after deboarding. Look for a family restroom; they are more spacious and private. Once I have our luggage, I pick up the rental car, do a victory dance (or let out a sigh of relief, if you’re more reserved) and drive out!
Mom hack: If you can, do your laundry before you depart to head back home. When you are unpacking at home, it is so nice to take out everything out of the suitcase and be able to just put them right into drawers/the closet because it’s all clean already!
When in doubt, take the trip! I promise it’ll be worth it!
