Travelin' Baby

Five Things I've Learned While Flying With A Baby:

1. You DO have to take the baby out of the car seat to go through security, whether they are peaceful and sleeping or not.

1.5. You DON'T have to take the baby out of a sling or Baby Bjorn to go through security, making it the transportation mode of choice.

2. Many airlines allow someone to accompany a traveler all the way to the gate, if they have a "lap child" which is a big help in getting through security, etc.

2.5. If you do go by yourself, don't wear tie tennis shoes--too hard to untie, hold baby, collapse stroller, then tie while still holding baby, assemble stroller, etc.

3. Medela does not cover travel-related damage to breast pumps and airlines discourage you from checking them because they also will not be held responsible. Either carry it on board with you, or put it in a bigger suitcase with clothes around if for protection.

3.5. As you go through security, if you mention "breast" anything (pump, milk, bottles) to the male security personnel, they will move you through quickly, with a funny look on their face and no further questions asked. Perhaps the stressed out, pathetic look on your face also helps move the process along...

4. If you fly an airline with open-seating (Southwest), feeding your baby as the passengers board (or having the baby cry at the top of their lungs) ensures you get at least one open seat next to you. I've tried both (the 2nd scenario not on purpose) and it has worked on all eight flights I have flown so far.

5. There is no magic formula or strategy for getting your baby to sleep on a plane. Just when you think you've figured it out, they cry at the top of their lungs the next flight, just to remind you that you don't.

5.5. The liklihood of the baby having a blowout or throwing up is directly proportional to the amount of time you have to catch your plane, or the length of time still left on the flight. Changing a baby on the tray table is a skill they don't write up in the baby books, but it does work out OK.