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There’s a first time for everything so when it came time for me to travel pregnant, alone, and with a toddler, my anxiety shot through the roof. Somehow I managed to do it (and actually did it a few more times after) and thought sharing my tips might ease the anxiousness of another mother in my exact situation. Here’s how I did it…

Pre-Flight Preparation

The most important thing to understand when it comes to traveling pregnant and with a toddler is that if you aren’t prepared, you will fail miserably. It starts with booking your flight.

Book the Flight

My father-in-law has given me advice that I will never forget.

“Always, take the first flight out.”

It may not be the ideal situation for your toddlers naps but who are we kidding, they’re probably not going to sleep anyway.

His reasoning is that in case of delays, the first flight will definitely get out where as later flights may not. The last thing you want is to be out-of-town, stuck overnight, with a tired and hungry toddler, scrambling to find a hotel.

Choose Your Seat

Next, is deciding where to sit on the plane. I always choose an aisle seat, in the last couple of rows, close to a bathroom. I’m typically a window seat kind-of-girl but not when you have a lap child and a pregnant belly. Can you imagine having to climb over someone dead asleep to go to the bathroom?

Depending on where you are in your pregnancy and how old you child is, you may be able to keep them on your lap. However, speak with your OB/GYN about what’s best for the safety of you and your unborn child. In my case, my flights were only an hour to visit family and I wasn’t too far along in my pregnancy.

For bigger budgets and long flights, definitely invest in the extra seat (and maybe the extra leg room). If you’re pregnant, you will need to get up to stretch your legs. Also, having your child seated gives you more room to grab snacks, diapers, wipes, etc.

Packing for the Flight

I normally start the packing prep several days prior to our flight. That includes doing the laundry, getting out the suitcases, and searching for birth certificates/immunization records. Your carry-on diaper bag is what can make or break you on your flight so prepare wisely. My carry-on list includes:

• pacifiers (multiple in case one drops and disappears)
• a tablet
• easy to open food/snacks
• books (for your child)
• any medical items
• distraction toys
• empty water bottle
• diapers and wipes
• changing pad
• hand sanitizer

Night before duties

• Have flight outfits laid out
• Download kid friendly apps, movies or shows for the flight
• Prepack the diaper bag with extra diapers, wipes, water wipes, changing pad, hand sanitizer, pacifiers, small toys
• Prepare a snack bag that has enough snacks to get through the flight.

The Day of the Flight

Don’t be late! In fact get there really early.

Trust me, it will be your worst nightmare. Not only will you be stressed but you may miss the family boarding. You definitely need that extra time to store your bags and get your little one situated in his or her seat before the rest of the passengers get on. If you have a pack n play, car seat, or any other large check-in items, you will definitely need more time to lug it to ticketing.

Don’t eat or drink anything that will cause you to make extra bathroom trips

Remember, you’re pregnant. You already go to the restroom twenty times a day. Don’t make this harder than it already is.

Make time to change your child and use the bathroom before boarding

It is SO much harder to do it once you’re on the plane.

Don’t bother with magazines, hot beverages

You really thought you were going to read a magazine while sipping on a drink?

Go straight to Sky Cap

Have some tip money ready because that quick check-in is key!

Bring a Stroller with a Storage Compartment

A lightweight stroller with a storage compartment is a must for solo mother travellers. Especially if you are rushing, need to use the restroom, or are delayed.

Buy the Darn Wifi!

I know, it’s overpriced and it’s not always the best quality but it may save you from a toddler meltdown.

Be Ahead of the Poop!

One major possibility to feeding them until they pop on a flight is that a major dirty diaper may happen. Have the changing pad, diapers, wipes, and trash bag in hands distance to make the transition as quick as possible. (Side note: Don’t experiment with new foods before or during the flight for this same reason.)

What are some of your favorite tips for traveling with children? Share with The Convenience Mom community below!

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