Since my mind is all over the place and I am feeling a little scattered, I figured it might be a good day to participate in Amanda’s Thinking Out Loud Thursday tradition and ramble on like it’s cool. Sounds like a plan to me!
Let’s dive right into the randomness and begin with Sadie’s annual birthday challenge!
Thinking Out Loud Thursday
- Sadie’s Birthday Challenge Continues
Thank you all so much for the sweet birthday wishes for Sadie yesterday. She was definitely feelin’ the love! A couple of you asked whether or not we were going to uphold Sadie’s annual birthday challenge tradition and of course we had to do it! For those who may be new to the blog, every year, on Sadie’s birthday, we select two foods we think she will love and place them both in front of her at the same time to see which one she will go for first. We take bets on the favorite and whichever one wins moves forward to compete in the challenge the following year.
We look forward to her birthday challenge every year and this year we pitted last year’s winner – fried chicken from Harris Teeter – against a ridiculously tough contender: Publix fried chicken tenders. My money was on Publix chicken tenders because Sadie is a Florida girl at heart and every Floridian knows Publix chicken tenders are THE BEST. So which one took the top prize???
You can check out this year’s video here: Sadie’s Annual Birthday Challenge: Year 8
(FYI, we didn’t let her eat all the chicken you see in the photos and video. We just wanted the plates to be full and have a strong smell for her decision-making purposes!)
And now for an entirely too long explanation surrounding the victor in this year’s challenge…
We ended up letting Sadie go through the challenge three times because there was some interference in her first round. The interference was the carpet which we realized was unfairly close to the plate of Harris Teeter fried chicken. This may not seem like legit “interference” to most people, but if you know Sadie then you know she’s a baby on hard floors and will always run toward carpet for traction so she doesn’t slip everywhere. We think this tipped the scales in favor of the Harris Teeter chicken during round one since she ran onto the carpet and around to the chicken to select her winner. (Sadie is also a baby and refuses to sit or lay down on hard floors. It’s carpet only for this girl! This weird quirk is ridiculous and hilarious all at the same time.)
When we re-did the competition, we put the plates on hardwood floors AWAY from any carpeting and let her pick her favorite two more times. She went immediately to the Publix chicken both times. There was no wavering. Soooo… We’re going to give the win to Publix. And after writing all of this out and feeling like a total crazy dog lady, it’s clear to me that we get WAY too into this competition in our house.
Happy 8th Birthday, Sadie!
- Postpartum Hair Loss Is Real
Prior to giving birth, I read all about how your hair may be thicker and shinier during pregnancy and for a while there, I was really enjoying my thicker-than-usual locks. Apparently I should not have allowed myself to get too attached to my thicker hair because it is definitely on its way out. You guys, postpartum hair loss is REAL. After every shower, it looks like we have a chia pet growing out of our drain. From what I’ve read, everything should even out by the time Chase’s first birthday rolls around, but right now my hair is everywhere and all over our house. I even pulled a rogue hair out of Chase’s diaper the other day. Yeesh!
- Healthy Eating Comes In Waves
Some days I feel so motivated to eat healthy, meal plan and fuel my body with all the fruits and veggies… And other days I eat half a jar of peanut butter (cough – or almost a whole pint of Ben & Jerry’s – cough) in one day like a champ. Yup.
- The Bachelor
Who else is watching The Bachelor this season? (Raises hand… No shame.) Thoughts? I feel like I’m only really half-watching this season as I multi-task and do other things, but from the portions of the show I’ve caught so far, Amanda and Lauren B. stood out to me and seem both genuine and compatible with Ben. (And that lace white dress Lauren B. wore on her one-on-one date!? Gorgeous!) Jubilee also seems authentic and interesting and I’m looking forward to seeing more of her in the future. Also, I really do think Ben is an all-around good guy which is refreshing to see on this show!
- Does A Baby Qualify for the HOV Lane?
Early Sunday evening, I strapped Chase in his car seat and headed to the airport to pick up my mom. I found myself avoiding the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane but then I started wondering whether I qualified for the HOV lane because of my tiny passenger in the backseat. Just in case you’ve ever wondered the same thing, I checked the Department of Transportation’s website and infants and children do count as passengers. HOV lane it up, my friends!
- Sometimes Protein Pancakes Turn Out Perfectly… Other Times…
Sometimes protein pancakes turn out perfectly… Other times they end up like this. Meh. Drizzle some melted peanut butter on it and it’s all gravy, right!?
- Random Clothing Discoveries
Have you guys ever discovered something random on a piece of clothing you’ve owned for a while? Like a hidden pocket or something? I find stuff like this oddly amusing and the other day on an evening walk with Ryan, Sadie and Chase, I pulled the sleeve of one of my lululemon pullovers over my hands to keep them warm and saw this funny little note: “ready or snot.” Ha! I’ve had this pullover for a year or so and somehow never noticed that before. So random. I mean this discovery wasn’t “Whoa! I found $20 in my pocket!” cool, but it was still kind of cool in its own weird way.
- First Flight with Chase: Need Your Advice!
Chase and I are heading to Denver next Friday to spend the weekend with Leah and Michaela, two of my best friends from high school, and Michaela’s adorable two-month-old baby boy. I am REALLY looking forward to our trip but am admittedly quite nervous about flying with Chase for the first time. We sprung for a non-stop flight which makes me feel a little better but I would really appreciate any advice those of you who have traveled with a baby before may have for me. I am crossing my fingers things will go smoothly but I am quite nervous about our first flight together, especially since I will be doing it solo. Please share your words of wisdom!
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no baby travel tips, but about the “ready or snot”… all of the reebok gear has a little line written in the hem! it’s so fun to find. there’s a dance shirt that says “own the floor” and i can’t remember but the bodypump stuff has bodypump-ish phrases, etc. fun!
My husband and I live in Australia and had our daughter about a month before you had Chase. We just got back to Australia after spending 6 weeks with our families over the holidays, which means LOTS of flying. Here are my tips:
1) nurse him on takeoff and landing – it’ll help his ears adjust
2) bring extra clothes! Extra toys! Extra anything that he likes that is your go-to lifesaver just in case. We just started Eleanor on these teething crackers that dissolve in your mouth and they kept her happy and occupied for so long!!! (We got ours from Target!)
3) don’t stress too much about the 2 hour time difference – it’ll probably be easiest to keep him on your local time if possible
4) don’t be afraid to ask for help! Flight attendants LOVE cute babies so rely on them if you need.
5) wear him through the airport. They won’t make you take him out through security, but they’ll just swab your hands afterwards.
6) ppl are pretty helpful when they see you with kids, and some situations, they’ll let you cut in line or move to a shorter one.
7) don’t board until you have to – less time stuck in a seat. Also if you’re at the airport, lay a blanket down and let him roll around and kick before he’d stuck in one place for awhile.
8) enjoy! Even if he cries, it’ll probably stress you out more than anyone else so just relax and have fun!
Have a great time!!
I love Sadie’s birthday competition! We might need to start trying that with our dog because they should definitely get a little treat on their birthday. And I love the Bachelor and have no shame in admitting it. My husband actually likes to watch it to so we’ve saving it on the DVR. We’ll probably be snowed in this weekend so I can’t wait to get caught up!
I have been watching the Bachelor this year too, ever since college and watching it with the soccer girls, I have watched them since, but I am with ya on just having it on in the background!
I’m right there with you on the hair loss and my daughter is 17 months! I feel like it spontaneously falls out of my head! I started taking the natures bounty hair, skin, and nails vitamin and while I’m not sure it totally helps with stopping the hair loss, it did help my hair grow. Now I just find longer hairs around the house ?
Yes, I typically watch The Bachelor each season and this latest season is no exception, though I’m not quite sure who I think is the front runner yet, I think he has some compatibility with several of the women, but I’m still deciding who I think he’ll choose.
I’m team Caila on the Bachelor!
Oh I liked her, too!
Hair loss is one of the only things I didn’t (or have yet to?) experience. Seeing as he’ll be a YEAR OLD in two months, I figured it would have happened by now?!
With the flying – just nurse him on take off and landing and you’ll be good to go!
I absolutely love your posts about your life because your sense of humor and upbeat outlook shine through:) I’m loving the bachelor this season and really feel like Ben is a GOOD guy and am hoping one of the girls will be good enough for him and that he finds love!
I have no advice on babies on planes, but a few years ago I was on a flight form Kenya to Amsterdam for about 7 hours. I was exhausted and cranky… When we landed I turned around to see a man holding a baby who was sitting and smiling. I didn’t hear one cry from the baby the whole flight! I’m still shocked when I think about it! So maybe Chase will be extra good like that little one.
I have flown quite a bit with my first child, and just took my 5 month old on his first flight. Take your stroller/car seat system through the airport and gate check them. Bring a baby carrier, too, so while you’re folding up your stroller you can put him in the carrier and be hands free. On the flight, try to nurse him during take-off and landing. I also turned him to face me, put his head on my chest, and pulled up a light-weight muslin blanket so he could sleep. I brought a few teething toys, but he either slept, flirted with our fellow passengers, or looked out the window. Good luck! You’ll do great!
Baby travel tip!
Try to be one of the last people boarding the plane! Have Ryan board first with all of the carry on to get everything settled for the flight. While he is doing that, walk around with Chase in a baby carrier because your stroller will probably already be on the plane. Wait until the last groups are boarding to board so you aren’t sitting on the plane for even longer, since boarding can be a long process!
We flew from CT to FL last year with our 6 month old and this plan really helped. I tried to get her to fall asleep in our ergo carrier before we got on the plane, but no such luck. It was still helpful not to be sitting on an idle plane for any longer than we had to be.
Good luck!
Also bring ALL the sanitizing wipes! Babyganics makes a great line of products, and their sanitizing wipes smell great! (Not that strong alcohol scent)
When I flew with my son I was lucky that he wanted to sleep during most of it. But I did bring plenty with me to keep him occupied. I bottle fed so I made sure that I had one prepared before we boarded( I bought a bottle of water when I got past security and then mixed them) because the dr. said his ears might hurt during take off and landing. I don’t know if you were planning on pumping before getting on the plane but I would double check on the whole liquid thing before you get to the airport.
How did I not think of the whole liquid issue!? I was planning on bringing a bottle or two of pumped breastmilk but didn’t even think about it being an issue getting passed security… Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I’ll investigate!
Breast milk and formula are permitted! Just make sure to tell the TSA agent what you’ve got when you approach security.
Thank you! This makes me feel better!
Love ramblings!!
Chase is a great age for air travel! I understand being anxious but you can do it Mama! Here’s how I do with my little miss: travel light. I check everything I possibly can, just pay the extra $, having as many hands as possible is worth it. (Also, on most of the big carriers baby stuff checks for free- car seats, strollers, etc). I wear baby and carry a well stocked diaper bag and that’s it. You can wear baby through security, you just have to get your hands checked for explosives. I usually wear jeans, a nursing cami, a light cardigan, a light but wide scarf (doubles as a quick blanket or extra privacy for nursing) and my Toms. I organize my diaper bag using lots of ziplocs. A good rule of thumb is to take as many diapers as hours of your trip. I also take as many puppy pee pads as diapers and use those as changing pads instead of a normal one. Airports are gross and they are smaller. I just toss them after each diaper change. I’m sure you’ve heard to nurse them at take off and landing to help their ears. Well we all know tiny humans have minds of their own, so what if they don’t want to nurse? Just roll with it and try to get them to do something that engages their jaw; on some flights this has been teething on a toy, others sucking on my finger. I pack an extra outfit for baby and a shirt for me, a small blanket and some toys (anything that rattles or crinkles or has a mirror have been fan favorites, never hurts to bring a new toy too, novelty is magic). I also take purrel wipes and wet ones. As soon as I sit down before I take baby out of the carrier I wipe down everything! Airplanes are gross and the last thing you want is a sick baby, then you can let them explore as much as they want. I usually go change the baby, whether she needs it or not when they start pre boarding to avoid having to do it in he airplane bathroom. I also board as close to the end as I can, since all I have is carry on items there is no need to keep baby confined to my arms any longer than necessary. During the beverage service I usually ask for an extra cup or straw and make a game of sliding it around the tray table, anything to keep them occupied. Good luck! Some flights I’ll nurse baby on take off and she sleeps most of the time, others she just wants to play and I’m happy to say we’ve only had one meltdown on a flight and if that happens the majority of people understand so just embrace it and keep smiling!
I second all this. Flying solo, my biggest piece of advice is to wear baby and check your stroller and car seat with your luggage…you don’t want to mess with plane side checking this stuff, especially by yourself, while trying to hold baby and all your other bags.. As far as bringing milk through security, you should have no issue. Delta has always told me there is no limit when it comes to pumped breast milk or formula. They may just pull your bag aside and wipe it down.
Chase will be fine! All of the above is spot on! I’ve flown with my 5 month old twice (once on 4 hour domestic flight and once on a 10+ hour domestic flight). He will do great (mine slept the WHOLE time). I like the window for extra privacy when nursing, but the other comments have totally covered everything else. Oh! Ask if they have an available seat when you check in and if so, stick Chase’s car seat in it! It’s safer and frees up your arms! Good luck!
10+ hour international flight
I didn’t know that about the car seat!! Thank you for sharing!
I love when you do these posts! And the Sadie birthday competition is awesome! We may need to do that in our house with our dog!
I love the Bachelor! Lauren B. is my fav! She is just very real!
Woohoo! I was driving home last Fri with my daughter and totally used the HOV lane! But the whole time I kept thinking I hope this is legal and I don’t get pulled over! Our windows are tinted and you really couldn’t tell my daughter was in the back seat! So this is good news!
I just flew for the first time with my 6 month old! I know most people are saying ditch your stroller, but I’ve gotta say, the BEST thing we did was use a carseat in a snap n go, and then GATE CHECK. Seriously. Gate check, all the way. It means you have the ease of a stroller in the airport (plus you can stash other stuff underneath it) and then you roll right up to the gat, and they tag it, and take it from you, and you walk on the plane…and then it’s right there waiting for you when you get off. easy!
Also, breastfeed/bottle on the way up and down, and (it may be too late for this) get an aisle seat so that you can get up and down easily, if baby needs to move.
My close friends actually wrote a piece about this, with a lot of other good tips – check it out.
http://www.afar.com/magazine/10-important-tips-for-flying-with-babies
you’ll be great!
I’m finally caught up with the bachelor…there are some crazies this season!!
I’ve noticed in a few of your fashion posts that you wear lots of off-the-shoulder or spaghetti straps when you’re dressing up for something fun (or just in general…). Do you have a go-to favorite strapless bra?
Victoria’s Secret!! It’s a bra with removable straps. 🙂
I love all the drama on the Bachelor. Probably because I have no drama in my life so I can enjoy it on TV! I like Caila (I haven’t watched this week so if she suddenly became crazy I may have to retract that statement). And Ben does seem like a genuinely good guy.
Emily at Daily Garnish has some really good posts about air travel with kids. I was just reading one yesterday actually! Definitely worth checking out! Here’s one of them: http://www.dailygarnish.com/2014/07/traveling-with-two-getting-there.html
And yes, healthy eating definitely comes in waves! I am totally with you there!
I took my son on his first flight at 4 months (2 months ago) and it was terrifying!!! I recommend sitting in the back of the plane if you can, it feels more private. I would also try and plan to feed him as you are taking off. If you feed him while you are sitting on the plane before take-off, you’ll be stuck with a crying baby as you take off! Also try and plan to feed him as you make your decent. My ped. told me that was actually harder on his ears than take-off.
I got really lucky on all of my flights and sat next to people that were really understanding, and were parents themselves and had traveled with small children before. Worst comes to worst? You’ll never see any of those people again in your life so don’t sweat it!
We flew with Ellie when she was 6 months old and again at 8.5 months, and there were several layovers involved. The younger they are the better. I nursed her during takeoff and landing on all the trips, or gave her cheerios to nibble on. Now that she’s 15 months, I have no desire to fly with her because all she will want to do is be everywhere but in our laps. Nurse him often, bring toys to distract, and you’ll be fine!
Ok so traveling with a baby….
I have been traveling with my now almost 2 year old since she was 3 months old. I can not tell you how many flights we have been on at this point. So here is what I do especially when I am flying just her and I. PACK A BACKPACK. Put everything you will need in it including formula or breastmilk. Also wear Chase in a baby carrier through the airport and security. You should not have to take him off. Again I have flown so many times with my daughter and have never had to take her out of the carrier through security. If you are bringing a stroller and obviously your car seat check them when you check in so you are not tracking them through the the airport with you. When you go through security they will swipe your hands and check your formula/breastmilk and they should not give you any problems with it. I have flown so many times and have carried ready to pour formula with me and they never gave me any problems with it. Bring enough diapers in your backpack for the day and then buy a package when you get to your destination same with wipes. Less to pack and lighter suitcase! In your backpack make sure you have plenty of things to keep Chase occupied for the flight. Take one thing out at a time and as he gets bored with things give him something new. I would also bring a pacifier if he is on them to help with the ears or nurse or bottle feed. IF you have any other questions lemme know!
Love the backpack idea!
Yes, postpartum hair loss is nuts! I have a four month old. Mine started falling about 2 months post party’s & it seems to be easy up now, but yikes! Be careful your hair doesn’t get wrapped around baby’s fingers or toes. I’m OCD about checking tiny toes & fingers for this. With a little baby, I find myself indulging in pints of ice cream wayyyy more often than I used to. Being a Mon is the best job in the world, but it comes with challenges too. I’ve been letting myself indulge because of this.
Protein pancakes are so fickle, aren’t they! Oh well, they’re delicious even when they fall apart 🙂
The competition with Sadie is too funny! I’m sure Chase will do just fine on the plane!
NO kids- but I recommend Melatonin or Benadryl to put chase to sleep if he starts wailing… I don’t know what the pediatrician would say but I’ve had friends that have done it- also make sure you do a test run at home first to make sure it works/no adverse reactions.
I’ve traveled twice with my 6 month old already. Once when he was 11 weeks (alone) and once when he was 5 months. We booked all of our flights around or during bed time so for the most part he slept. We also fed him during take off to help his ears adjust. They say to also feed during landing, but he has always been sleeping and landing doesn’t seem to bother him so we haven’t done that. Even if you don’t buy a ticket for Chase make sure to ask the gate attendant if there are any extra seats so you can bring his car seat on the flight. We’ve been able to on 3 out of 4 flights!
I made the mistake when I was traveling alone of not bringing the stroller because I didn’t want to worry about another item to bring, but I had to lug him in his car seat across O’Hare which was a huge pain. Now we always bring his stroller and gate check it. We haven’t had any issues with it getting damaged.
I think when they are this little it isn’t that bad, but we luckily have a pretty happy baby and have always flown in the evening. In the end it’s just a flight and if he takes a pacifier well you should be ok.
You will do great on your first flight! Unless you need to bring a stroller, leave that at home and check your carseat and base (in a travel bag…be sure and label this bag clearly because we had a mishap of someone grabbing ours by accident) prior to security (don’t let those ads fool you that you can possibly walk with a baby in the carrier, while pushing the stroller, while carrying a 30lb carseat/base on your back)! Carry Chase in the Ergo (or whatever carrier) through security…they won’t make you take him off and will allow breastmilk through if you let them know ahead of time. Honestly getting through security was so easy! If you have to park at CLT, I recommend the valet and splurging for the $20 a day. When you have baby gear, it’s SO nice to just get out right by check-in and to have your car there immediately when you return. Be the last to board and plan on nursing him on the plane if you are comfortable with that (get a window seat and bring your cover/blanket). We were almost at the weaning stage, but for whatever reason nursing really helped/calmed him to sleep on the plane vs. the bottle! Our son also loves plastic solo cups so the cups on the plane work as great toys that can be thrown away at the end! Oh…and bring sani wipes to get some of the germs off at the beginning of the flight 🙂
My now 3 year old flies often with us when we go on business trips with my husband and to Disneyland. My tips is to either nurse him or give him a bottle/binky during take off and landing to help with ear pressure. Obviously he’s too young for a movie; but toys are always a good idea. And here’s the thing…IF he does have a meltdown…who cares!!! Laugh it off because you never have to see those people again! ??
soo off topic- have you ever done a best of Charlotte post? i’m headed ther/raleigh this summer and would LOVE LOVE LOVE your reccs of places to hike/restaurants/randomness! So far your reccs from towelettes to fitness gear hasn’t let me down!
I will eat a pancake no matter how bad it comes out! Just slather it with PB and syrup and boom. Have so much fun in Denver!
Love this kind of conversational post! Your ‘voice’ really come through!
Hahaha that food contest is the funniest thing I’ve ever heard!!! My pups 1st birthday is next month and I am being such a freak trying to decide how to spoil him. I’d so rather do something funny like this (and video tape it lol!) than put a birthday cake or something in front of him. Thing is though…he’s never had people food haha. Except for the occasional thing left on the floor..like when I dropped a partial Dorito yesterday lol. I am going to present this idea to my husband tonight 😉 so funny.
Doesn’t matter what the pancake looks like, as long as it tastes good! And they usually do, especially covered in peanut butter 😀 And I totally feel you on the “healthy eating comes in waves” point. Oh, well – it all balances out!
-change his diaper right before the flight and put him in an overnight diaper so you have less chance of leaks/blowouts
-take advantage of family boarding so you can get situated without too much pressure
-pack an extra bottle just in case, and keep it under seat in front of you…keep anything chase will need there in case you need it while seat belt sign is on.
-make sure to nurse or give bottle/pacific during takeoff and landing to help with his ear pressure
-take full advantage of his cute factor. Engage when folks coo over him. It’s harder for them to be mad if he melts down later 😉
My little girl just turned one month old and I haven’t had the hair loss yet but I can definitely relate to the eating healthy only part of the time. I think breastfeeding is to blame because I just want to eat whatever I can get my hands on. Even if it is a bowl of ice cream followed by Reese’s trees 🙂 Hey, sometimes is better than not at all right?
Don’t be nervous about flying! Babies totally pick up on your stress, so when you’re relaxed, they are too. I live in Germany, and flew back to Atlanta in November (by myself – eek!) to visit my parents with my (at the time) 10 week old. 14 hours of travel and a layover. Baby did great! I was really nervous at first, but was fortunate to have people around me who saw that I was doing my best to make it a smooth trip. I tried nursing my little girl during take off and landing, but she wasn’t having it – she just wanted to look around! Give yourself extra time, get on the plane last, and RELAX! Babies cry 😉 So if Chase lets out a peep, don’t feel “guilty.”
Our baby girl is 5 months now and we’re flying back to ATL in a few weeks. Here’s to hoping that she does well her second time around!
I totally agree that babies pick up on your mood — a good reminder to chillllll out!! 🙂
My hair has always shed like crazy. I’m constantly vacuuming everything bc it gets everywhere!
Sadie was so cute during the birthday competition! I agree – I think the carpet was interference.
Hey Julie, I love far from family so I have flown multiple times with my now 2.5 year old son by myself. The first time we flew he was 4 months old. I definitely thinking bringing the stroller and car seat and gate checking was the way to go. Also nurse on landing and take off (and really any time he is fussy :). I say the best thing I did and do each time we fly is prepare for the absolute worst and most likely the worst will never happen and you will be pleasantly surprised!
My friends travelled to Denver with their baby and used http://www.babysaway.com to rent a car seat and stroller during their stay. You can rent other baby friendly items as well. The items are delivered to and picked up from your hotel/location. It seems like a great plan if you could put Chase in the ergo/baby carrier and wear a backpack and only have to get the two of you to the gate and on the plane rather than struggle with the stroller, etc.
I have a 6 month old (also in CLT) with a sister in Denver, and I’m planning to fly there solo this spring and hope to travel as lightly as possible.
I love the Bachelor. I really like Lauren B too she seems sweet and will definitely be a top contender.
I eat a lot of nut butter. There is no shame! Some days you just need a little extra.
Also loving bachelor! I agree that Lauren’s dress was gorgeous. I like Jubilee too, and kind of hate the way Amber was treating her. All the girls were pretty rude, and I like how Ben made sure she was alright. So sweet 🙂
I’m not a mom yet but I saw this post a while back on another bloggers site that may be helpful!
http://www.barefootblonde.com/2015/04/50-tips-for-traveling-with-a-baby-alone-and-with-husband/
All of the trips I’ve taken with my daughter over the past 2 1/2 years have been to the Keys. Going from Pennsylvania to Marathon is not a hop, skip, and a jump; and, most of the time, I’m on my own since my husband has a crazier than normal schedule.
– Bjorn or baby wearing in the airport.
– You can take a bottle through security.
– bottle for take off and landing.
– iPad with anything that will occupy them (bright colors for Chase?)
– Pacifier if he takes one.
– If someone offers to help, let them! Maybe it’s the friendly Floridians (not the friendly Philadelphians 🙂 ), but people always offer to help me.
– Take your time! Don’t feel rushed through security.
It always ends up being easier than you will anticipate. Now, my daughter is 2 1/2 and I have to pay for a seat for her. I just returned from the Keys this week and this time took her carseat on the plane with me. Highly recommend when he’s over 2!
Good luck!
Oh my goodness I am so glad I am not alone in this whole postpartum hair loss situation! Maybe I’m being a bit dramatic, but I’m not sure how on earth I have any hair left on my head!
I flew with my son in December (he was a little over 2 months at the time). I was super nervous because I was by myself as well. I was nervous about nursing on the plane so I brought pumped milk in a bottle with me for the flight. I tried to wait until we were actually taking off to feed him, but the second we started taxii-ing he started crying like he was hungry so I went ahead and fed him. Then I just made sure he had his paci when we were actually taking off (since he finished the bottle before we got to that point–oops!). I was very thankful that since he was full and happy, he did fine.
I sat next to the nicest lady on the plane who told me that when her kids were little she used to travel with $5 starbucks cards to give to her seatmates if things went poorly or if someone was particularly nice or helpful. I thought that was a great idea. I will definitely try it next time (more for my peace of mind, than anything else).
They will let you bring milk in bottles through security no problem–they just have to scan the bottle. I was also super nervous about having to change my son on the plane. They have changing tables in the plane bathrooms. Maybe not ideal, but the platform was roomy, and we all survived 🙂
Hope maybe some of this helps! I’m sure you both will do wonderfully!
It’s tough enough traveling solo with baby and carrying items and them. I have always purchased a seat for my son because I like him flying in his car seat. There’s quite a bit of turbulence, especially flying into Denver. My first flight with him I decided I’d rather pay for a seat than risk him hitting his head. It ended up being so convenient because I was able to have the extra room to put him down. I was able to keep him in his infant seat while preparing to go through security, disassemble his stroller, etc. I highly recommend gate checking the stroller! It’s much nicer wheeling them through than carrying them — especially in the distance you’ll have to walk at DIA.
I’ve had hit or miss TSA agents who don’t know the rules of flying with infant food/milk. If you have it in containers larger than 3oz, they’ll test them. Also, do NOT put anything in bottles with the nipples on them. Use a cap. The pressure from the plane will cause the milk to go everywhere. Just put the nipple on during feeding and take off to store.
Lastly, you may end up having to nurse on the plane. I found a muslin blanket better because I could tuck an edge into the seat tray and be covered better. I also brought a sweatshirt to tuck under baby’s head since I could bring my nursing pillow on the plane. You may also want to give a bottle during take off and landing to prevent ear popping screaming.
Good luck! The first time flying is nerve wracking, but it goes smoothly after that!
I love that competition for Sadie’s birthday! That’s such a good and fun tradition. I’m a sucker for the Bachelor and I don’t think I’ve missed a season since like middle school haha. What can I say.. I love my reality shows.
Travelling with Chase at this age will be so much easier than when he starts to become mobile. I traveled with my son around 7 months and it was awesome. (Travelling at 16 months…exhausting because he wanted to run around the airport or get out of his seat on the plane.) Just some tips: check your bag so you don’t have to haul it and baby (plus his carseat or diaper bag) through the airport. Bring a paci if he uses one to help with takeoff. It can be a little rough on their ears and the sucking helps alleviate that. My son fell asleep on takeoff and slept a good bit. Have a few of his favorite distractions like little books or toys but don’t overdo it because you don’t want to have to haul all of that around.. And, don’t be afraid to BF on the plane. It’s comforting for him if he starts to get fussy and if he’s hungry, he’s hungry. 🙂 It will also help with any pressure on his ears if he feels it. Or, if you prefer bottle, you are able to take through security. They may examine it, but they will let you through with formula or breastmilk.
Omg I am so with you on the postpartum hair loss. I had a few warnings from friends but didn’t give it much thought until my hair started coming out in clumps. I’ve always shed quite a bit of hair but this was far more extreme. Good news is, it slowed majorly down after a couple months. Now I have tons of baby hairs so no worries, it will grow back!
If Chase cries on the plane, don’t sweat it. People are far more understanding than you’d think. And for those who aren’t, they can get over it!