Airport Chic (with a toddler)
I just went from New York to London with my one year (plus some) old. She is a seasoned flyer, so I already had that working for me. However, packing for a long airplane trip is a different story. When we first started flying I packed a GIANT carryon that nearly broke whichever shoulder I wore it on, and, if I had a separate ticket for her, I always had her carseat in the other arm. It was exhausting. Not to mention the fact that it's very hard not to look frumpy when so much energy is going to baby.
I'm happy to say that thought trial and error I have learned some efficient ways to fly with a baby/young toddler while still managing to look & feel young and hot! I hope you'll be able to put some of these into use!
GET IN GEAR
If baby has his/her own seat on the plane, bringing along the car seat (which you will undoubtedly need at your destination) can be helpful when the kiddo falls asleep. They're already used to sleeping in it in the car-- why not the plane? The problem is lugging it around the airport. Voila! An umbrella stroller will be your best friend at the airport. Clock the handle on the car seat all the way back as far as it goes, then pull the stroller handles through the car seat handle and shimmy the car seat down onto the stroller seat. Car seat is now secure and easily pushed around. Plus you have a space-saving stroller for your destination.
PUT YOUR BACK INTO IT
First things first-- the bag. Save yourself the trouble of bringing the perfect cute diaper bag. One shoulder bags are completely impractical while traveling with kids. Get a cute backpack. Nowadays, chic backpacks are called "satchels" :) and there are tons of fabulous ones out there in leather, canvas, vinyl, etc... Backpacks are not just for school anymore!
YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL
It's not that hard to pull off chic-comfortable. Chances are, on a long flight, you won't want to be in jeans. My personal airport favorite is black leggings, a soft animal print tee, a cozy sweater wrap and some comfy-but-eye-catching flats. I also stuff some ankle socks in my bag for going through security and for warmth on the plane.
THE BARE NECESSITIES
Pick out what you absolutely need for you, on the wonderful chance baby might sleep most of the flight. I like to have my iPad, earbuds, eye mask, macbook air, and a small journal. I also have a small toiletry bag with gum, facial moisturizer, an eyelash curler, lip balm and a snack bar.
For my daughter I try to pack enough to keep her occupied when she's awake, but not so much that my bag isn't close-able. I never travel with less than 6 diapers and a package of wipes. Also great to have on hand are those squeeze packets of baby food. Maria is particularly fond of Ella's Kitchen brand. In lieu of a lot of books (though i usually bring one) are learning flashcards! A stack of flashcards can kill lots of time with a toddler. I also bring ziplock bags, a sippy cup, a small stuffed animal and a baby blanket. One last toy that has proven extremely useful is LeapFrog's "chat & count cell phone". I was dubious at first, not wanting to give my daughter a video game. But this is very simple, there are no colors and the screen does not light up. It's like a Kindle with basic animation. A little dog sings and dances and tells her the numbers she's pressing, etc... It's a great little learning game, and is extremely effective at calming an agitated toddler.
So, those are my recommendations for compact traveling with young ones. Hope it helps! xo
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