Recently, I took a trip to NY for work and on the way back, I was inspired to write this post after seeing a mama struggle a bit with her littles. Trust me, it took a LOT of trial and error before I figured out what worked for me when traveling with Kins and Char, but I thought I’d share as much as I can about what I learned when traveling with the girls.
Bring as little carry-ons as possible
I feel like most people don’t like checking bags in (And for good reason β once your luggage is lost, it’s a nightmare!!) but I learned that with Kins and Char, I need to be as hands-free as possible, meaning I check in any and all bags I can. I’ll usually carry maybe one duffel with me and the girls will have little backpacks. The less stuff, the easier it is to get through TSA.
Security blanket
The airport can be so hectic sometimes, and even though the girls are usually calm, I always like to give them something to hold onto that they’re familiar with. This can be a baby blanket, beanie baby, book β whatever! Assigning them a task or something to keep their hands and minds fixated on will keep them focused on that one thing versus everything else.
Stroller
Bring your stroller with you!! All airlines I’ve been on have allowed me to bring the girls in their stroller all the way through boarding. Once you get near the plane doors, they’ll let you check in your stroller right then and there. It’s so convenient and easy.
Slip-on shoes
I always feel bad if I’m taking forever to put my shoes back on or all my electronics back into my carry-on while the person behind me is slightly annoyed and I’m backing up the entire line!Β π Slip-on shoes have been such a game changer for me. These Mini Melissa shoes are the girls’ favorite and easy to put on, so they’re my favorite too. π
iPad only on the plane
While we’re waiting at the gate to board the plane, it’s always tempting to let the girls have their tablets, but for me, it’s best to give it to the girls only when they get a little restless on the plane. It’s almost like saving the best for last… Any other moms with me?Β ππΌββοΈ
Snacks
Snacks on the airplane are always hit or miss… Mostly miss.Β π My favorite snacks to pack the girls are Bare Apple Chips and Dried Mangoes. Our favorites so far are the ones from Trader Joe’s. Can’t forget to throw in a bag of Cheetos too!
Lollipops or gum
The day I figured this out, it was like a lightbulb moment. I ALWAYS get the girls lollipops when we’re at the airport or some gum for take-off so that their ears won’t pop from the pressure. This trick has helped in so many ways and has avoided lots of tears!
Over-ear headphones
Kins has been obsessed with JoJo Siwa from Nickelodeon, so I ended up getting her these headphones at the airport. Kins and Char both have over-ear headphones that help with noise cancellation since the earbuds don’t fit in their ears just yet!
Essential Oils
I’ve really been into essential oils lately and recently stocked up on a few that help with congestion and stress. Lavender scents and peppermint really help relax the girls (and me), and so I will always keep a roll-on of calming essential oils. My favorite ones that are SO easy to travel with are from Saje Wellness.
One thing I would say I wouldn’t do is give the girls cough medicine. I’ve read a lot about doing this to help calm their nerves and make them sleepy, but the medicine just makes them tired when their overstimulated, which usually leads to them being cranky!
Those are just a few of my tips and tricks when traveling with Kins & Char. Would love to hear the little things you do you keep your babes comfortable. Let me know in the comments!
xx Amanda
Joyce
What do you do for the girls’ car seats? I have a 3 yo and 9 month old and traveling with one was easy. Now I don’t know what to do π€·ββοΈ
Ariel
Iβm not a mama but I am sending this to a lot of my mama friends! What a great post!
Jaime
This was very helpful! I am traveling with my 2 girls in a few weeks and am always nervous about them misbehaving and having a tantrum on the plane. Keeping them busy and having some treats is key, but also me feeling comfortable and calm is huge as well. Hands free will be my goal!
Andrea
I love these traveling tips and I am definelty going to try some of these next month. Traveling with my 5 year old for the first time. Thank you. Wish me luck π
Laurie
These are great tips! Thank you!
Shahima
Thanx Amanda lovely tips, I’ve recently travelled with my 2 daughters from South Africa to Kuala Lumpur which was a veryyyyy long flight with kids. Key points is to make sure they get some sleep on the plane which kids don’t want to do lol… try and book flights esp with kids with the most convenient times so that the timing of flying they get the night time in so they can get even 2hrs sleep believe me that helps a lot
Stefanie
Great read, Iβve beeb on the look out for blogs about this. I am flying from Germany to Oklahoma with my 2 year old and 3 month oldβalone. So Iβm definitely trying to do my homework beforehand.
Angela
Great post Amanda! I was wondering where your marble suitcase is from? Thanks!
Amanda Stanton
CalPak! https://www.calpaktravel.com/ xx