Babies can Fly!

Yes, it's scary and overwhelming to fly with your baby for the first time, but getting over the mental barrier will open your life to so many possibilites! Read on to find out about my story:

I have flown on my own with my baby girl several times now. The first time, she was less than 3 months old. It was on a local low-cost flight. Mom needs to take baby steps too I though to myself. She was light and I had her against me in a carrier. I made sure to carry only one piece of luggage. The crew was very friendly and actually did know how to make us feel special. Once on board, they gave us a special belt called a belly belt that secured her to my own belt. She sat on my lap feeling pretty relaxed. Good start!

One thing that you have to remember is that your baby needs to suck something while taking off and landing. This allows their ears to equalize. When they cry, its almosy always because their ears are sore. They can drink their baby bottle or suck a dummy. If you are breastfeeding, it will be a good time to do so. Remember that the sucking motion will also calm them down and also make them fall asleep, so you can enjoy your flight!

After the first time, flying nationally was not as challenging anymore. Next up was a 12 hour flight from France to Singapore... Alone. Gulp! She was 14 months old, full of energy, mischief and an unstopable desire to walk-run-trip-cry-and then some . Once again, I did it on my own. The situation was tricky as she just started walking, so you can imagine what I had to do in the planes aisles… and I had my huge hand luggage filled with baby essentials and another 12kg bag. This is when I realised that buying a light stroller, just for the airport, was the best decision I have made. She obviously was too heavy for her carrier and too dynamic to stay still.

The short flight from Bilbao (Spain) to Paris went well, as it was snack time for her. Good idea to make her drink her fruity milk baby bottle. Then, I just spent my time playing with her. Once in transit, she finally fell asleep…in her pram! I also must be honest about something: it is not easy to push a pram and a trolley filled with suitcases at the same time! But mothers can do it all! I am quite a pro at it now… I use the same technique when I go grocery shopping!

My plane from Paris took off at midnight, and she was still awake! So, I lied her down on 2 seats (thank you dear stewardess!) and used a blanket to hide the light from her. I put her soft toys around her, used the belt to prevent her from rolling down and sang her a song. She felt like at home! Just repeat your daily routine, so they understand that it is time to sleep. Once asleep, my meal was served, I enjoyed my glass of wine and my lovely dinner while watching a movie. She slept for straight 8h! Of course, I did not! I kept checking on her and… I never sleep on a plane anyway. Our arrival in Singapore was very pleasant as they do have prams at the airport.

I must say that my trip was very enjoyable and that I feel stronger as a person, as a mother and that experience brought us closer! I loved every little bit of it.