Be Prepared!

It is the Boy Scout's motto and it would serve parents to adopt it themselves.

My first trip ever alone with a child happened when Nicholas was 2 months old. Even if I develop Alzheimer's later in life, that is one memory that will be hard to erase. I packed what I needed for a short 2.5 hour flight to DC from FLL I scheduled the trip in the early afternoon to coincide with Nicholas' nap. But, the universe had scheduled a blizzard moving through VA the same afternoon. We were delayed for 3 hours. After boarding we were stuck on the tarmac about and hour longer. Nicholas screamed for at least a good hour and nothing I did helped. I tried feeding him, changing his diaper, and the crew members even tried walking him up and down the aisle. Nothing worked. He was obviously experiencing discomfort. I can't even begin to tell you how grateful I was to have packed all that I had. I brought Mylicon and Tylenol with me just in case and I ended up using both. I got several pats on the back from passengers for managing the situation and allowing them to have a good flight once we took off.

If you are going to be traveling, count how many diapers your child usually goes through on any given day. Average that and double it. That's what you need to pack. Same goes for formula, snacks, etc. Pack Tylenol and Mylicon even if your child is perfectly healthy. Ear pain is common and the cabin pressure can lead to discomfort and headaches.

The crew really does not have extra diapers or food. In fact the most help I have received from the crew since that episode with Nicholas has been offers to warm formula and offers to watch one child while I take the other to the lavatory. While some kids will try plane food, many do not. Don't assume they will! Pack meals for your kids (see previous post for more info).

When you get to your seat and settle everyone in, take out the small box of wipes, 2-3 diapers, a sippy cup or bottle of water and any snacks you want to start out with and stuff them into your front seat pocket. This was you don't have to be inconvenienced rummaging through the different backpacks for what ever each kid wants.

If your child has a special toy or blanket or is a pacifier addict, pack it in your backpack or diaper bag. You may think they won't notice, but they will remember it and if it is not there, may the Force be with you!