I’m Canadian and my husband is American. We live in the US but because all of my family lives north we take a few trips a year to visit. Not every time my husband is able join us which leaves me travelling with the kids on my own.
As many flights as I’ve taken throughout my life I considered myself to be a pretty confident flyer. That all changed when I decided to fly with my son the first time without my hubby. I was nervous to travel for the very first time in my life!
My son had flown before as a baby and thankfully behaved well on the flights but the thought of not having any help terrified me. So I started searching amazon for baby products to help me travel. I decided that a wrap around toddler carrier with a lil seat would be the best purchase and settled on that.
The day came for the flight and I had everything prepared. Decided not to bring my stroller because I figured I wouldn’t need it. Carried my son in the carrier to my gate and got on the flight. It was a very small plane and I anxiously walked to my seat and sat down. The carrier was so clunky and awkward to unwrap from around me and place in the overhead bin above while holding my son. Not to mention my backpack diaper bag. I finally sat down and started to nurse him with my nursing cover. Just as I was starting to feel I had things a bit under control, an announcement was made. The pilot advised there was a mechanical issue with the plane and we needed to exit. My son started crying as I had to take him off of the boob minutes after he started nursing. Thankfully a passenger that sat beside me was so kind to help me with my belongings as she saw how badly it I needed it lol.
We eventually got on another flight and got to our layover at LaGuardia Airport. I managed to get my 20lbs son in the harness and put the diaper bag backpack on my back. By the time I walked the long trek to our new gate for the connecting flight, my back was on fire lol.
I purchased a travel stroller as soon as I arrived at my destination to fly back with and never looked back! A stroller in my opinion is the BEST option for travelling with your young child ESPECIALLY when you’re by yourself.
Don’t make the mistake I did and purchase a travel stroller that is lightweight, easy to collapse and reopen that you can take with you to the gate at the airport. They will gladly tag the stroller at the gate when you board and get it for you right after you land. It’s so convenient and saves your back some pain!
Here’s the one I purchased that we still have. Great quality and it doesn’t break the bank.
Summer Infant, 3D Mini Convenience Stroller – Lightweight Stroller with Compact Fold MultiPosition Recline Canopy with Pop Out Sun Visor and More – Umbrella Stroller for Travel and More, Gray https://a.co/d/6uGVtKG
Also a Fanny pack or crossbody bag that holds your passports, phone and wallet so they’re easily accessible works great. I love this one INICAT Small Sling Bag Fanny Packs Crossbody Bags Gifts for Women Men Teen Girls https://a.co/d/bpjcOJX
Also having a diaper bag backpack has been helpful. Don’t overload it like I used to. Just pack the essentials for a diaper change, change of clothes, a few toys (see my post for best airplane toys) and snacks of course. You can put it in the bottom of the stroller when you’re going through the airport and put on your back when you’re boarding the plane. One that I love is this LANDICI Diaper Bag Backpack https://a.co/d/bBax25P because you can charge your devices in it and it also has a changing station.
What is your favourite travel items when going solo with your little? Please share below:
luggagenlittles.com 