Tara Travels | Traveling alone with a Toddler | TicTalkToe

What does it feel like flying with a Toddler “alone”? Me, Tara in our SoulSlings Baby Carrier, a laptop bag, a tiny suitcase, and a handy diaper bag. Lots of confidence and a plan in place. Sounds like it right?

We just finished our week-long trip to Ahmedabad. This was Tara’s third flight experience and my first experience with her without any help! Around 9 months back, we had been to Ahmedabad with my parents. Tara was then a six-month-old infant who would mostly nap and coo. Now she is a fifteen-month-old toddler who tries to run around and does not want to be strapped to me! She knows how to maneuver her way to reach and grab what she wants to! But I took a chance. And yes, am back, alive and kicking, and writing this down, so that next time you plan, this might come in handy 🙂

• Plan your travel dates well in advance. Schedule flights as per the baby’s nap timings. Else they might get cranky if their nap times are compromised.  Tara loves her sleep time, so we planned a 4 pm flight in the evening when she was all rested. 
• Have a checklist for the essentials ready. Extra diapers, medicines, vaccine certificate, birth certificate, identity proof, formula, wipes – All checked before we set out for our journey.
• Pack as little as possible! Yes, you heard that right. Babies can adjust way more than you can imagine! While packing during her earlier trips would require one huge suitcase for her, this time it was a tiny one that accompanied us. So tiny that it could be used as hand luggage too! Weighed as little as 8 kgs. Everything else could be bought from Ahmedabad. I had ordered disposable diapers, formula feed, and all other essentials before our date of travel to Ahmedabad. 
• Wear comfortable clothes while traveling. Pajama and tee were my staples. Had to be nursing-friendly as well. I carried a nursing stole at all times. Comfortable shoes go without saying. Something that can be removed easily for security checks.
• Keep the baby dressed in layers. Flights can be very cold, so remember to wrap them. You can easily remove a layer or two in case they feel hot.
• A baby carrier helped me travel hands-free. I got myself a Soul Anya specifically for this trip. A front-facing carrier always helps a toddler explore. It was a savior! Learn how to buckle your baby carrier. If not, take help from strangers. Most people are generally helpful when they see a little baby. Don’t shy out, just ask for help. “Excuse me, can you please buckle my carrier? OR Can you hold this for a minute while I buckle my carrier?“
• We arrived at the airport well in advance to avoid any last-minute delays. Checked in the suitcase. Went to the lounge. Ate whatever little I could with Tara strapped around me. Gave Tara a sugary drink to play with. Cut down my guilt about it (At least she was quiet).
• Checked in window seats for my curious toddler. Kept her awake right until we boarded the flight. Interacted with her, she smiled at random strangers and gave them flying kisses. Let her explore while carrying her. Just before boarding the flight, I quickly got Tara a diaper change, changed in clothes, and had the formula ready in the bottle. Once she boarded the flight, I fed her the formula followed by breastfeeding. She slept for two hours straight and it gave me some time to rest as well in that cramped-up space.
• Reserve your phone’s charge for some screen time. Is baby getting cranky at the long queue for security check? Screen-time! Is baby not willing to wait until the luggage shows up at the conveyor belt? Screen-time. The remedy to calm a fussy toddler will always be screen-time!
• Cut down on your mommy guilt, please! Baby in disposables? Baby fed on formula? Is baby getting too much screen time? Is the baby not adhering to meal times? Bottles are not being sterilized? This won’t possibly continue forever, so take it easy Momma!
• Toddlers can play with anything and everything, so there is no need to pack that particular set of toys unless your baby is very specific about it! Tara played with the remote and salt/pepper sachets, so I never had to worry about packing toys. I even let her play with the paper cup with which I drank water in the flight. She happily chewed it! 
• Order food that is toddler friendly. Tara ate all the idlis and khandvis that I had ordered for myself, so I did not have to order for her separately.
• Always remain alert while you hold on to your child and luggage. Remember, you are stepping out and the child will be your responsibility at all times.
• Keep all important items in your hand baggage. Check-in items that you would not require during your journey. The idea is to travel with a bag, as light as possible, and check-in the heavier one.
• Airports always prioritize you if you are traveling with an infant. Take that advantage and cut the queue!   
• Lastly, have fun! Keep your cool! Remember, trips are a great way to rejuvenate and bond with your toddler.

I hope parents find this useful while travelling with their toddlers. I love penning down my experiences. In case you are interested, you can also check out what it was like to travel with Tara when she was an infant HERE

Bon Voyage!