#firsttimers

I was really bummed that I wasn't going to be able to go to pride this year bc I totally forgot to ask it off and it would have been my and my bf's first, so this is what went down:

me: I sad *scrolling through pride-filled tumblr*

bf: why are you sad?

me: we wont be able to go to Pride this year because we work

bf: .....Vivian, you know we all have a break that week, right?

me:

me:

me: ....WhATT?!??

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For the longest I was stressing out wondering how my 8month baby boy was going to do on our first family trip to Texas on a plane. I had asked several moms on tips, some recommended giving him a lollipop, Tylenol before getting on the plane, others suggested putting ear plugs and the list goes on. But no one really prepped me on traveling as a family, so I told myself I was going to write a blog that will hopefully help first time moms/family with traveling with their little ones. Here are 5 tips that I highly recommend:  

1. Arrive 2 hours before your flight

You never know how much stuff you actually are taking until you start to unload; car seat, stroller, luggage’s, backpack and the list may go on. Give yourself extra time to calmly check in. Make sure to check in the car seat and luggage's the less you carry the better. You don't want to be carrying extra luggages with a little one, stop trying to be a super mom. All you need is a backpack with basic essentials; bottle, diapers, toys, wipes, formula and throw in a few snacks for mom and dad.  Make sure you familiarize yourself with the airport if needed. What I mean by this one is make sure you know what gate you will departure from and where the nearest bathroom is located. Sounds stupid, but trust me little things like this make a big difference. Lastly allow yourself to take a breather before getting on the plane, you’ll thank me for this one. 5-10 mins to mentally prepare yourself for the plane ride will be helpful especially if its your first time with a baby, because honestly you don’t know how your baby is going to act; fussy, happy, sleepy, or a combo of all three. You can also use this time to grab a bite or a drink ( an alcoholic drink if needed) just remember to relax, before getting on the plane.  

2. Feed your baby while the airplane takes off

This one help me tremendously, I waited long enough to feed Geno that by the time he took his milk he was ready to knock out. He slept for half of the flight and when he woke up he was in a good mood. Not only did this help put him to sleep but the sucking motion also helped his ears from popping. Other snacks that I brought with me were Gerber Graduates Puffs Cereal Snack and Gerber grabbers ( easy to serve and less messy). My two favorites, they both have multiple flavors and can be found at Target, Walmart, or your local store.

3. Change your baby’s diaper before you get on the plane

For those moms that can change your baby’s diaper in a airplane, more power to you! However this new mom prefers a changing table, so my tip to you all is change the baby’s diaper at the airport, even if the diaper is slightly damp. A clean diaper is better than a dirty one. If your baby goes poop on the airplane and you have no choice than to change the diaper so be it. But lets just hope it doesn't get to that. On another note how awesome would it be if planes had changing tables? Can all the moms agree with me that it would be amazing!! lets all pray that it happens in the near future.  

4. Bring toys with you on the plane

Please make sure you bring toys that make noise, your baby needs to stay distracted!! Toys that sing, talk, make weird noise are all a plus for me. We brought two for Geno and it kept him distracted for quite some time until he was going for the cell phones because that’s his all time favorite, and trust me whatever kept him happy he could have.

5. Travel with a partner ( for additional help)

I cannot stress to you all what a big difference it makes to travel with your partner, friend, family member, it is such a BIG HELP. I had the pleasure of traveling with my fiancé. He took care of loading and unloading of luggages and stroll while I took care of Geno and the smaller items like the backpacks. We worked has a team and had a game plan the minute we walked into the airport. For example, we would rotate carrying Geno on the airplane and help prep his milk. So if possible travel with another adult, you'll need that extra help that extra laugh and social interaction. 

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