Traveling with a 10 Month Old Aaand 12 Weeks Pregnant!!!

Do you transfer planes in Fll? I believe the the stroller will be waiting for you, but make sure that you have a long tranfer time, so you don't have to stress too much changing planes.

I travelled 7 months pregnant with 2 kids (3.5yrs & 1.5yrs) by myself and the 3.5 vomitted on the plan during take off. And we did fine, so don't worry about it I'm sure your trip wont be as bad as that.

Personally I would do the park and ride option. The driver would probably help you get everything on the bus, the drop you off at the door closest to your check in counter and you might even get to check you luggage in at the crub. Super easy. chicago has those options or not. We fly out of there when we go to Ireland, but I don't remember.

Good luck and relax, if you stress out it will be that much harder on you.

Hi

Once you get to the airport check in ask for some help with your luggage park your car close to the door and once they get the luggage for you then go and park your car . So then you do not need to carry luggage and push a stroller . Then when you are getting on the airplane they will check the stroller so once you get off they will have it there for you .
I do not know how long you are going for so not sure how much luggage you need but they also have carts you can get and if you need help they can have some help you .
You said your are 12 weeks I do not remeber having much of a belly for either one of my kids that soon but every one is different .

Some good tips so far!

I, too, have done lots of traveling with my daughter alone (till she was 3 years old, when we added her little brother - and the 3 of us have taken a couple of trips, too).

1) If you're not used to toting a stroller, try a baby carrier (like Baby Bjorn), and a backpack. This frees up both hands for a piece of luggage (or two) to lug behind and the diaper bag over the shoulder. Try it at home - it's more comfortable than you'd think, because of the weight distribution!

2) If you can, plan a longer layover - ideally 2-3 hours. This will give you and your LO time to stretch, eat/diaper change/outfit change (if any issues on the first flight...), plus, if you have a delay with your first flight, you will hopefully have enough cushion so that you don't have to stand in line waiting to change your second flight. (That is the WORST with a LO or two...)

3) This sounds odd, but avoid hot drinks. I witnessed a frazzled mom at a gate once who was trying to juggle some luggage and coffee but lost her grip on the coffee cup, which promptly fell onto her toddler's shoulder (she whisked him to the restroom, but had to leave all of her stuff. He ended up ok, as his shirt absorbed most of it, but I can still hear his initial scream...). I try to stick with bottled water - no spill, no burn, no mess.

4) I was REALLY nervous about my first flight alone with my 3 year old and 6 month old. I took pictures of them wearing their "travel" outfits - smiling, not smiling - to carry with me, in case I lost sight of one of them. The plan was to show the nearest airport person and say "This is what they look like and what they're wearing!" (Luckily, I didn't have to use them, but I did feel better having them!)

5) Definitely plan on having your LO nurse (breast or bottle) during take-off and landing to help the popping ears. (I've only had one instance of an ignorant (male) flight attendant who told me I couldn't, but I have never had any more problems.) When the kids were old enough I brough baggies of kind of a trail mix - Kix, Cheerios, Chex, pretzels, Cheez-its, raisins. Don't feed your LO sugary stuff (I've seen parents give Mtn. Dew and Fruit Loops!??) and expect her to stay still on the flight. :-)

6) Don't let others bother you, if you feel your LO seems a little more cranky than normal. You may feel like everyone is staring and annoyed, but most other travelers have been through this themselves. I try to stick close to other moms w/ kids at the gate, restaurant, etc. Plus, we tend to watch each other's backs (and kids' backs!).

7) Try to limit your luggage (and smaller bags are easier to maneuver than bigger ones). Are there items you can purchase once you get there? (I usually carried just a day's worth of diapers and purchased the rest locally.) If you are meeting someone there, they may be able to purchase items for you in advance (especially liquids - shampoo and such). Forego the towels if there are some where you'll be staying, etc.

That's all I can think of at the moment.

Hope the trip goes well!

I know it seems overwhelming but you'll do fine if you plan ahead. Traveling with a baby does take some planning and patience. Here are a couple tips I've learned.

-Think through how you'll go through security. We often use a backpack as diaper bag so it's easier to put on your back to pack up the stroller/car seat etc. while holding the baby. There now is a "family line" that also helps ease the stress.

-Don't board when they call families traveling with children you'll only sit on a crowded plane while everyone else boards. Board LAST so you don't have to sit as long. Also, ask for a bulk head seat or a row that isn't full. You can gate check your carseat and stroller.

-If you nurse sit by the window and regardless feed during take off and landing so your little ones ears don't pop.

-Wrap some new toys in wrapping paper so its fun for your LO to unwrap and preoccupies them longer. Also, bring a ziplock for toys that fall on the ground so you know which ones are dirty.

-If you need to go the bathroom inflight. Ask a flight attendant outside the bathroom if they could hold your LO for a moment. As long as it's after beverage service they're normally happy to help.

Good luck!!

It's really a piece of cake if you get organized in advance. Pack a diaper bag with all the snacks, activities, books, and formula if you need it. I breastfed my kids so I didn't have to deal with that and I have no idea how strict the customs officers are of liquid formula. Perhaps bring dry formula you can mix with bottled water after you clear, just in case. Load up a stroller with all your stuff, put your little one inside, and pull your suitcase behind you. I personally never asked for help even when I travelled weeks before I delivered - there was never anyone around and I just couldn't be bothered. When you get to security, throw your carry on bags on the conveyor belt, remove your shoes in advance and throw them on, and you're good to go. I got so good at it that I was faster getting through than people traveling on their own. As long as you have a plan in your head, you'll be great. No worries!!! : ) It's really not that bad and there are people who help if you ask.

Good luck and enjoy your trip!

S.

Hi C.,

You are worrying way too much about the little things. First, take the stroller right to the gate and have them load it for you. At 12 weeks you won't have a belly or be incapicitated in any manner except being tired. You will be on a plane for 95% of your trip sitting and enjoying trying to keep your 10 month old occupied. Get some Baby Einstein DVDs, some snacks and bottles (make sure the baby has a bottle for take-off and landing to help with ear pressure), and some little toys and books...you will be fine. You don't need a wheelchair, and you can get someone to help you when you arrive at your destination (like a porter) for a small tip they can get your luggage and load it in your car while you keep your little occupied. Don't sweat the small stuff...It will be fine, and you will have an amazing time.

I think you're stressing out way to much over this. Being 12 weeks pregnant is a hassle, but not a disability. Why do you need a wheelchair? You could ask, but I highly doubt you'd get help.

Travelling alone with a child isn't that big of a deal - I went from London, England to Omaha, NE with my 18 month old when my husband was in the air force. Just me, a huge suitcase, 2 carryons, a carseat and my daughter. No stroller - I used a baby carrier and put her on my back (and yes, you can do that when pg. I wore my 3 year old at 6 months pg without problems). No one helped me at any point on the trip, even when I asked the flight attendents. I wouldn't count on any help - they told me "not my job, not my problem."

Pack a bag with snacks and new toys. Push the stroller with your child in it, or get one of those wheeled carseats designed for air travel.

Good luck! This will be as easy or as stress free as you make it. You're in control of how you handle it. If you tell yourself you can do it, you will. If you freak out and stress yourself out, it will be more difficult.

You could look into curbside check for your checked bags, then you would just need to deal with the carry-on stuff for check in.

You can do this! You are thinking ahead so it will work out. Skip the wheelchair if you have a stroller - it can carry your cary-ons and baby.

Good luck!