Oh girl! Today I want to share with you my recent solo travel experience with my 3-month-old baby, Azalea. Buckle up as I take you through the ups and downs of traveling, security checkpoints, and the touching moments that unfolded during my trip.
Heading to Cheyenne, WY: A Bittersweet Journey
Let me take you back to a recent journey that touched my heart and brought both tears and smiles. It all started when I found myself heading to Cheyenne, WY, for a bittersweet occasion—my grandpa Burns’ funeral. This trip meant bidding farewell to my beloved grandpa and introducing my little Azalea to her Papa Jim Burns for the first time.
Let’s take a moment to hear about my Grandpa Dr. Jack Burns, a Remarkable Man My grandpa, Jack Burns, was not just an ordinary man. He lived a remarkable life, making a lasting impact on those around him. At the remarkable age of 103, he peacefully passed away in June 2022, with his loyal companion, Chloe, his furry best friend, by his side. We buried him with the utmost honor, his casket draped in the embrace of the American flag. Grandpa Jack had served as a tank driver in WWII and had a hidden talent for playing the trumpet. Later in life, he pursued dentistry, leaving a legacy of smiles and care. If you’re curious to learn more about his incredible journey, you can read his obituary here.
Packing My Travel Essentials: Stroller, Dockatot, and Lots of Love
As a seasoned traveler (or so I’d like to think), I made sure to bring all the necessary gear to ensure a smooth journey. Along with my trusty Britax stroller, I also packed a handy Dockatot. This genius contraption provided a safe and comfortable spot for Azalea to rest on the floor while I disassembled the stroller for security checks. I opted not to baby wear because Azalea was still quite little, and I wanted the extra room in the stroller for carrying additional bags and essentials. If I were to baby wear, I would recommend considering options like the Tush Baby for hip support or the LILLEbaby Baby Carrier for a comfortable and secure experience.
Surviving Security Checkpoints: Stickers, Snacks, and Smiles
Navigating the security checkpoints with a baby can be quite an adventure. To keep Azalea entertained during the process, I had a secret weapon: stickers! Those colorful little wonders worked like magic, capturing her attention and giving me some precious moments of peace. Of course, I kept a close eye on her to ensure the stickers stayed on her face and not in her mouth! Security was a bit challenging and a little rude to me, but with the help of kind strangers, I managed to navigate the process. They watched over Azalea and even assisted me in folding the stroller. Despite the emotional challenges of losing my grandpa and traveling alone with a baby, I tried to maintain a smile and an attitude of gratitude.
To keep my tummy happy and full, I packed an empty Stanley water container filled with a nutritious blend of blended blueberries, bananas, and strawberries. I also brought along some beef jerky for a quick and protein-packed snack. Don’t forget your bubble gum! As a nursing mom, I made sure to have my nursing pillow and a nursing cover handy. These items kept both Azalea and me satisfied throughout the journey.
Unforgettable Moments: Meeting Great Papa Charles Turner in Texas
The purpose of my 1st trip was to honor the memory of my grandpa Burns and introduce Azalea to my Dad in Cheyenne, WY. The second part was to travel to Texas to meet my mom’s Dad who is known as great Papa Turner (he helped raise me on their peach farm. The joy and emotion that filled the room when Azalea and Papa Turner met for the first time were indescribable. It was a beautiful connection across generations, and I felt incredibly blessed to witness it. He hugged her so tight!
Reflecting on the Journey: Moments of Strength and Gratitude
Traveling solo with a 3-month-old baby is no easy feat, but it was a journey filled with moments of strength, resilience, and gratitude. It reminded me of the love that binds our family together and the importance of cherishing every moment with our loved ones. Ill never forget the nice couple in the boarding line that offered to carry my stroller in the bag to the gate. They were well aware of the challenges of traveling. I distinctly recall the moment we landed and disembarked from the plane. I had to lay Baby Zaza in the Dock-A-Tot on the ground. I was a little embarrassed but little did I know that people weren’t judging me they approached me, acknowledging me as a warrior, and some even expressed their trust in my survival mom skills and how good Zaza was, joking that if they were ever stranded somewhere, they would feel confident with me leading the way. Ha, the words still bring a smile to my face!
Conclusion: As I wrapped up my trips, I couldn’t help but reflect on the whirlwind of emotions and experiences that traveling with a baby brings. From navigating security checkpoints to the heartwarming family moments shared, it was a trip that I will cherish forever. If you’re planning to embark on a similar journey with your little one, remember to pack the essentials, stay prepared, and embrace the precious moments along the way and don’t forget to laugh and smile….
Other Quick Tips:
♡ don’t sit near the restrooms! The flushes and constant traffic will keep your baby up.
♡dress your baby in comfortable clothes.
♡ bring a blanket from home.
♡ bring a nursing pillow and cover (or don’t cover) You go girl! Start nursing the moment the wheels come off the ground and are about to land to help keep their little ears from poppin’
♡ If you don’t nurse then bring a pacifier for their little ears
♡ try to align your flight with their sleep schedule.
♡ bring a garbage bag, or some sort of bag for garbage, banana peels, dirty diapers, dirty spoons & bowls, etc.
♡ bring a towel or paper towels
♡ bring a change of clothes for you and the baby + extra diapers and wipes, just in case spit up or poo surprise! Zip Lock Bags are the best at masking the smells… (trust me, I have another story to tell you later)
♡Download music, Movies, & Shows ahead of time. If you’re interested in Zaza’s playlist you can scope it here & then download it on Spotify. Trust me, a playlist makes a big difference.
♡ take care of yourself too: Remember to stay hydrated, eat well, and get enough rest. Taking care of your own well-being will help you better handle any challenges that may arise during the trip.
♡ be prepared for security checks: Familiarize yourself with airport security regulations regarding baby items. Keep essentials like diapers, formula, and baby food easily accessible for security screenings. Be ready to remove your baby from carriers or strollers during the process.
♡don’t overlook this important tip! Upon arrival, take advantage of the option to check your stroller or car seat for free. To safeguard them from inclement weather, consider investing in stroller and car seat covers. Now, here’s my secret suggestion: utilize the additional space within car seat bags to discreetly stash bulky diapers in a bag or box. This clever trick maximizes storage efficiency while keeping your essentials protected.
♡ Promise diamonds if that’s what it takes.
Do whatever you have to do to get through it. It’s rough up there, let me tell ya.
Hope these tips help you grab at least a few moments of peace if you’re going on an upcoming flight with your little one. Praying for you. LOL.
Would love to know all your tips, tricks & hacks for traveling with a baby or just kids in general. Share!
oxo, Jenna Camille
+ the magical fairy water that makes my baby stop crying.
++ the must-have accessories for the hospital every new mom to be needs.