My Best Parenting Advice: Look At Me – I’m On An Airplane! by Baby Jake
Hi,
It’s me Baby Jake. I hope you had a fun July 4th. If you read my last letter you might remember I asked if someone could please tell me what 4th of July was. My older friend, Samantha (she’s 6 months old) sent me an email and told me it was the day that represents the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation. Hmm…sounds like a birthday to me. Anyway, Samantha said not to be scared of the loud noises, they wouldn’t hurt me and to just look at the pretty lights in the sky called fireworks . And you know what? She was right. They were beautiful! Thanks Samantha.
But guess what? Right now I’m on a big airplane on my way to Grandma and Grandpa’s house. I’m in my car seat cause we just took off. And we’re flying high in the sky. Yipee! I wish mommy or daddy would hold me, but they said I would be safer in my seat during takeoff. That’s what it’s called when the plane goes up in the air.
We’re all really excited, but I heard mommy tell daddy that she hopes I don’t cry on this airplane, cause it would bother the other people. And boy, there are lots of people that I don’t know here! So I’m going to try my hardest to keep my tears in check just to make mommy happy.
She and daddy had so much to bring on this trip and it looked really heavy. I’m only a little guy. Why do you think we need so much? Sure hope they didn’t forget my “bubbie dog” It’s really soft and I like to rub it with my fingers when I can’t sleep or I’m having a cranky time.
So I was thinking I should share these ten things I told my mommy and daddy before our trip to make it easier. Make sure to tell your mommy and daddy too.
- Try and book a flight during my sleep time. Taking a red eye might be worth it so I will sleep during the trip.
- Even though it’s not required, the FAA recommends babies under 40 lbs. be secured in a car seats. And I think that’s a good idea.
- Ask if we can get the front bulkhead seats. Lots more room especially for diaper changes and playtime. And so much bigger than the bathrooms.
- Please add an extra half hour to our airport time just in case there are any surprises. “I will try my best not to have a diaper blow-out or a big spit up, but hey, I’m a baby and these things happen.”
- Buy a stroller travel bag and pack some of my baby things in it along with the stroller. They sell them at Amazon.com and lots of baby stores. And you’ll be able to check it at the gate just before we board.
- Make sure to have lots of extras in your carry–on bag just in case the plane is delayed. And don’t forget you – an extra shirt could save the day when my carrots decide to go flying out of my mouth!
- Try and feed me before we get on the plane. I always feel better when my tummy is full. Just remember to bring your special blanket that covers us both while I am nursing. If I do need to eat on the airplane, get a copy of the airlines breastfeeding policy, print it and bring it with you.
- Mommies and Daddies can get cranky too. So please make sure you eat something before we get on the airplane. My parents like to bring snacks with them, almonds, dried fruit, and protein bars. I can’t wait till I’m old enough to eat these snacks. They look yummy!
- Once we get on the airplane, if we need something, don’t be afraid to ask the flight attendant for help. One look at cute, little me and she’ll get us anything!
- If there are tears, mine not yours, try giving me my binky, “bubbie dog” or maybe a little more to eat, especially if it’s during takeoff or landing. Sometimes the pressure hurts my ears and sucking makes it feel better. And don’t worry about the grouchy people staring or shaking their heads…forget about it. They were babies once too!
All this typing is making me tired. Think I’ll take a little nap. Can’t wait to see Grandma and Grandpa. Maybe we’ll be there when I wake up. Happy traveling.
Hugs,
Baby Jake
For more great traveling tips, check out the chapter: “Oh The Places We’ll Go” in Help! My Toddler Came Without Instructions.
Blythe Lipman, President and Founder of Baby Instructions based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a nationally recognized baby and toddler expert, a parenting consultant, an author of three award-winning books, Help! My Baby Came Without Instructions, More…Help! My Baby Came Without Instructions, and Help! My Toddler Came Without Instructions, a teacher, a caregiver, a keynote speaker, a blogger AND host of Baby and Toddler Instructions, a weekly Parenting Internet talk radio show which airs live every Wednesday at 11:00 am EST on itunes and toginet. She is owner of the online parenting magazine My Best Parenting Advice and the site Baby Instructions.
My Best Parenting Advice: Look At Me – I’m On An Airplane! by Baby Jake
