Travelling with a busy babe

I recently just got back from visiting my parents out West. This was Canaans second time making this trip, but this time around I was much more nervous. Not only was I doing this by myself, but my little nine month old is a very busy boy! How on earth was I supposed to occupy him and keep him still on this journey? I searched high  and low for travelling tips, but came up short in regards to travelling alone with an infant. I just wanted to share some tips that I think really helped out. 

1. Travel during nap time. I didn't do that on the way to BC but I did on the way home and it was wonderful. Everytime we took off he fell asleep.

2. Layovers are your friend. At least they. were for me.  On the way there I had about a total of 3 minutes to get from one plane to the next, use the bathroom and change a dirty diaper. Stressful! But on the way home I had two hours. We relaxed and ate lunch, walked around and let my babe crawl around to get rid of some energy. 

3. Snacks. Lots of snacks. There schedule is kind of hard to keep

When you keep changing time zones! So letting them snack helps keep them on track a little bit, plus it's a distraction. 

4. Don't bring unnecessary things! Toys? Don't need them! There are so many new things to see and touch, I guarantee it will just keep getting thrown on the floor. I didn't even bring my wallet! I just took out my ID and my debit card and hid it

In the diaper bag. Less stuff means less stress. 

5. Bring a stroller. We started baby wearing to late, and even though Canaan doesn't mind it, he doesn't like being in it for long periods of time. Plus, you won't need to carry a thing! Ours is also super easy to fold up, which makes the transition from airport to plane easier.

6. Soother clips are a life saver. We're at the stage where throwing things on the floor is a fun game. Soother clips eliminate the contstant need to pick it up off the dirty airplane floor. 

7. Baby blanket. It's cool on those planes sometimes, plus it adds a comfort of home. It's familiar to them. 

8. Don't be afraid to ask for help! People are (usually) more then welcome to help. Plus once you have kids, people automatically find you approachable. 

9. Wear comfy clothes. For both you and your babe. It makes those small airplane seats seem a little but more bearable. Plus, if you put your babe in a sleeper it makes diaper changes on the plane so much easier.

10.  Relax. I know it's hard, but if your tense your baby will be too. 

I also had so many people praying for me, and I really believe that's why our trips went so well. I'm so thankful for a God who cares even about the little things.