This fall has been more stressful than usual for parents across the country. We've had to deal with the H1N1 pandemic, resulting in our worry every single time our kids sniff or sneeze. Resign yourself to the fact that your monthly budget must expand to include exciting extras such as Purell and Anti-bacterial soap, at least for the next few months.
Just when we've started to relax slightly, WHAM! We're hit with the upcoming holiday season. Yes, it snuck up on us again. The celebration of Thanksgiving on November 26th begins a month long holiday bonanza that will include parties, family get-togethers, and the two words that cause parents to recoil in horror: Airline travel.
If you've been watching the news in the past month, you will have already heard of the mom and screaming toddler that were escorted off SouthWest Airlines because the child would not settle down. Any parent can imagine being in the same situation.
Traveling with your kids can't be said to be a fun experience, but many, many Americans pack up their kids and their suitcases to travel across the country to be with family and friends. Given how stressful it is to handle your children in large places such as airports and small places such as airplanes, how can you avoid the pitfalls along the way? Planning is key to avoiding some of the stress. Not unlike a commando going into war, plan your itinerary item by item and right down to the last detail.
Need some help? Travel BaBees is here with a few quick tips that will take some of the stress out of your upcoming air travel.
Tip#1 - Pack light and leave unnecessary objects at home
Do you know what it is like to wrestle your car seat from the grasps of the luggage carousel? Or even worse, go through the frustration of hauling your car seats into the airport only to have them get lost when you arrive? It's frustrating beyond belief, especially after a long day of switching flights and dealing with cranky, claustrophobic kids. Leave your car seats in your car and avoid this stress by renting them at your destination from Travel BaBees.
Tip #2 - Decide where your child will sleep before you get there
If you've ever asked your parents what it was like to travel with you, they'll tell you that they just put a blanket down on the floor and you'd pass out anywhere. I laugh when I hear this, because my kids would take one look at that blanket and recoil in horror. After a long day of flying, planning for where your child will sleep is important. Whether you are at a hotel or Grandma's house, having a comfortable bed will help you avoid the long, sleepless nights (for you!) that a cranky, uncomfortable child will bring when in a strange environment. If you have a baby, rent a fully equipped crib. Your fussy toddler will feel right at home in a toddler bed. Making their transition as comfortable as possible is important when traveling, especially when dealing with jet lag.
Tip #3 - You may not believe this, but leave your stroller at home
This tip is often met with stunned expressions. You paid a lot of money for your specialized stroller. It is the carrier of your child, the holder of your extras, and you can check it at the gate. Why on earth would you leave it at home?
I have two words for you: Baggage Handlers
Yes, these experienced airline professionals will check your stroller at the gate, and occasionally it will come back unscathed, but more often than not they aren't that gentle with your prized piece of equipment. I've seen strollers come back with the plastic casing cracked, with one wheel rolling away when you set it back up again, and with fabric seats ripped beyond repair. Think that is frustrating? Have you ever tried to file a claim against the airline for a destroyed stroller? You'll be waiting months for that cheque.
If you want to keep your expensive stroller intact, leave it at home. Travel BaBees can deliver a stroller to your destination, so all you have to do is grab it and go.
Yes, flying with your children is scary enough to make you want to stay home. Fortunately for traveling parents everywhere, Travel BaBees is there to lighten your load.
You too can enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner, no matter where you have it this year.
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