Traveling while pregnant can be uncomfortable.  Making a journey while pregnant with a toddler in tow adds to the stress.  But what makes it doubly hard is traveling aboard minus your better half.  That was what I felt and experienced during our air travel to and from Hong Kong.

This momi then would love to share some lessons learned on that trip.

Dress comfortably

Pregnancy and Baby Air Travel Tips| Wearing a stretchable maxi dress with a poncho that doubles as a nursing cape

Though seven months pregnant, I still breastfeed my son.  I made sure I am in my most comfortable maternity/nursing clothes.  I often pee as well so I use those dresses I could manage to take off without assistance.  Jumpsuits and rompers can be real fashionable but quite a hassle when needed to pee.  So avoid wearing one if you are pregnant who frequents the bathroom.

Pre-pack snack food

Good thing I always have with me crackers to tame my hungry stomach.  Those same crackers also became a favorite of our little man when we can’t get real food because we are in transit.  Apple slices, some waffles, or even cherries are a few you could pack hours before the travel.

Carry-on checklist

Checking in all your baby’s diapers, clothes, and other necessities is a big no-no.  You should have one or two of each inside your carry-on.   Not all airports have a convenience store to supply your baby’s needs.  Baby essentials I find important are the following:

• nursing cape (if you breastfeed your child)
• formula and feeding bottles (if you bottle-feed)
• pacifiers (if your baby is used to that)
• receiving blankets (great as a nursing cover-up, keeping baby warm, or may be used as a changing mat as well)
• at least two pairs of clothes
• diapers, wipes, and bottom balm
• comfort toy or a book
• baby carrier or a sling
• a couple of Ziploc bags (come in handy for keeping soiled clothes)

Keep your composure

There will always be unsolicited advice from fellow passengers.  Do not engage.  Answer them with a smile than thinking of an explanation.

I was walking toward the waiting area after our check in.  A passenger approached me and advised that I let my 21-month-old son walk instead of babywearing him.  He must be concerned seeing a pregnant woman carry her son.

I just offered a smile and walked away.  I do not want to explain that it would be more of a struggle catching up with a running toddler than carrying him.

Utilize airport facilities

Pregnancy and Baby Air Travel Tips | A baby stroller wheeling our little man within the Hong Kong International Airport

When we arrived at the Hong Kong International Airport, there are baby strollers available.  The airport, as my son relayed to me,  is the world’s busiest cargo gateway and one of the world’s busiest passenger airports.  Walking within the airport can be real taxing.  Good thing my Second Son saw baby strollers readily available by the entrance and he put our 21-month-old baby there.  Our little man seemed to enjoy his ride as we made our way to the gate.

Bringing in an umbrella type stroller is also advisable.  But then traveling with four children and a senior citizen, each with luggage to drag is too much already.  I opted not to bring our stroller instead.

Use your big belly to your advantage

There are priority lanes for pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and those with a baby in tow.   Use that to your advantage.  With a big belly, I need not fall in line.  I was also given the fire exit side (inside the plane) where I could fully recline my chair, spread my feet, and actually sleep comfortably.

Seat kids away from the aisle

We all know how those small hands are in treacherous reach of anything near them.  Aisle seat means a little dangerous for toddlers.  As the food cart passes by, they may reach for the hot or cold water or just anything they fancy.  Though aisle seat may mean not climbing over people to use the bathroom especially if the flight is long, I still find it prudent to choose the window seat for the kid’s safety.

Prepare for takeoff

There was a baby at our back who kept on wailing during the touchdown portion of the flight.  I soon realized that the pressure during takeoff and touchdown can be real painful for little kiddos.  So relieved that my son was asleep, the experience taught me to be prepared should that happen to my son.  So if flying with kids, we moms may offer a pacifier, a bottle or our breast. I read once that the sucking motion helps relieve pressure among babies.

Pregnancy and Baby Air Travel Tips

Pregnancy and Baby Air Travel Tips| Big help from our Second Son who used his luggage as our little man’s ride within the NAIA Terminal 3

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