Every parent who travels gets to the end of the day and feels like they’ve wrestled an alligator while running a marathon. Solo parents feel that just a little bit extra, as you might imagine. However, traveling with kids is so important, at every age and every stage of their childhood, so you definitely want to do it. And you still want to travel, too, right? So much has been taken from you, you want to feel like you’re living again. But, how? How do you travel long-haul, with all the struggles, and not regret it in the moment? Well, here are some things that can help you. Here are the best tips for solo parenting on long-haul flights.
Do It Before They’re Mobile
It’s not impossible to travel with a mobilized child, so don’t worry! It’s just easier to start before they can crawl or walk. Why? Because they’re easier to wrangle when they don’t wrangle back, and traveling when they’re so small means they get used to it faster. You don’t have to deal with a panicking child who wants to run away from plane noises or announcements. By the time they’re ready to run, they’re not surprised by any of it, it’s just part of their life. Iris’s first flight was when she was just seven weeks old! She’s been on scores of flights since then.
Read on: 10 Things I’ve Changed My Mind about in 20 Years of Travel
Befriend the Flight Attendants
Solo parenting means asking for help. By all means, ask the flight attendants for help. Befriend them. Let them hold the adorable baby. Let them know you’re a solo parent and doing this on your own. Maybe one of the flight attendants is also a single parent, maybe they were raised by a single parent. You never know anyone else’s backstory, and no one will know yours if you don’t tell them. Be friendly with them, and they are more likely to be friendly with you and offer help as needed, especially with babies, toddlers, and younger kids. Every flight attendant on every flight I’ve been on since becoming a single parent has been kind to me and to my daughter.
More here: The Ultimate Single Mom Hacks for Travel
Lean into the Friendly People
Beyond the flight attendants, get comfortable leaning into the friendly, helpful people around you. You’re not trying to be a victim, you’re not trying to manipulate people into helping you, you’re just saying yes when people offer. When someone asks if they can hold the baby while you go to the bathroom, let them. (Where are they going to go with your baby, right? You’re all captives in the airplane.) When someone offers to put your bags into the overhead bin, let them do that for you. Don’t make the travel day harder by trying to be the most independent person on the plane. You already are, and you have nothing to prove.
Keep reading: How to Treat Yourself as a Single Parent on Travel
Bring Something New
Your baby or toddler probably has something that’s their absolute favorite; that thing they hold extra tight and prefer over everything else. But they probably also like something new and exciting once in a while. A travel day is a great time to introduce a new toy, new book, new snacks, new sippy cup, the list goes on. This is great for two reasons: 1. “New” means “distraction” for those moments when you desperately need one. 2. Because it’s not an established favorite and they’re not attached, so it’s okay if it gets lost or left behind!
Read next: How to Know if Airline Loyalty is Worth It for You
Bring Plenty of Diapers AND Wipes
I know, it sounds so obvious, but how many is plenty? About a week before your trip, start counting how many diapers your baby goes through in a typical day. Add 2-3 extra to that number. My girl usually uses eight diapers, so I always plan to bring at least 10 for travel days—20 for overnight flights, because that usually means about two days of travel. And always throw in a new, full package of wipes! That should be enough diapers and wipes to get you through the long-haul flights, even with surprises, plus a little extra.
Read on: The Ultimate Guide to Flying for Beginners
Bring Snacks
In case you don’t already know, you can bring basically anything for a baby or toddler. Pouches, applesauce, fruits, veggies and dip, cheese and crackers, even liquid-influenced foods (I saw a mom once who had packed a thermos full of ravioli—genius!). all that also depends on how cleanly your child can eat. Just know it’s your responsibility to provide enough food for your baby or toddler. They’re not eligible for a “child meal” until they’re two on most airlines. You can certainly share your in-flight mea;, but make sure you plan on having enough food for both of you, not just baby!
Keep reading: What to Do When There’s No One to Watch Your Baby on Travel
Bring Help
This is not a cheap option, but if you can do it, bringing help will take the stress of the travel day WAY down. Help can look like grandparents, an aunt or uncle, a cousin, a friend, or even a nanny. If they can’t afford their own ticket, consider using airline miles or credit card points to make it happen. You won’t need so much help forever! While your baby or toddler is still so small and you’re still in the “mom brain” or “widow fog” phase, you probably need those extra eyes, hands, and feet to keep your little one safe. You only have so many hands, and you were never meant to do it all by yourself. Let yourself have help.
More here: 7 Reasons Why Single Parents Should Travel with Their Kids
Want more? Check out my dedicated Single Parent Travel Page!
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