Flying with Anna

Photo by Erin

A couple of weeks ago, Anna, Erin, and I flew to Wichita, Kansas to visit my parents.  I was a nervous wreck about flying with a 2 1/2 month old baby, but since we love to travel, and I wanted to see my parents, I needed to just do it.

Everything ended up going fine.  On the trip out, we took an early morning flight with a short layover in Chicago, and Anna was perfect.  No crying or screaming, and I even managed to change her in the tiny airplane bathroom.  On the trip home, we took a midday flight with a longer layover in Chicago, and Anna was not as perfect.  She cried in the airports and on our second flight, but it was not too bad and no one yelled at us.  I brought the car seat and stroller to the gate each time.  It was a pain but it came in handy.  I also brought the Baby Bjorn but did not use it.  Anna sat of my lap for each plane ride and kicked Erin most of the way.

I think the key to flying with Anna was to feed her often and have a second set of hands to help with the endless amounts of stuff I needed to bring with us.  I fed Anna on each take off and landing, so I do not think she felt the pressure change too much.  On the way out to Wichita the airline gave Kyle a pass so he could help me through security and then my sister took over helping to carry all of our things through the airports. 

We had a nice trip visiting with my parents.  We ate out, went shopping, and scavenged through my mom's garage sale pile.  And, Anna got some much needed Nana/Grandpa time.

Photo by Erin

Photo by Erin

I am not sure my fear of flying with a baby is cured yet, but it is nice to know we can survive a flight.