My First Flight as a Mom: Lessons from Overpacking and Overthinking
In 2014, I took my daughter on her first flight to Florida. It was a simple, three-hour journey, but as a new mom, it felt like I was preparing for an expedition to the moon. I packed everything I thought we might possibly need—and then some. A giant stroller, a car seat, a week’s worth of diapers, bottles, pacifiers, toys, extra outfits (for both of us), and snacks. I remember the overwhelming weight of it all, both literally and figuratively, as I navigated the airport.
I had no idea how to juggle it all.
I struggled to push the stroller with one hand while dragging a suitcase with the other. The car seat dangled awkwardly from my shoulder, and I felt like a one-woman circus act. My anxiety peaked when we approached security. Would they make me unpack everything? Would my baby start screaming in the middle of the line? My heart raced as I fumbled to take off my shoes, fold the stroller, and keep my daughter entertained, all while trying not to hold up the impatient travelers behind me.
Once we boarded the plane, I braced myself for the worst. I imagined dirty looks from fellow passengers, endless crying, and an overall disaster. To my surprise, my daughter handled the flight better than I did. She cried a little during takeoff, but nursing her helped soothe her (and my nerves). For most of the flight, she alternated between napping in my arms and charming the passengers around us with her giggles and curious eyes. One kind stranger even offered to hold her while I ate a snack—a gesture I’ll never forget.
Looking back, I laugh at how much I overthought every little detail. I had forgotten that so many items could easily be purchased at my destination, and I underestimated the kindness of strangers who were more than willing to lend a hand. My anxiety about the flight—how would she handle takeoff? Would she cry the entire time? Would I even survive?—was far worse than the actual experience. My daughter did cry a bit, but she also slept, smiled at fellow passengers, and made it through the journey just fine. And so did I.
That trip was a milestone for me as a parent. It wasn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it was about learning to let go of perfection, trust myself, and embrace the unpredictability of travel with a baby.
Lessons Learned:
You Don’t Need to Pack the Whole House: Many things—diapers, wipes, snacks—are readily available at your destination. Save yourself the hassle of lugging around unnecessary items.
Babies Are More Resilient Than You Think: The things I worried about most—crying, meltdowns, and the opinions of other passengers—weren’t nearly as catastrophic as I imagined.
People Are Kind: Strangers offered to help me carry my stroller, store my bags, and even entertain my daughter for a few minutes. Accepting help made the journey so much easier.
It’s Okay to Be Nervous: Traveling with a baby for the first time is daunting, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Each trip builds your confidence and shows you what you’re capable of.
Practical Tips for First-Time Traveling Parents:
Pack Smart: Bring the essentials—diapers, a change of clothes for both of you, a few favorite toys, and snacks—but don’t overdo it. Think compact and lightweight.
Use a Baby Carrier: If you can, opt for a baby carrier instead of a bulky stroller. It’s a game-changer for navigating security and boarding the plane.
Plan for Takeoff and Landing: To help with ear pressure, nurse your baby, offer a bottle, or give them a pacifier during takeoff and landing.
Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to get through security and settle in without feeling rushed.
Embrace Flexibility: Things might not go according to plan, and that’s okay. Stay calm and go with the flow.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Flight attendants and fellow passengers are often happy to assist. Whether it’s holding your baby while you stow a bag or heating up a bottle, don’t hesitate to ask.
That first flight was the beginning of many adventures for our family. It taught me that the hardest part of traveling with kids is often just taking the leap. Once you’re in the air, you realize you’re capable of so much more than you thought. And the memories you create? They’re worth every ounce of effort.
