The first time Ava and I traveled was when she was around 1.5 months old. And it wasn’t a short trip ….. no no no.. We did it big! We flew from Munich to Portland! This my friend, is a 13 hour flight, with one layover in Amsterdam (btw. beautiful airport)
Daddy was already in Portland, waiting and preparing our new home for us!
After I booked our ticket, I had to call the airline & let them know I need a bassinet for my baby.
This is my first time experience:
I don’t know if you guys have ever seen a bassinet on a flight, I sure hadn’t! These are available for long flights, but I’m not sure if every airline offers them (I flew with KLM & Delta).
I was really anxious & didn’t know what to pack. Packing for one is already annoying, but for 2?! Especially for the first time?! I think a packed 2 luggages & threw everything that I could think of in them. But – I also had to remind myself, I’m flying to America. We can buy a lot of stuff over there & his friends & family would have a lot of clothes or baby stuff for us as well.
At the end I added a little checklist for you guys, so you have a little idea of what you would need. There’s maybe some things on it you wouldn’t have thought of.
I think preparing the carry on bags was the most difficult part. Luckily I am breastfeeding Ava, so I didn’t have to prepare any bottles! I only had to bring a blanket to cover up for when I breastfeed her.
But you have to make sure you have enough diapers, baby wipes & enough changing clothes (not only for your baby, for yourself as well). I didn’t have to bring any toys then because she was simply too young. Only her stuffed animal + 1-2 toys. Take sanitizer with you too! You know on the airplane are a lot of germs.
At the airport I checked in my 2 bags & my stroller (car seat & bassinet). I had Ava in a carrier, a diaper bag, a bag for me & a carry-on bag. People were really polite at the airport. They loved Ava. I mean who doesn’t love a newborn?
Our first flight was a short one & it was to Amsterdam with KLM. It was the best flight! The flight attendants were just lovely! I didn’t sit in my assigned seat because the back of the plane was empty & I wanted to have a row for ourselves.
For takeoffs & landing you have to latch your baby on or give them a pacifier, this will help them with the pressure changes. Ava did a great job on the flight & the flight attendant made sure we were A-OK.
On the long flight I got more nervous. It was a huge plane, but also you know how people look at you when you board with a baby/kid?
I got to my seat & there was my bassinet at the wall as well. The seat next to me was empty, so I had extra space.
I brought 2 blankets because it gets so cold on the plane & put them in the bassinet as well & wrapped them around her. Ava was all snuggled up in a onesie, hat & hand gloves. The less skin exposed, the better!
Long story short:
What can I say? She was easy. I didn’t catch much sleep. I walked the isle up & down & rocked her sometimes. Breastfed her when it was time. Mostly I sat in my seat & had her in arms & watched some movies. I laid her down in the bassinet for like max 2 hour. Just to eat or go to the toilet.
Once in Portland I went to sleep to adjust to the time difference, while daddy proudly showed Ava his friends & family.
Overall it wasn’t a bad experience at all & I am forever grateful that Ava made the first trip very smooth!
Ever since me & her are a perfect travel team. With every new trip she is older & its a new challenge for sure, but you will adjust to it!
I always make sure she eats before we go on the plane so I don’t have to take actual baby food with me (on short flights), only snacks. I still breastfeed her for naps or at night time, but also on planes sometimes. Just to comfort her.
Oh, did I mention that they mostly let you cut the line for everything?! such a luxury!
Diaper Bag Checklist
