ML Interest Tag: flight

A Battle-Tested How-To: Flying With a Baby

By Jordan Manfredi

Photo: jordan Manfredi

About a year ago, I ventured onto a round trip flight across the US with my 6 month old daughter, Lily Love in tow. The first leg of the trip was a bit of a disaster. The 2nd leg- we were prepared. Below are our lessons learned:

-If possible, try and take a non-red eye. People seem more understanding when they aren’t trying to sleep.

-Get to the airport at least an hour and a half before. Rushing just adds to the stress level.

-You can check 2 pieces of luggage for babe-no charge.

-Recommend putting ID, boarding pass, $ etc. in an easy to access spot- I used the front zip pocket of my Ergo.

-Board when first class boards- babies get priority.

-Introduce yourself and your baby to the flight attendants- they are your new best friends.

-If possible, try to get on a flight at an unpopular time. We flew from JFK to LAX at 5:30pm on a Wed. We got a row with the middle seat open.  That was a game changer because I could put toys on the middle chair; I laid her down, let her spread out etc. The chances of getting a middle seat increase the farther back in the plane you are. Also- an aisle seat is very helpful, as I was up walking most of the time.

-Be prepared for the worst. Sounds ominous but it helped because the second time around, I had my game face on. The first leg I thought I’d watch a movie, possibly nap. Didn’t happen. Be prepared to be super mom the whole flight if flying solo. I drank coffee prior because drinking during the flight can be tricky. I also packed myself a lot of easy to eat snacks to avoid becoming H-Angry

– Wearing my little one was super helpful. Hands free is the way to be, if you’re ok with not taking your car seat for added safety. Practice getting in and out of your baby carrier by yourself. I also had a dad gear backpack vs. a diaper bag because it’s got great, big compartments, fits under the seat and left my hands available.

-Have something for your little one to suck on ascending and descending so their ears don’t pop. Breastfeeding worked like a charm but pacifiers, bottle or fingers work too.

-If breastfeeding- bring a cover. This was also helpful for getting my little one to nap because our neighbor had her reading light on a lot during the flight.

-Routine goes out the door. Not a lot of parenting went on during our flights. My goals were just to keep her safe and happy. Whenever she cried, I offered her food. If that didn’t work, we walked.

– Bring lots of toys. I had a mini arsenal. I recommend bringing binky clips so they don’t fall on the floor.

-Bring a change of clothes for little one and you. Poop happens. Also, a warm wrap, scarf for both. American Airlines offered blankets, some do and some don’t. Also-plastic bags are helpful for dirty clothes.

-Walking around the plane is great- my little one loved the people and the lights.

-When in a pinch, go to the bathroom. Mid wail, I’d just go to the bathroom and whip out a boob. My little one also loved the bathroom mirror.  I recommend buying a little Purell bottle in the airport to keep the germs at bay

-Don’t let people get to you. You’re doing your best and people should understand.

YOU GOT THIS!

 

I’m a beauty hunter, a dreamer, a learner and a doer. I'm also a mama to 2 wild ones (Lily Love + Bear). As a self proclaimed forest fairy + forest school founder, I believe in nature and magic and know that growth happens when you step outside of your comfort zone.

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Harry Potter New York Flagship Store Will Finally Open This Summer

by Erica Loop

The Wizarding World is coming to the Big Apple! The Harry Potter New York flagship store is opening Jun. 3—and this is a must-visit destination for Wizards and muggles alike.

The 21,000 square foot store will feature 15 different themed areas, all based on one magical aspect of the Wizarding World. With three floors of magical merch and interactive experiences, this new retail adventure houses an impressively awesome collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts-themed products.

To enter the store you’ll need to pass under an oversized 220-pound model of Fawkes the Phoenix. Along with this super-structure, you’ll find plenty of Instagram-worthy pic opportunities.

If your fam is into all things tech, download the Harry Potter Fan Club app to find interactive store adventures throughout the flagship retailer.

The new store also features two multiplayer virtual reality experiences, giving your kiddos the chance to interact with the Wizarding World in an imaginative way. The “Chaos at Hogwarts” and “Wizards Take Flight” VR adventures include magical creatures, broom-filled battles and so much more.

Along with the interactive experiences, you can also shop, shop and shop some more at this Potter-themed store. Not only can you pick up plenty of Potter products, you can also gift the Wizarding World fan with the ultimate present from the Personalization Area.

Sarah Roots, EVP Warner Bros. Worldwide Tours and Retail, said in a press release, “The level of artistic detail and quality of the design inspired by the movies means Harry Potter New York will bring a completely new shopping experience to the city. With over 1,000 Wizarding World props on display (including some authentic items which featured in the movies), the incredible theming, along with experiences such as photo opportunities and the fantastic range of products, there will be something special for every fan.”

The Harry Potter New York flagship store opens Jun. 3 next to the historic Flatiron building at 935 Broadway.

—Erica Loop

Photos courtesy of Harry Potter New York

 

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How to Breeze Through Your Baby’s First Airplane Trip

By Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, FAAP

I’m covered in crumbs. Also, in milk, in about a tablespoon of applesauce and in sweat. That’s because I’ve been on an airplane wrangling my 17-month-old toddler and my four-year-old daughter for the last five hours. The four-year-old is doing just fine, actually. She’s getting a ton of screen time and I know I’ll pay the price later for the movie marathon we’ve allowed, but I’m okay with it given it’s a special circumstance.

The toddler on the other hand? Well, it’s just a tough age. Too old for cuddling and napping as we zoom through the sky, too young to hold her focus for any length of time. She’s in constant motion. If this plane does not speed up and get to our destination ahead of schedule, I may collapse in an exhausted heap.

Our trip—for which I am actually completely grateful because it’s a privilege to take my kids to a new place with new adventure—made me think about the first time I ever traveled with a child. It took me back to how I overpacked, how I overstressed and how I underappreciated how simple it could actually be.

There are tons of parents who ask me in my office if I have any advice for the plane or the airport with a baby. Turns out, you can optimize your travel experience by taking these easy steps:

Carry As Little As Possible, Check the Rest

Know how, when you go through the airport, your carry-on luggage and personal item seem to somehow get heavier and heavier the further you walk? Multiply that times ten with a baby because you now have an extra PERSON you are lugging. There are obviously some items you have to bring with you – a small stack of diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, bottles if formula-feeding. But, the less stuff you have to lug through security, through the terminal or into the overhead bins, the better. Better to check it and forget it, in my book.

Don’t Spend Extra Time In the Airport, Except When Boarding The Plane

A lot of new parents think they should get to the airport super early if they are traveling with a baby or child. Usually, though, that just means extra chances for meltdowns (for your baby, not you) and germs. Obviously, give yourself enough time to make your plane, but don’t plan to linger excessively. On the other hand, when it’s time to board the plane, consider your unique situation.

Airlines offer family boarding early on in the boarding process, which can be tempting. If you don’t have an assigned seat or you have carry-on luggage that demands overhead bin space, take full advantage of this perk. If you haven’t brought much with you, though, consider minimizing the amount of time you have to sit “trapped” in a small space with your infant.

Stay Away From Sick People

This is a hard one since, notoriously, airports and airplanes tend to be germ fests. The number one way to avoid a baby getting seriously ill from air travel? Don’t take them until after they are old enough to receive their first set of vaccines and are out of the highest infection risk zone.

In our practice, we don’t give the first set of vaccines until at least six weeks old and recommend waiting a few weeks after vaccination for the shots to take effect before flying. I waited until about three months until flying with my first baby. Once you’re on your way, it pays off to wash your hands well with soap and water often and to keep your baby away from direct contact with sick people.

Give Baby Something to Suck On 

Once you depart on your flight, you’ll want to help minimize discomfort in your baby’s ears, which can build as the pressure changes with altitude shifts. Giving baby something to suck on (a pacifier, a bottle or a breast) can really help. On the way up, it’s obvious when you need to pay attention to helping your little one with this but, on the way down, it’s easy to get the timing wrong.

Instead of waiting for the flight staff to tell you you’ve started your descent, be observant. When you start to feel the plane descending, get your baby going on an ear pain prevention plan by initiating some type of sucking motion (note: if they are asleep, let them sleep).

Forget Over-Apologizing

So you have a baby on a plane? Oh, well. Tons of other passengers have been in your situation and we’re not irritated when we hear your baby cry. Those who are will have to just suffer through. If your baby wails the entire trip, it makes sense to at least acknowledge the patience and understanding of others around you.

But those little gifts some propose to assuage your neighbors preventatively? Unless you have tons of free hours you would not rather spend doing ANYTHING else, I say forget it. You paid to be on the plane just like everyone else and you’re doing way more hard to work to make the trip successful than any of your seatmates.

In the end, traveling with a baby can actually be significantly easier than you first imagined. Hey, at least it’s not traveling with a toddler. Pack light, get the timing right and feel confident–you’ll be there in no time.

Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, FAAP
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I'm a pediatrician and a mama mindset expert. I host The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, and am a mom to two young girls in Portland, Oregon. I'm also author of The New Baby Blueprint and The Working Mom Blueprint from the American Academy of Pediatrics. 

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Theme Park Attractions Your Kids Can Ride Virtually

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Theme parks are gradually starting to reopen, but if you’re not comfortable heading to one just yet, that doesn’t mean your kids can’t get the same experience at home.

Courageous fans have uploaded ride experiences on YouTube so your kids can virtually ride their favorites from Disney, Universal and Busch Gardens to name a few!

photo: Disney

Break up your day with a virtual ride on some of these crazy coasters:

Incredicoaster- Disney

Frozen Ever After- Disney

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway- Disney

Pirates of the Caribbean- Disney

Journey to Atlantis- Sea World

Space Mountain- Disney

Cheetah Hunt- Busch Gardens

The Seas with Nemo and Friends- Disney

Peter Pan’s Flight- Disney

Solar Vortex- Adventure Island

Slinky Dog Dash- Disney

It’s a Small World- Disney

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Sharp Productions via YouTube

 

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LEGO Is Launching a New Space Shuttle Set That’s Out of This World

by Erica Loop

LEGO has teamed up with IRL astronaut Dr. Kathy Sullivan for the launch of the all-new NASA Space Shuttle Discovery Set! The for-adults set celebrates the 40th anniversary of the first Space Shuttle flight.

Way back in April of 1981 the Space Shuttle took flight. Fast-forward 40 years and LEGO is marking the momentous event with a massive 2,354-piece set for grown-ups.

Not only is LEGO debuting the NASA Space Shuttle Discovery set, the beloved brick brand is also unveiling an informative interview with Dr. Sullivan. The interview is packed with details on the Space Shuttle’s mission and the astronaut’s thoughts on young people and STEM careers.

Dr. Sullivan said of the set, in a press release, “I was thrilled to see the space shuttle in LEGO form, and was very impressed by the amount of intricate detail they have managed to recreate from the module where we used to sleep and eat through to what we called the “milk stalls” on the telescope. Looking at the model, it was great to reminisce about my experiences in space launching the telescope for the first time.”

The former astronaut added, “Hubble is definitely the highlight of my career. This LEGO model is a great way for LEGO builders and space fans alike to get excited about space travel and learn more about the famous mission in a fun and engaging way.”

The LEGO NASA Discovery Space Shuttle set is age-rated for adults 18+. The set includes 2,354 pieces and features the Discovery orbiter with functional landing gear, payload bag doors, elevons and rudder. It also has a mini Hubble Telescope, two stands and plaques.

Get the new LEGO ($199) set starting Apr. 1, 2021 on LEGO.com. To watch Dr. Sullivan’s video interview, visit LEGO’s website here.

—Erica Loop

Photos: Courtesy of LEGO

 

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Top 10 Reasons Moms Don’t Sleep on Long Haul Flights

By Angie Stubbs

Remember that 14-hour trip to New Zealand, that 10-hour trip to Japan or even that 6-hour redeye flight cross country? Did you sleep a lot? Did you sleep at all? Chances are if you’re a mom, you didn’t sleep much on that flight and here are the top 10 reasons why.

1. There are so many movies to watch that you haven’t seen—and won’t get to see at home. When was the last time you got to watch a movie uninterrupted? Most kids can’t stay up the entire flight, so choose a flick (or two or three) and watch that movie.

2. You don’t want to miss the meals. They may not be good but someone else cooked them AND will clean up the dishes and trash for you. For a mom, that’s first-class service even if you’re stuck in coach.

3. This may be the only quiet time you get (ever) so you stay up to enjoy it. Just you and the hum of the plane.

4. The guy across the aisle to your right has a bright light on his laptop keeping you from sleeping. You can’t turn left cause your toddler will start pulling on your eyelids. (This may or may not have happened to me on the way to New Zealand).

5. Speaking of movies, there’s bound to be a movie starring the Rock (aka Dwayne Johnson), meaning there’s a huge chance you’ll get to see him with his shirt off. Okay, it doesn’t matter who it is. Any cutie in a movie might take his shirt off!

6. Your partner is already asleep and somebody has to stay up to watch the kids. #momlife

7. You’re on a 12-hour flight but there’s a lot of life to be had so you’re already making a to-do list for when you land.

8. You’re just straight-up hardcore. You don’t get sleep at home so why would you sleep on a plane?

9. You’re enjoying an adult conversation with a stranger on the plane.

10. It’s finally, FINALLY, an opportunity to read a book that isn’t made from cardboard, doesn’t rhyme and is longer than five pages.

This post originally appeared on Raising Nomads.

Angie Stubbs is a mom of two little ones and a wife. She's a travel blogger, agent, cute and quirky, who is traveling her way through her middle age years. Whew! She's authored 2 books, so far, about traveling with her kids as she's seen the positive impact travel has on her family, especially her girls.

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Want to Send Your Name on the Next Mission to Mars? Here’s How

by Karly Wood

Do your kiddos love the red planet? If they’re clamoring to take part in a future mission to Mars, NASA may have a creative solution.

The opportunity is open to become a passenger on the next Mars mission––well, your name will be a passenger. NASA’s “Send Your Name to Mars” is a program that lets space fans take part by submitting their name which will then become a part of a future spacecraft!

photo: NASA/JPL-Caltech

All you have to do is head to the mars.nasa.gov website and complete the form. Once your name is approved it will then be etched onto a microchip which is placed aboard the next spacecraft for a mission (which may or not be identified yet).

Once approved, you can also print out your very own boarding pass. Not only that, you can become a “frequent flyer” by signing up again when subsequent missions take flight!

Head to mars.nasa.gov to add your name before the program closes.

––Karly Wood

photo: Pexels

 

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Emilio Estevez Returns as Coach Bombay in Disney+ Mighty Ducks Reboot

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Quack, quack, quack! The Mighty Ducks are hitting the ice nearly 30 years after first taking flight. . Today Disney+ gave fans a first look at its original series The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers premiering Fri., Mar. 26.

The Mighty Ducks returns in a brand new chapter starring Lauren Graham and Emilio Estevez in the iconic role he originated as legendary Coach Gordon Bombay.

In the 10-episode season set in present day Minnesota, the Mighty Ducks have evolved from scrappy underdogs to an ultra-competitive, powerhouse youth hockey team. After 12-year-old Evan Morrow (Brady Noon) is unceremoniously cut from the Ducks, he and his mom, Alex (Graham), set out to build their own team of misfits to challenge the cutthroat, win-at-all-costs culture of youth sports today. With the help of Gordon Bombay, they rediscover the joys of playing just for love of the game.

The series features a talented new team of up-and-coming young actors including Maxwell Simkins, Swayam Bhatia, Luke Islam, Kiefer O’Reilly, Taegen Burns, Bella Higginbotham, and DJ Watts. 

The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers is produced by ABC Signature, a part of Disney Television Studios. Estevez is an executive producer and Graham is co-executive producer. 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Disney+ via YouTube

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