For 6 years I flitted all over the country – here, there, and everywhere – to visit my main squeeze. After 5 days of final exams, I would hop on a red eye with my purse, ear buds, and a stiff drink. Once I landed, it was coffee, a makeup and dry shampoo bathroom break, one suitcase from baggage claim, and a cutie in a big jacked up truck waiting for me on the curb. And the attire — AS. COMFORTABLE. AS. POSSIBLE. Typically black leggings, an oversized sweater, and tennis shoes…or Ugg boots!
My how times have changed! Now my flying attire is not only centered around comfort but also function. After flying with Parker 25+ times in her first year of life (22 were alone) I learned the VERY hard way that what you wear when you fly matters! And by matters I mean…it’s a big time game changer, make-or-break issue! Here are my tips on what to wear when flying with an infant:
Pants with Pockets – now before you go flipping your lid about how miserable it is to fly in jeans with the button digging into your waist the entire time hear me out. When you are going through the airport with a child you are insanely distracted (DUH!). And the 3 things you MUST have to get on the plane are 3 of the simplest things to set down somewhere or drop…your ID, your boarding pass, and your phone (because lets face it…we would all DIE without our phones…or you might even have your boarding pass on your phone). So, you need pockets! From the check-in desk to the security line — boarding pass, ID, and phone go in your pocket. When you are scrambling to gather your 37 million belongings from security {why and how I travel with 1 bag coming soon} while trying to keep your child from touching every nasty thing in sight, including a stranger’s socks, you simply slide the 3 things back in your pocket. {PSA – put your ID back in your wallet NOW!!} When you get to the gate to board, whip them out of your pocket. Ok! Ok! You get it…pockets are useful. Especially if you are traveling alone and wearing your child {more about why and how I travel wearing my child coming soon}. You will want free hands and easy access to things while staying upright.
the MOST amazing “leggings” with pockets {so in my book that makes them pants} {{pictured above}}
they even come in fun colors
and why not add a tuxedo stripe
my all time favorite “jeggings” – and they are ONLY at GapFactory {awesome for short people…ankle length}
Slip-on Shoes – praise God that ballet flats, slip-on sneakers, and TOMS are trending right now! This may sound silly but for me this has been one of the biggest game changers! When I travel with Parker I wear her in an Ergo baby carrier {shop HERE}. So just imagine for a second what its like to try and put on tennis shoes and tie them up without crushing your infant in this sling strapped to your chest. Yea! My point exactly! Slip-on shoes are easy off and easy back on. Again – all while remaining upright.
I’ve been wearing the HECK out of these bad boys! I literally LOVE them 🙂
these don’t need a caption…they speak for themselves!
Comfort meets style – the BEST comfort brand you will ever put on your feet! I’m obsessed with these babies!
A Wrap of Some Kind – We all know how much the temperature on an airplane fluctuates! So you will want something to keep you warm but that you can strip off in a flash. {or as my mom says, “when you’re having a flash.”} You might also want something easily accessible to cover with if you’re breast feeding. Or if you’re lucky enough to have a sleeping baby I’ve been known to roll it up and use it as a pillow. Point being — you need a flexible article of clothing that you don’t have to pull over your head…especially if you have a child strapped to your chest.
Warm and cozy – open front cardigan – comes in 5 colors
Lighter weight option – comes in 7 colors
Thin, Comfy T-Shirt or Tank – You want a simple, light weight layer that is comfy and breathable. If you are nursing – you may want to consider “accessibility”. But otherwise — comfort, comfort, comfort.
My favorite scoop neck basic – you can tie it in a knot, front tuck it, or let it hang loose 😉
Best V neck tee – and its under $20
Boring, Minimalistic Jewelry – Let’s just say I’ve broken many a necklace and nearly lost an ear lobe trying to wrangle a child during a flight. Enough said!
versatile and lightweight — my current favorite accessory
my favorite jewelry trend is a solid bracelet stack
My last piece of advice – just GO FOR IT! Don’t be scared to travel with a baby, infant, or toddler!
Please shoot over any questions you have about traveling with an infant on the contact page 😉
-Meghan
Very good post. I wish I had read it before I flew with my 7 month old to Greece in February. I traveled way too heavy, and it was not ideal.