Currently, I am in Lima, Peru designing and creating
De*Nada's Autumn and Winter Collection 2012. I travel down here twice a year and stay roughly a month or so - just enough time to get everything done! It is a lot of work and emotionally draining. To be away from my husband and dogs is painful. However, I do it because I love what I do. When Atticus was born, I decided with my husband that a month away from my son is impossible. He had to come with me and be with his mommy. There was no question about it. I would be an emotional wreck if I had to spend so much time away from him. Luckily, my husband agreed with me.
Though I was content that my son was coming with me to Lima, Peru to keep me company and meet all his relatives, I was extremely nervous about traveling with him on a 7 hour flight by myself. Unforutnately, my husband could not come with us due to his work. If he did, my anxiety would not have been so bad. But prior to my trip, I was a mental mess. I read many blogs onlines that shared tips on what to do when traveling with an infant. Many of them were very useful. And I used many of the tips during my travel, but I also realized a few extras tips that helped too. The 7 hour flight ended up not being so bad .. yes, Atticus had his fussiness here an there. But overall, he was an angel! Even the passengers sitting next to me and behind me remarked that he was an awesome baby - I agree!!
For those of you traveling soon or in the futrue with an infant, I would love to share with you a few tips that definitely helped me on my trip! Let me know if you have any questions! And if you have any tips of your own, please share!
1. Purchase tickets with enough time for layovers so that you can change diapers and breastfeed. Also, if you have to go through customs or security check, enough time in between flights helps!
2. Pack smart! If you are traveling alone, the best recommendation I have to offer is bring as few things as carry-on as possible. If you can, check your bags in. I only had with me as carry-on, his diaper bag. In this case, I brought along a bookbag with me instead of his normal diaper bag. It was easier to carry than a shoulder bag.
3. Bring snacks! With a baby on your lap, it is hard to eat the meal given during a flight. Your baby may be fussy, which won't allow you to eat. Bring snacks and water with you, just in case you are unable to enjoy your meal.
4. Sling! I used a sling versus a Baby Bjorn on the flight. Don't get me wrong - I love my Baby Bjorn! I use it all the time. However on a long flight, Atticus was a lot more comfortable sleeping in a sling than his Baby Bjorn. Plus, I was able to breastfeed him without showing my booby to the entire flight!
5. Breastfeed and change diapers every two hours, even if your baby is asleep. In my case, if I wait to long to feed or change Atticus, he wakes up screaming and crying. To avoid this, I brought him to the bathroom every two hours to change his diaper and feed him. This also gave him and myself a chance to stretch and relax abit.
6.Take your time! There's no need to rush ... let people exit before you so that you can calmly gather your things and your child without feeling rushed.
7. Keep in mind that you are doing your best! If your child is fussy and other passengers give you the angry look, don't let it bother you. Focus on your baby and yourself. They just have to just remember that they were babies once before!!
Until next time,
Virginia Arrisueno / Owner & Designer.
