Diaper Dude

Dude,

First off let me say that I love to travel.  My wife loves to travel.  My kids love to travel.  But traveling all together???  That’s a whole other ballgame.

 I have three kids that I love to death.  But when it comes to traveling, they really put me to the test.  How many of you dads out there can relate to boarding a plane with your little ones in tow and having to fend off the moans and groans of irritable passengers (who either don’t have kids,  outgrown their kids, don’t like kids or  pretend that they were NEVER a kid.)  You know they are chanting over and over in their minds “please don’t sit next to me, PLEASE don’t sit next to me.”

 It really used to stress me out! But nothing a Bloody Mary or two couldn’t fix.  But if  Bloody Marys are not your thing, here are a few tips that should help you  pass the time in the air with ease. 

1.Preparation – Whether you are traveling with an infant or a toddler, the one thing you need the most is preparation.  This is a two fold process.  First, you and your partner/spouse need to discuss the division of duties.  We often take for granted what it takes to travel with a little one or two (or even three as in my case.)  It’s best to work this out before you begin your tip.  It will help to eliminate unnecessary stress between you and your spouse which will keep your little one calm and more relaxed.  Break it down by task (as in who will do the first diaper change) or by time (who will get the first hour).  This will help to keep both parties free of resentment and more refreshed to handle potential issues that may arise while in flight.  You also want to make sure that you have all the necessary items at arms reach to help soothe a fussy child.  Work it out before you get on board.  It will keep you feeling more confident and in command

2.Distraction – This is the key to almost every crisis you may encounter while in flight.  Whether you distract you little one with a song, bouncing her up and down or making those annoying, goofy sounds only we parents know how to do best. Find the best distraction for whatever the crisis is you are encountering.  I once spent 45 minutes in an airplane bathroom to soothe my daughter’s high pitched tantrum by flushing the toilet over and over.  It sucked but saved me the stress of my not so happy neighbors next to me.  Which leads me to my next tip:

3.Ear Plugs.  It sounds silly but it can actually break the ice when you are traveling with kids.  Ear plugs for your little one (preferably ear planes, which help to keep your little one’s ears from popping.)  But also handing out ear plugs to neighbors with a smile and a “just in case we encounter some high pitched chatter.”It may help break the ice and you will be surprised by their appreciation.

4.DVD player – This is essential if you have a toddler or older child.  It’s even worth the purchase of 2 (or 3) if you have more than 1 child. For trips over 2 hours it is a necessity.

5.Gifts from the 99 cent store – This is brilliant when all else fails.  Simply purchase a slew of gifts at the 99 cent store before your trip.  Choose enough to last for the duration of the flight.  To make it more exciting gift wrap them.  Who doesn’t like to receive a gift? The best part about this is it’ll only cost you a few bucks!

 These are just a few tips I feel have been helpful for my recent travels.  Hope they help yours. 

 Happy Travels,

 Diaper Dude