“Vegas, baby! With a two-month-old?!”
That was my initial reaction when I was asked to speak at the World’s Most Advanced Child Care Conference in Las Vegas. The excitement was quickly followed by a wave of panic. I mean, who takes a newborn to Vegas?
The truth is, when I accepted the invitation, I was several months pregnant, blissfully unaware of the challenges that awaited me as a new mom. Now, just a few months postpartum, the reality of traveling with a tiny human who relied on me for everything hit me like a ton of bricks.
But I’m not one to back down from a challenge. As a digital marketing professional, a travel enthusiast, and a new mom, I was determined to make it work.
So, with a mix of excitement and trepidation, I embarked on an unforgettable adventure with my son, Isaiah. It was his first flight, and my first time navigating the world of travel with a newborn.
See, here’s the thing: I’m not your average mom. I’m a digital marketer, a lover of adventure, and a new mom to the most adorable little guy, Isaiah. I was determined to make this work. I envisioned us strolling down the Strip, Isaiah snoozing peacefully in his stroller while I sipped a much-deserved latte. (Okay, maybe that was a bit ambitious.)
Pre-Flight Fumbles: A Lesson in Car Seat Logistics
My first hurdle? Getting from our home in Ottawa to the Montreal airport. Being a first-time solo traveler with an infant, I decided to take the bus. What could go wrong, right?
Famous last words. As I stood at the bus stop, baby Isaiah strapped to my chest, the driver informed me I needed a car seat. Cue the mini meltdown. I hadn’t brought one, thinking I could just hold him. Rookie mistake.
After a frantic call to a friend and a missed bus, I finally had my car seat in hand. Let’s just say I learned my lesson: always bring a car seat when traveling with a baby, even for short trips.
Airport Angels & Baby Charisma
Once we finally arrived at the Montreal airport, I was faced with another challenge: lugging my suitcase, diaper bag, and car seat through the terminal. Seriously, how do moms do it? Thankfully, some kind airport employees came to my rescue, helping me navigate the maze of escalators and security lines. (Thank you, airport angels!)
We made it to our gate with time to spare, snapping some adorable photos with the Air Canada crew. Isaiah was already working his charm, flashing smiles at everyone he met. I felt a surge of pride, knowing my little guy was ready for his first adventure.
Smooth Sailing (and Snoozing) at 30,000 Feet
Boarding the plane, I was a bundle of nerves. Would Isaiah cry the entire flight? Would he be fussy and uncomfortable? Spoiler alert: he was an absolute angel. After a quick feed, he fell asleep in my arms and didn’t wake up until we were almost in Vegas. It was a smooth, uneventful flight—everything a new mom could hope for.
Vegas, Baby!
In Vegas, it was a whirlwind of conference duties and exploring the city. We strolled down the iconic Fremont Street, marveling at the dazzling light shows and vibrant energy. While Isaiah napped in his stroller, I indulged in a guilty pleasure: sampling all the fast food joints we don’t have back home in Ottawa. Dunkin’ Donuts and Chick-fil-A, you did not disappoint! It was a true foodie adventure for this mama on the go.
Reflections & Tips for Flying with a Baby
Looking back, I’m so glad we took this trip. Isaiah’s first flight was a success, and I learned some valuable lessons along the way:
- Strollers are essential: Don’t make the same mistake I did. A stroller will save your back and your sanity.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help: People are generally kind and willing to lend a hand, especially when they see a frazzled mom struggling with a baby and luggage.
- Embrace the unexpected: Travel with a baby rarely goes exactly as planned. Be flexible, go with the flow, and focus on creating memories.
- Don’t underestimate your baby: They’re more adaptable than you think!
- Most importantly, have fun! Traveling with a baby can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
So, to all the mamas out there, whether you’re a jetsetter or a homebody, embrace the adventure! Your little ones will surprise you with their resilience, and you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.
