Traveling With Children Solo

How I managed flying with three kids five and under by myself

1. Having a row to yourself is a game changer. We flew with a 5 year old, 3 year old, and 23 month old. Because you can't have 2/3 seats in a row taken up by children, we lucked out with the smaller plans that had rows with 2 and 2. So I sat with the 3 year old and 23 month old, while the 5 year old sat across the aisle from us.

   
   

2. Getting to the airport SUPER early. I'm typically the person who spends as little time as possible at an airport before boarding the plan. HOWEVER, we got to the DCA airport at 10am with a flight that didn't board until 1:30 and this left us with so much time and flexibility to make bathroom runs, play on the indoor airport playground, manage tantrums, and sit down and eat a proper, healthy lunch. It made that travel day SO smooth.

   
   

3. Screens. I hate to be that person, but we truly only own iPads/kindles for long road trips or flights. And when you're traveling solo with kids or even just on a longer stretch of a flight, they feel novel to the kiddos and they're a saving GRACE. We just pre download our favorite less stimulating shows or movies and/or games (more so for our 5 year old). I'd be lying to you ALL if I said we flew solo smoothly without screens.

   
   

4. Giving kids 3+ their own carry on. I wasn't sure if this would make my life easier or harder, but it was a massive win. The 3.5 and 5 year old felt responsible and immersed in the entire flying experience with their own little roller carry on. I don't think backpacks would've had the same effect. I was able to put all of their travel toys and snacks in their bags as well as extra changes of clothes and favorite blankies and drinks. This left my diaper bag SOOO much less heavy and everything in it (pull-ups, my water, wallet, phone, etc.) so much more accesible.

   
   

5. Stable Blood Sugar (for you + the kids). Making sure that their snacks aren't just carbs and sugar but also filled with fats and proteins. Beef sticks, GoMacro protein bars, etc. Thrive Market has soooo many better options for travel snacks. Also you - don't you dare grab a Starbucks without also eating egg bites with it. This keeps the emotions and energy more balanced throughout your travels.

   
   

6. Hydration (again, for you + the kids). If I'm giving the kids juice, 70% of it is diluted with coconut water for those extra electrolytes. And you best BET I'm taking a LMNT electrolyte packet the night before traveling and after landing as well.

   
   

7. Interactive travel toys. In all our years of children and travels, this was the first flight where I feel I actually deserved a solid 5 stars for the toys and treats I packed to occupy the kiddos. I'm super proud of this entire list, and I've attached it here for you to easily shop yourself.

   

   
   
   

8. A solid travel stroller. Again, in all our years of traveling with children, we have traveled with our UppaBaby Vista and its attachments as well as the superrrr compact travel strollers that our friends handed down to us. Both worked... neither felt like they made my life easier. Until the Lithe Lightweight Travel Stroller. It was sturdy, could hold my diaper bag under it, folded up and down with one lever and only needing one hand. It was a smooth ride, could recline, had a foot rest that adjusted, and a visor for some drizzles we came across. I snagged it from Rebel for a fraction of the cost! You can also use code megs__wells for $15 off $100+.