I think it is important for couples and families to realize you CAN travel with kids. Your life is not over once you have them. Can it take more patience than before? Sure! But it definitely can be done if you prepare the best you can and go with the flow.

Below are some of my greatest insights and tips about flying with a toddler! More Miami posts to come. I hope you find some things you can try on your next trip.

• Have your baby or toddler take a bottle, sippy cup or pacifier at take off and landing to help their ears adjust

• Bring a change of clothes, extra diapers and wipes

• Put baby in an overnight diaper to reduce changes on flight

• Put or keep baby is jammies if it a very early or late flight so they understand it is time to sleep

• Ask for ice during drink service if you are bringing milk on the plane

• Book a DIRECT FLIGHT if possible

• Book your flight during nap time if possible

• Sit near the back of the plane - you will find more families there and you are close to the changing table and bathrooms

• Less is more! You don’t need to bring EVERYTHING you own but definitely bring extra essentials. You can always buy more of what you need or forget at your destination.

• Relax the best you can - easier said than done - but you are not the first person in history to bring your baby on a flight, you got this, mom!

happy, safe travels!