Traveling With Twins Under Two.

Most singleton moms dread flying on an airplane with their babies. Us twin moms? NIGHTMARE. Just this past year in 2014 Kurt and I took our twin babies from Hawai'i to Utah (that's a six hour flight, layover, then another two hour flight) and from Utah to Seattle and back (2 two hour flights). So we have had lots of experience in traveling with our twin babies. All of this advice is geared toward twins but a lot of it applies to traveling with babies in general!

First thing's first: if you're going on a long flight (like to Hawai'i) try to get a red-eye if possible. The girls slept right through everything which was a huge blessing! But if you can't, here are some tips to help get you through it:

1) Always fly with another adult. I can't stress this enough. You need help. So if your husband can't travel, bring your mom or sister. If no one can, then don't travel. Unfortunately, each airplane only allows one infant per row because each row is only equipped with one infant oxygen mask. If you bring two infants, and put one in the car seat and carry the other... then one will have to be in a different row next to a complete stranger. I couldn't do that. You shouldn't either.

This rule also means that you and your husband (or other traveling partner) can't sit next to each other. Not even across the aisle. It SUCKS, I know! So I suggest both getting aisle seats directly in front/behind one another. 

2) Use baby carriers to get through security and once you get on your flight. Using a baby carrier frees up your hands which you will need if you are bringing carry-ons. Some airlines don't allow them for take off and landing, but they are wonderful for getting on the flight and for the duration of the flight as well. We use this one and we love it!

Click HERE if you're interested in this Evenflo Breathe Soft Carrier!

3) Try to plan their naptimes for during the flight if possible. Our babies are on a tight schedule, but the schedule can be adjusted for times like these. If you can, try to plan their naptime for during the flight. Wear them out by playing with them while you're waiting to board so that by the time the plane is in the air, they'll be knocked out. Total life saver!

4) Make sure you change both babies' diapers before getting on the plane. This is a must. There are no changing tables in the lavatories on the plane and space is extremely limited to begin with, but even more so with twins. Make sure you change their diapers right before boarding time. That way you shouldn't have any surprises on the plane (fingers crossed)!

5) Feed your babies during take off. This is also a must. Most babies that cry on planes cry because their ears hurt. The pressure as the plane ascends can hurt our ears and even more so a baby's. So make sure your babies are both swallowing something (breastmilk, formula, juice, etc) so that their ears can be cleared and you can eliminate your chances of having a fussy baby while in the air. If you're breastfeeding make sure you have a pumped bottle for the twin your husband is holding! Liquids like breastmilk or formula are allowed through security, but other things like juice or water you will probably have to buy in the airport.

6) Lastly, bring lots of toys! If your babies are like mine, they can get bored fast. Make sure you have some toys in your diaper bag that will keep them occupied. If you can, bring a quiet book or something that won't make a lot of noise just so you won't have to disturb other passengers unnecessarily.

We will be making another trip to Hawai'i this coming year and the girls will be about 14 months old, so we will have to update this again if anything changes by then! Good luck!