Traveling can be a stressful experience, especially if you are traveling with an infant. Air travel with an infant can be even more difficult and intimidating, especially for new parents. Before taking to the skies with your little one, it is important to be prepared and know what to expect.
First off, if you are already thinking about this trip and envisioning your baby being “that” screaming baby on a place, take a deep breath! It is ok, I remember worrying about the same thing when we planned our first trip with our 4-month-old daughter at the time. It was literally my biggest fear that my wife and I would be sitting there on a packed plane, with our daughter screaming at the top of her lungs and people just staring at us. It is almost natural to have this fear, but I am going to tell you it’s going to be ok, take a breath!
The first step to having a successful and enjoyable flight with your infant is to be organized. Start by researching airline policies for infants. Familiarize yourself with the rules, regulations, and restrictions for air travel with an infant. Depending on the airline, you may be able to bring an additional bag for your infant, such as a diaper bag. This can be helpful for bringing extra diapers, wipes, and other items you may need during the flight. That sounds like common sense, but you would be surprised.
From there, it really depends on the situation. However, I can give you some more guidance with a few tips. Here are 10 top tips for air travel with a baby:
Buy a few new toys and/or books
New toys and books are going to buy you more time on the flight. You don’t have to get something too crazy here, just some simple things you can bring in your carry on. You can bring them out one at a time as needed.
Bring bags for dirty diapers, ask if there is a change table
No one is going to want your baby’s dirty diapers just piled around your seating area, not even you. So, make sure you bring some bag, like a large Ziploc bag and use it to store diapers. Call ahead before the flight and check with the airline if your flight has a change table on board (some don’t). Have a plan in case it doesn’t!
Book flights during nap or sleep times
I think this is the easiest tip to do but one that is most often overlooked. Most babies are not going to want to sit still, so don’t try to force them. You are going to be on a crowded (most likely) flight where you aren’t going to want to try to force your baby to sit still for a few hours. Instead, book the flight during their nap or sleep times. They might be a bit grumpy, or their sleep might be a bit thrown off but you’re going to have them out for a good portion of it and that makes things much easier.
Check-in early and make sure you have good sets altogether
You are going to be travelling with a baby, this is not the flight you want to be scrambling to. You should arrive early enough that you can get situated with ease. Obviously ensure you have seats next to each other and try to get a window seat for your wife if she is breastfeeding as this will provide some additional privacy.
Have the baby feed or snack during takeoffs and landings
I got this one from a friend who brought up that babies cannot pop their own ears as the altitude increases and pressure builds. This is why many babies get upset during takeoffs and landings. One great way of solving this is to have them feed during these times.
Screen time rules don’t count on flights
I get it, you are concerned about screens and your baby’s eyes and development. That is a fair concern, but on a flight, you can really let it go. Bring an iPad filled with shows and baby apps in case you need to use it as a last resort!
Empty cups are great toys
Both of my kids loved playing with empty cups during baths so on one particular flight I used them as a toy. My daughter was having a meltdown on the plane, and we had already utilized our toys and anything else we brought, she just wasn’t having it. As I was moving things around, I had lifted my tray and held my cup which got her attention. As soon as I realized, I gave her the cup and we had peace for the remainder of the flight.
The overhead fan is a great soother
Most babies like air blowing on them for some reason. We noticed with both of our kids that the overhead fan really helped sooth them when they got fussy. Don’t be afraid to give it a try!
In-flight magazines are toys too
Babies love to rip up paper and those in-flight magazines are just perfect for it. They serve a second purpose as a baby toy!
Say hi to fellow passengers!
Your baby is going to be curious and to keep them entertained while everyone boards the plane, say hi to passengers coming on. This is also handy because you’ll have a positive interaction with the people sitting next to you, so that when your baby starts losing it they are more likely to be forgiving.
Traveling with an infant can be a stressful experience for any parent. However, with the right preparation and a few simple tips, you can make the experience much easier and more enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – flight attendants and other travelers will be happy to help out. With these tips, you and your baby can have a safe and stress-free flight.