As a travel blogging mom, one of the biggest challenges I have had to face has been traveling with my son on flights. Long security lines, crowded airports, and the confined space of an airplane with a cranky baby can make the experience particularly complicated. Even as an adult, I find air travel quite boring and to have to entertain and manage a baby is not something I looked forward to.
If you feel the same way, know that with some careful planning and a few essential tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable flight with your little one. In this blog, I’ll share some essential tips for traveling with a baby on a flight.
From planning a flight with a baby, to managing a baby in the airport, and finally on a flight, I have got you covered.
Planning a Flight with a Baby
The key to a successful trip with a baby is thorough planning. Start by making a checklist of all the essentials, ensure your baby’s identification documents, and check with the airline for their specific requirements for infant travel.
Documentation and Booking
Make sure you have all the necessary identification and travel documents for your baby, such as a passport or birth certificate.
Check with your airline about their specific requirements for infant travel. Some airlines might offer discounts or have special services for families traveling with infants.
Choose the Right Flight Time
When booking your flight, consider your baby’s sleep schedule. Opt for flights that align with their regular nap times or bedtime to increase the chances of a peaceful journey. Red-eye flights or those during non-peak hours might be more suitable.
Seat Selection
Select your seats wisely. If you’re flying with an infant on your lap, choose a bulkhead seat with a bassinet attachment if available. Alternatively, consider booking a separate seat for your baby, especially for long-haul flights, which can provide extra space for you and your child.
Pack Light
Minimize the number of carry-on bags you bring. Pack only the essentials in your diaper bag, such as diapers, wipes, formula or breast milk, a change of clothes for the baby, and a few toys or books to keep them entertained.
Bring Entertainment
Entertainment is key to keeping your baby content during the flight. Pack a variety of age-appropriate toys, books, and electronic devices if you’re comfortable with screen time. Familiar and favorite items can provide comfort and distraction.
Managing Baby at the Airport
Nobody likes the long queue for security checks or the wait before boarding, but how do you explain this to a two-year-old? You need a whole different plan for managing baby at the airport, so here are some tips:
Arrive Early
Arrive at the airport well in advance to avoid unnecessary stress. The extra time gives you the opportunity to address any unexpected issues that may arise.
Keep Important Documents Handy
Ensure you have all necessary documents like passports, boarding passes, and identification for both you and your baby within easy reach. A passport or birth certificate is typically required for your child.
Know the Rules
Familiarize yourself with airport security rules regarding baby items. Most airports allow you to bring liquids, baby food, and formula in reasonable quantities. These items may need to be screened separately.
Know the Airport Layout
Familiarize yourself with the airport’s layout and facilities in advance. This includes the location of restrooms, nursing rooms, and play areas, which can be useful for diaper changes and providing some downtime.
Arrive Prepared
Place your baby in a front carrier or stroller to help you navigate through security more efficiently.
Be ready to remove your baby from their carrier or stroller, as these items may need to go through the X-ray machine.
Snacks and Entertainment
Bring snacks, toys, and books to keep your baby occupied. Distraction can be your best friend during airport wait times.
Dress Comfortably
Dress your baby in comfortable and easily changeable clothing. Layers are a good choice so you can adjust their clothing based on the airport’s temperature.
Plan for Feeding and Nap Times
Try to schedule your flights around your baby’s feeding and nap times. A well-rested and well-fed baby is more likely to be content during the flight.
Managing a Flight with a Baby
An airplane doesn’t give you much space, and if you are boarding with a child, you will also be having a well-stocked diaper back and several small baby stuffs to handle. It can get overwhelming. To add to that, your fellow passenger are highly unlikely to find a cranky baby heart-warming. There is a lot going on here. Here are some tips to manage a baby on a flight.
Use Priority Boarding
Take advantage of priority boarding for families. This will allow you to board the plane ahead of other passengers, giving you extra time to get settled.
Set Up Your Space
Once onboard, get your baby’s area organized. Ensure that everything you might need during the flight is easily accessible, including a changing mat and diaper bag.
Feeding on the Plane
If you’re breastfeeding, it’s relatively simple to feed your baby on the plane. However, if you’re formula-feeding, pre-measure formula powder into small containers, and ask the flight attendants for warm water when you need it.
Pressure Variation
While feeding your baby during take off and landing will be a great way to help equalize pressure in the flight, some airlines do not allow it due to some incidence of baby choking over the milk during these times. It would be best to offer your child a pacifier to help them suckle and swallow to ease through the pressure variation.
Diaper Changes on the Plane
Airplane restrooms are notoriously small, so have a well-thought-out plan for diaper changes. Bring a changing mat and a compact diaper bag with only the essentials. Try to change your baby right before boarding and immediately upon landing.
Conclusion
Traveling with a baby on a flight may seem daunting, but with careful preparation and a positive attitude, it can be a rewarding experience. Remember that babies can sense their parents’ stress, so staying calm and well-prepared is the key to a successful trip. By following these essential tips, you can make your journey with your baby as smooth as possible and create lasting memories of your adventures together.
Traveling With a Baby Essentials
