Mum holding a baby at the airport
Safe travel with mom

Flying with a baby for the first time can be daunting, but it’s important to know what to expect. In this blog post, we will discuss the challenges of flying with a baby and provide tips on how to overcome them. We’ll also give you advice on what to do if your baby cries on the plane. So, whether you’re a first-time flyer or just looking for some helpful tips, read on!

The challenges of flying with a baby include the fact that babies are sensitive to changes in altitude and pressure. They may also be susceptible to ear infections. And, of course, there’s the crying. Babies cry for many reasons, including fear, hunger, and discomfort. All of these things can make flying with a baby very challenging.

However, you can do a few things to make flying with a baby easier.

 

Father holding his baby daughter during flight on airplane going on vacations
Father holding baby daughter during flight on airplane going on vacations. Baby girl drinking formula milk from bottle.

How to prepare

After purchasing your tickets, download Meg Collins’s book, Flying with Baby. Collins is clearly an authority on everything: tickets, check-in, car seats, feeding, resting… you name it.

Research your airline’s policy on flying with a baby. For example, some airlines allow you to bring your car seat on board, while others require that you check it at the gate.

If you’re flying solo, consider getting a wrap or carrier to wear your baby in. This will free up your hands for other things, like dealing with your luggage.

Plan for delays

If you’re travelling during peak times, there’s a chance your flight will be delayed. Keep this in mind when packing your nappy bag. Make sure you have enough nappies, wipes, and snacks to last a few hours.

If you’re flying with a partner, consider taking shifts. For example, one person can stay with the baby while the other takes a walk, gets something to eat, or takes a nap.

Make sure your gadgets are charged

This one is important. Make sure your phone, tablet, and any other electronic devices are fully charged before leaving for the airport. You’ll want to be able to keep entertained on the plane, and you may need to use your phone for things like booking a hotel or ordering an Uber.

Make sure your hand luggage has everything you need

This includes nappies, wipes, spare clothes, snacks, and anything else you might need for your baby. It’s also a good idea to pack a change of clothes for yourself in case your baby has an accident.

 

Young mom, playing and breastfeeding her toddler on an aircraft
Young mom, playing and breastfeeding her toddler boy on board of aircraft, going on holiday

Baby essentials checklist

Planning is the key. Make a list of everything you’ll need for the flight, including baby food, nappies, wipes, a change of clothes, and toys. It’s also a good idea to bring along some snacks and drinks for yourself.

Documents

Make sure you have all the necessary documents, such as your baby’s passport and birth certificate. You should also contact the airline in advance to find out about their policies on flying with a baby.

Give yourself time

Getting to the airport on time can be challenging when travelling with a baby. Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to get through security and check in.

Get there early

It’s always a good idea to arrive at the airport early, but it’s imperative when you’re flying with a baby. This will give you time to check in, go through security, and get to your gate without feeling rushed.

Board early

If possible, try to board the plane early. This will give you time to get settled with your baby before take-off. It will also help to avoid the crowded aisle during boarding.

Choose your seat carefully.

When you’re booking your flight, take a moment to think about where you would like to sit. For example, if you’re flying with a baby, you may want to choose a seat near the lavatory so that you can easily access it if needed. You may also want to consider an aisle seat so that you can get up and walk around with your baby.

Travelling with a stroller

If you’re travelling with a stroller, make sure to check with the airline about their policy. Some airlines allow you to check the stroller at the gate, while others require you to check it at the ticket counter.

Checked luggage

When packing your bags, remember that you may need to check some of your luggage. For example, if you’re travelling with a baby, you’ll likely have to check the stroller and car seat. So make sure to pack all of your baby’s essential items in your carry-on bag, so you don’t have to worry about them getting lost or damaged.

Mother holding her sleeping baby during the flight
Woman with little girl travelling by plane. Mother holding her sleeping baby during the flight. Travelling with kids

The flight itself

Once you’re on the plane, you can do a few things to make the flight more comfortable for you and your baby.

Take off and landing

During take-off and landing, babies may feel pain in their ears due to the change in pressure. To help alleviate this, give your baby a bottle or dummy to suck on during take-off and landing. You can also try to breastfeed your baby if possible.

Sleep time

Try to book your flight during your baby’s nap time. This will help them sleep through the flight and hopefully avoid any crying. If your baby does cry, don’t worry. It’s perfectly normal. Just remember to be patient and understanding.

If your baby cries on the plane

If your baby starts to cry, there are a few things you can do to try and calm them down. First, try to breastfeed or give them a bottle if they’re hungry. You can also try to rock them in your arms or take them for a walk up and down the aisle. If nothing seems to be working, don’t worry. Just remember to be patient and understanding.

Mother pointing out during airplane ride
Mother pointing out during airplane ride.

Disembarking with Baby

When it’s time to disembark from the plane, take your time. There’s no need to rush off the plane. If you’re travelling with a stroller, you’ll likely have to collect it from the oversized baggage area. Once you have your stroller, you can make your way to the terminal and find your luggage.

 

Conclusion

Flying with a baby for the first time can be daunting, but it’s also an exciting adventure. Just remember to be prepared and take things one step at a time. Then, with a bit of planning and preparation, you and your baby will be ready for take-off.

3 COMMENTS

  1. This is such a great article for people that want to travel with a baby. Traveling with a baby can be very stressful.  I liked that you said to be patient, I believe that is the most important thing when handling babies. 

    What do you believe would be a good age to start traveling with a baby? Would a window isle be a good idea, to be a away from a lot of people in the center isle?

    • Hi Reggie, travelling with a baby is undoubtedly quite a daunting task. From my experience, reserving a front seat with a baby basket would be the best if you have a baby who’s less than 12 months old. For what is a good age to travel, it really depends on how parents cope with the stress really. I first travelled with mine when she’s less than 6 months old, luckily she slept 8 hours out of the 11 hours flight time, not easy but I have done it! 

  2. Great post! I love the idea you mentioned about the things that make flying with a baby easier. Flying with a baby may seem like a laborious experience but will definitely be easy with your tips! If you frequently fly with your baby, we can also help with the preparation ‘cause you can finally ditch the car seats when flying with a baby! You can check us out at: kidmoto.taxi
    Have fun flying with a baby!

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