7 Tips for Surviving Baby's First Flight

 

2. Pack only the MUSTS in your carry-on

Pack exceptionally light. The airlines will check your baby stroller and/or car seat at no charge at the curb or with the ticket agent. Take advantage of this! I always packed our big Britax car seat in a case where I could add my extra diapers and a few other items as extra luggage space. Leave all the things you “think” you might need with you on the plane and opt for just essentials in a lightweight backpack or messenger type stored under the seat in front of you diaper bag with your baby’s necessities: formula and bottles if you’re using it, diapers, pacifiers, change of clothes, rattling toy and/or sensory ball.

What exactly are essentials? My travel blogging friend Jodi puts it this way, “A great place to begin your planning is to look at what you take with you on daily outings.  What do you need for a day trip to grandma’s house or an afternoon with friends?  This is a good indicator of what you will need on a flight.” 

 

3. Carry-on more diapers than you think you’ll need

There’s nothing worse than running out of diapers because it’s a short flight and you end up getting delayed and/or rerouted, needing more supplies than you have. Double up, and you’ll be safe for any challenges that come your way. Travel with enough diapers and formula if you’re using it for 1-2 days.

 

4. Bring a change of clothes for mom and dad as well as baby

This piece of advice will carry you through when the baby’s diaper leaks at the most inopportune time, spit up got you in the wrong place, or your holiday flight was cancelled. You and your flying neighbors will thank me.

    

5. Plan to nurse or bottle-feed baby for take off and landing

Baby’s ears are super sensitive, and even as adults we feel the pressure changes when a plane takes off and lands. The suckling action from a nursing baby will sooth your infant and help alleviate some of the ear pain. If your baby is into solids already, make sure to have lots of snacks.

 

6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Before, during, and after your flight. Call the airlines if you have questions. Some planes even offer a baby bassinet in the bulkhead seats. Check on the airlines’ lap child policy, which is usually until baby is 24 months before you need to purchase a ticket. Ask for a golf cart ride in the terminal if you’re tired.

Onboard, flight attendants are there for you; ring that button and ask for a hand when you need to use the restroom. Find another traveling family and make some friends along the way. Run out of wipes? Ask another traveling mom. See another mom struggling? Remember to treat others the way you’d want to be treated, and offer to lend a hand or a word of encouragement to her as well.

 

7. Leave plenty of travel time

Your first flight with baby will be filled with excitement, but don’t let being late due to long lines at security or traffic delays cause anxiety. Plan to give yourself plenty of extra time at the airport to make your first flight a joyfully memorable one!

 

Bon voyage! Do you have any other tips to add to this list? Join in the conversation on our Facebook page.

 

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