Flying with a Baby: Our Personal Experience and Insights

Pre-Flight Preparations for Babies

Every journey starts with the first step, or in this case, the first diaper change. Preparing for a flight with a baby requires thoughtful planning and anticipatory action. Below, we share our personal travel tips for surviving a plane ride with your little one.

• Consider the best time to fly: Aim for your baby’s usual downtime so there’s a better chance they’ll sleep during the flight.
• Pack efficiently: Make sure you have all the essentials for your baby in your carry-on luggage. Check out our must-have essentials for road trips with a baby.
• Seat Assignments: Think about where best to sit on the plane to minimize disruptions to your baby’s routine and comfort.

Tips for A Smooth Boarding Process

Boarding the plane is the next crucial step. We found that the following tips were particularly helpful in managing flights with our baby.

• Never Rush: Arrive early to give yourself ample time to go through the screening processes without rushing.
• Take Advantage of Early Boarding: Most airlines offer early boarding for families with young children. This gives you extra time to settle in before the crowds.
• Comfort You Baby: Use soothing techniques to help your baby adjust to the new environment. This could be a favorite toy, a pacifier, or even a lullaby.

Ensuring Safety and Comfort During the Flight

Once boarded, safety becomes paramount. Here are a few safety considerations for parents flying with babies:

• Follow Cabin Instructions: Listen carefully to the flight crew’s safety briefing and follow all instructions regarding your baby’s safety.
• Use an Approved Car Seat: If you’ve bought a separate seat for your baby, bring an FAA-approved car seat for their safety and comfort during the flight.
• Protect Ears: Help your baby’s ears adjust to pressure changes during takeoff and landing by feeding them or having them use a pacifier.

For international flights, it might be helpful to check Traveling with the Littles which offers handy tips for flying internationally with an infant.

Dealing with Unexpected Challenges

As any parent knows, babies can be unpredictable. Here are some ways to manage potential hiccups along the way:

• Manage Diaper Changes: Bring a portable changing pad for diaper changes in the small airplane bathrooms.
• Comfort A Crying Baby: If your baby starts crying, stay calm. Try all the usual soothing techniques and remember, most of your fellow passengers will understand.
• Prepare for Unexpected Delays: Always plan for delays, bringing extra food, diapers, and clothing in case your flight is delayed.

In case your child has any special needs or medical conditions, such as epilepsy, make sure to follow specific medical advice. Websites like Epilepsy.com offer great advice for traveling with children who have epilepsy.

Journey of a Long Haul Flight

Long haul flights with babies can be particularly challenging, given the extended time in a constrained environment. Here are some additional insights that helped us manage on long haul flights with our baby:

• Be Prepared for Jet Lag: Adjust your baby’s schedule gradually in the days leading up to your departure, to mimic the time zone of your destination. It could be helpful in dealing with jet lag.
• Walk Around: Taking short walks through the cabin can be a great way to soothe a fussy baby. It can also provide a change of scenery for your little one.
• Make Use of the Bassinets: Most airlines offer airplane bassinets on long-haul flights. They can provide a flat sleeping area for your baby.

You must also consider your baby’s feed and sleep times when booking flights. There are more insights on managing long haul flights effectively at LaJollaMom that you may want to consider.

Essentials for a Flight

Pack everything you may need during the flight. It’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. Some essentials include:

• Food and Drinks: Pack more baby food, water, and snacks than you think you’ll need, in case of delays.
• Toys and Distractions: Bring a variety of small, quiet toys to entertain your baby during the flight.
• Extra Clothes: Carry enough clothes for both you and your baby as spills or accidents can happen.

The Marquitas Travels blog offers more insights on what to pack for air travel with kids.

On Arrival and Beyond

The journey doesn’t end with the flight. Here are some things to remember once you’ve landed:

• Take Your Time: Don’t rush to deplane, especially if you have a lot of carry-on items.
• Adjust to the New Schedule: Try and adjust your baby’s schedule to the new time zone as quickly as possible to help them (and you) recover from any jet lag.
• Prepare for the Unexpected: Always have a plan B in case of unexpected events like lost luggage or a delayed connecting flight.

Remember, every child is different, and what works for one might not work for the other. Reflecting our experience, a story from My Sweet Sleeper also shares useful insights of a mom who undertook a 13-hour flight with her 9-month-old baby.

This post is not an exhaustive resource but shares our personal experience and research. Features like in-flight surroundings and demeanors vary across different airlines and aircraft. So, do your diligence before you travel. When in doubt, always prioritize your child’s safety and comfort. Happy flying!