Flying with a baby presents its own unique challenges it an be a rewarding yet challenging experience. Being prepared and adopting the right strategies can make your journey smoother.
Join me as I share my experiences, tips, and a few heartwarming moments from my first adventure traveling with my baby.
- Book Wisely:
- Timing: Schedule flights during your baby’s regular sleep times if possible.
- Seating: Opt for bulkhead seats or choose an aisle seat for easier mobility. Some airlines offer bassinets for long-haul flights, which can be attached to bulkhead walls.
- Direct Flights: If possible, choose direct flights to minimize transitions and waiting times.
- Packing Essentials:
- Pack more diapers, wipes, and changes of clothes than you think you’ll need in your carry-on.
- Bring snacks/formula or breast milk, remembering that security regulations may require you to taste or prove liquids are genuine. But TSA does allow reasonable amounts of baby food, formula, and breast milk.
- Feed During Takeoff and Landing: Helps equalise ear pressure and can soothe a fussy baby.
- Baby Gear:
- Bring a lightweight, collapsible stroller which can be gate-checked.
- Invest in a good-quality baby carrier for hands-free mobility.
- Stay Calm and Patient: Expect some fussiness. It’s a new experience for your baby. Remember to stay calm, as your baby can pick up on your stress. I was so nervous about it and was picturing him screaming for the whole flight. I breastfeed during take off which helped him stay calm.
- Toys and Entertainment: Pack a few familiar toys and consider introducing a new toy during the flight to keep the baby entertained.
- Nappy(diaper) Changing: Some airplane restrooms have changing tables, but they’re tiny. Be efficient, and consider laying down a portable changing pad for hygiene.
- Dress in Layers: Planes can be chilly, and it’s easier to adjust your baby’s comfort by adding or removing layers.
- Hydration: Air travel can be dehydrating. If breastfeeding, make sure to drink plenty of water. Always have a bottle or pacifier handy.
- Ear Protection: For especially loud flights or if you know your baby is sensitive to noise, consider baby ear protection.
- Be Friendly with Neighbors: A little goodwill can go a long way. If you’re proactive and considerate, your fellow passengers will likely be more understanding if your baby gets fussy.
- Pre-Boarding: Take advantage of pre-boarding options for families. This gives you extra time to settle in.
- Baby’s Health: If your baby has any health issues or if you’re flying internationally, check with your pediatrician for any precautions or vaccinations needed.
- Sanitise: Airplanes have many germs. Bring sanitizing wipes to clean the tray table, armrest, and other surfaces your baby might touch.
- Adjust to Time Zones Gradually: If you’re crossing time zones, try to adjust your baby’s schedule a few days in advance. Once you arrive, spend plenty of time outside in natural light to help reset your baby’s internal clock.
I didn’t need to worry at all. In fact, it was the easiest flight we’ve ever taken with a child. He was fed and slept for the entire flight! Traveling by air with a baby might seem daunting, but the gentle movements and hum of the plane often soothe babies into slumber. It’s also worth noting that aircraft cabins are quite loud, so there’s a good chance your baby’s fussiness won’t be as noticeable as you might think.
I remember traveling with my boy for the first time was so much fun. From the heartwarming feeling of holding my little one during takeoff to those first giggles at a new sight, every moment was a cherished memory. It reminded us of the importance of living in the present and appreciating the beauty of the world through the eyes of a child.
Travel Hack Tip:
- I highly recommend getting the Tommee Tippee LetsGo Portable Baby Bottle Warmer Perfect for on-the-go feeding: The lightweight and compact unit fits neatly in your handbag or changing bag. When I travel I switch from breastfeed to bottle feed.
- The benefit of having a really compact lightweight stroller which I use Silver Cross Jet 3 Compact Pushchair means that you can literally land, pop the baby into the pram and walk down the gateway towards baggage reclaim. No waiting, stress about missing connection. It was the best decisions I made bringing along a lightweight pram. The pram was a lifesaver when navigating airports.
- Take extra baby food pouches there so convenient and you don’t even need a bowl to feed them to your baby and snacks.
- Favourite stuffed animal, toys an books. I brought my little boy favourite blanket which he loves ever since he was born and few mini books that will fit in your bags.
Seeing the World Through Fresh Eyes: One of the most beautiful aspects of traveling with a baby is that you get to witness the world through their fresh, curious eyes. Everything, from the bustling airport to the vast sky outside the plane window, is a source of wonder and amazement. Watching my baby’s eyes light up at the sight of clouds and stars in the night sky was truly magical.
Precious Bonding Time: Traveling with my baby allowed us to share precious bonding moments beside the pandemic as that was the time I was traveling. Apart from all the strict rules I love comforting my baby during takeoff. It was an opportunity to create lasting memories and strengthen the parent-child connection.
Adventures in the Air: While there were certainly moments of fussiness and restlessness, I was amazed by how well my baby adapted to the flight experience. The soothing hum of the airplane engines, the gentle rocking motion, and the soft airplane blankets all contributed to peaceful moments of sleep. My baby’s adaptability and resilience were truly amazing.
Meeting New People: Traveling with a baby also opened up opportunities to connect with fellow passengers and locals. Many passengers were understanding when my baby got a little fussy. I appreciated the kindness and shared stories with other parents on similar journeys.
Feeling Empowered: Traveling with a baby can be a daunting prospect, but successfully navigating an international journey gave me a sense of accomplishment. It reminded me that parenthood doesn’t mean giving up on your dreams; instead, it’s an opportunity to create new dreams together with your child. I remember traveling with my dad when I was young and I just remember how happy I was when traveling.
Learning and Growth: Traveling with a baby taught me valuable lessons in patience, flexibility, and adaptability. It reminded me to appreciate the little moments and the unexpected joys that come with parenthood. It was a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
In conclusion, flying with my baby was an amazing experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. It was an adventure that allowed us to explore, bond, and create memories that will last a lifetime. I can’t wait for our next journey together, and I look forward to sharing even more adventures with my baby in the future.
Remember, flying with a baby requires some planning and patience, but with the right preparation, it can be a manageable and even enjoyable experience. Traveling with a baby requires extra planning and patience, but the memories and experiences you’ll gain are well worth the effort
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Safe travels!
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