It is understandable if you are already nervous about flying with your baby soon. Especially if you are on a long-haul flight, you might be stressing out already on how to get your baby to sleep.
It is stressful for everyone on the flight when a baby keeps on crying on the plane. Even before the flight, parents already anticipate and dread the glares from fellow passengers. But, true enough, it would be a less-stressful flight when babies fall asleep through the entire flight.
While it may seem tempting to give your baby a dose of Benadryl for a quick and easy solution, pediatricians discourage it. The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages medicating to sedate babies and children on plane rides. Giving the medicine has more risks than benefits because it can have serious side effects if you give them repeated doses. Some children even react to antihistamines by being more hyper or irritable.
What else can you do then? Worry not, because we have compiled tips and travel hacks from experienced parents to help your baby sleep during the flight.
Tip # 1: Choose a night flight
Booking tickets for a night flight is an immense help, even if your departure time is after your baby’s regular sleeping time. You can put your baby to sleep while waiting for departure, then wake them during boarding and takeoff.
Since it is nighttime, the cabin is quieter, and the lights are dimmer. The white noise buzzing from the plane is also a great aid in lulling your baby back to sleep.
Tip # 2: Choose your seats well
When booking a long-haul flight, call the airlines and request a bassinet. The bassinet will give your baby ample space to lay down completely for an uninterrupted sleep during the flight.
If bassinets are not available, invest in an inflatable foot pillow or footrest. Just inflate it once the seat belt sign goes off. You can deflate them once you have put your tray tables away during landing.
Remember to book seats near a restroom. However, do not choose seats too close there is a lot of activity and traffic. Ideally, choose seats five to seven rows away.
Tip # 3: Be ready for ear pain
Even adults struggle with ear pain. Can you imagine how a baby copes with it? Yes, by crying and asking to be comforted. The climb after takeoff and descent before landing cause changes in the pressure between the outer ear and middle ear. This change in pressure causes discomfort.
Having your baby drink from a bottle or a breast can help. Sucking on a pacifier can also help if your baby likes pacifiers. For example, if your baby had an ear infection or surgery two weeks before the flight, ask your doctor if flying is safe. For example, acetaminophen or ibuprofen helps a baby with a cold or ear infection, so ask your doctor about this, too.
Tip # 4: Stick to your home routine
Were you able to book plane tickets for a nighttime flight? If so, you can follow your bedtime routine at home. Do things in your regular sleep routine like putting on pajamas, using baby wipes to simulate a bath, and reading a book.
If you did not book a red-eye flight, try to book a flight that matches your baby’s nap time. You can also practice putting your child for a nap at about the same time as your flight.
Tip # 5: Feed your baby well
Feed your baby before starting your bedtime or nap routine. Often, a full tummy and the buzz of the airplane are enough to make anyone feel drowsy. If you have an older baby, bring favorite snacks to make them feel full.
Tip # 6: Make a comfortable space for your baby
When your baby is comfortable, sleep will come much faster. Bringing your baby’s favorite snuggle toy or security blanket is necessary. Instead, create a quiet zone by turning off all electronics and turning your baby towards the window to avoid distractions.
You can build a makeshift tent to create a comfortable cocoon for your baby to settle down. Tuck one side of the blanket into the top of your seat, then tuck the other side into the tray table to create one wall. Doing this will also darken your space and keep distractions away.
Tip # 7: Wear your baby
Understandably, falling asleep on a plane is difficult for your baby. The stimulation from many sights and sounds can make a baby feel restless. Babywearing is a comfortable way for your baby to regulate in a different environment, and it also allows your baby to snuggle close to you.
Rocking your baby in the plane seat is not enough. Babywearing allows you to walk up and down the aisle comfortably while lulling your baby to sleep. Once asleep, you can transfer your baby to the bassinet or makeshift bed you made.
Tip # 8: Bring noise-canceling headphones
An overstimulated baby can be fussy and difficult to put to sleep. Several factors like the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the airplane, movement in the aisles, and chatter from other passengers are overwhelming to a baby.
Avoid over-stimulation and purchase noise-canceling baby headphones to mute your surroundings. These are specialty headphones especially made for babies, and your baby can use them even when not on a plane. Disruptive and harmful noise is prevalent everywhere, and using baby headphones can shield and protect your baby’s sensitive ears.
Tip # 9: Relax
Take a breath and relax. Do not force your baby to sleep if it is simply not happening. Set your expectations before flying and prepare a plan if your baby does not sleep. In your carry-on, place items like toys, snacks, and anything your baby likes to entertain them on the plane.
If you are too tense about the sleep issue, let yourself go with the flow. Once you are relaxed, your baby will also feel more comfortable. Thus, a relaxing environment helps your baby calm down enough to sleep.
Tip # 10: Do not bring a car seat
Although car seats are generally safer in the unlikely event of an accident, it is not safe for babies to sleep in during a flight. Therefore, car seats should not replace cribs or bassinets; instead, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against using car seats as a sleeping device for babies.
While it is safe for your baby to sleep in a car seat while riding a vehicle, your baby should not sleep on it during a flight. However, you cannot monitor your baby if you also fall asleep. Babies and children should not be left unsupervised in child safety seats.
If you are concerned about the availability of a car seat traveling to or from the airport, book a car service with car seats like Kidmoto. Kidmoto is an app-driven service where parents can book a car service with pre-harnessed and pre-installed car seats.
By booking Kidmoto, you can leave the heavy car seats at home and book car travel to and from airports with correctly harnessed and installed child car seats to fit your children. Have an easier time at the airport with one less thing on your hands. Kidmoto drivers are trained to correctly install NCAP-tested car seats in your chosen vehicle.
Download the Kidmoto App now to book a family-friendly ride anytime, anywhere! Whether your baby slept well during the flight or did not, nothing beats the convenience of having fewer items to carry and having a vehicle already waiting for your arrival. With Kidmoto, the safety and convenience of your family are the priority.
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