11 Tips to Remember on Your First Time Flying with a Baby
If you are a new parent and you have recently traveled on the road with your baby, you will know how challenging this experience is. But to fly with a baby on a plane, with scores of other passengers; the pressure is on another level. Observe these eleven tried-and-tested tips to make your first air travel with an infant as smooth as possible.
● Secure your baby’s documents
Parents flying with a baby on a local flight do not need to present a document. But just to be prepared, it is advisable to bring along your little one’s birth certificate (or adoption documents).
If you are traveling to another country, you must secure your child’s passport first. Typically, you would need to set aside at least two months earlier to get your baby’s passport. If you want to expedite, you need to pay for an extra fee.
● Book a flight that coincides with your baby’s schedule
To give your family a better chance of a stress-free air travel, try booking a flight that coincides with your baby’s sleep and convenience schedule.
If this option is not that economical for you, opt for a direct flight or schedule with minimal connecting flights. The lesser time you spend on the plane, the lesser the chance that your kid will throw a fit.
● Buy a separate seat when you fly with a baby
Peradventure you are flying with an infant, experts and veterans also recommend buying a separate seat if your budget permits. It does not only provide safety; it also gives you more space to do baby duties more conveniently. This is especially helpful when you are on a long-time flight and your plane has high risks of encountering frequent turbulence.
● Bring extra baby necessities
As the old saying goes, a stitch in time saves nine. When packing your stuff, make sure to bring along with you extra baby necessities — from diapers and clothes to baby formula, bottles, and snacks.
Pro tip: Include Ziploc bags in your checklist. These versatile storage solutions can be used to hold various baby trash (like diapers), keeping your space clean until trash collection services arrive.
● Gate-check your stroller and other baby gear
You will rely on baby strollers and car seats if you are spending a family vacation abroad. When you fly with a baby, check with your airline about their rules in flying in with such bulky baby gear.
Typically, they do not charge an extra fee if you gate-check this equipment. While some airlines have a dedicated area where you can retrieve gate-checked stuff, others include theirs in the baggage-claiming counter.
● Learn how to wear your baby
You will be busy with a lot of things when you are travelling with a baby. To make it more convenient for you, you must invest in and learn how to use a baby carrier. However, take note that carriers are not allowed once you have boarded the plane.
● Feed your baby during take-off and landing
The take-off and the landing are both circular times during any flight. You must be sensitive about these when you are flying with baby passengers.
To help them ease the discomfort they would feel because of the change in air pressure, you can either nurse or feed them. If they still do not feel like eating yet, giving them a pacifier can do the trick.
● Prepare toys your baby can busy himself or herself with
Speaking of “distracting” your infant…When you fly with a baby, consider it a necessity to bring still-unwrapped toys with you.
Whenever your kid is about to or is throwing tantrums, you can pacify them by offering a “present” they can unwrap and busy himself or herself with. You can alternate this activity with snack giving or watching something from the plane’s in-flight entertainment system. You can also take a walk for a change of scenery.
● Wear comfortable clothing
For you to be able to do all the above-mentioned tips comfortably, you must wear comfortable layers. When packing your clothes, bear in mind that you must be easily ready to breastfeed your infant from time to time.
Throughout your travel in another state or country, always choose an attire that is breathable and allows a wide range of movements.
● Wait for other passengers to disembark first
Once it is safe to disembark, allow other passengers to deplane first. This doesn’t only give you more space to gather your stuff and prepare your baby — it also provides you a spare time to take a break and think of the things you have to do next after disembarkation. And you would not need to rush with others while they deplane.
● Ask for best practices from other parents
Flying with a baby is not a stroll in the park. And who else can you turn to for proper advice than parents who have also gone through the same experience?
If you have a relative, friend, or colleague who has also traveled with a kid, ask her for practical tips for flying with a baby for the first time. You can also join online groups or check out online forums to know best practices to ensure your kid is safe and convenient while traveling, as well as help you set your expectations to a favorable level.
