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My eldest took her first flight at 6 weeks, my youngest at 11 days. They have continued to fly frequently on flights as short at 2hrs and as long as 15hrs. I’m no expert but these are the things that have helped me survive flights in general, with one or both of my girls, especially when I was flying with both of them alone.
Try to Book Your Flight Around Nap-time
If your child is on a schedule book your flight to take off around nap-time and hopefully you will have the most peaceful flight ever. The same goes for trying to book a flight late in the evening around bedtime so you child will sleep through the flight.
Reserve A Bassinet If You Are Flying Internationally
After you book, immediately call the airline and let them know you are traveling with an infant and would like to request a bulkhead seat so you can have access to their arm saving bassinets. Each airline has specific rules on age, length, and/or weight limits on the child using the bassinet so speak with the customer service rep when booking for specifics for that airline. This is amazing especially for overnight flights when you don’t want to risk dropping baby or need to eat or pee! The downfall to the bassinet is if you are traveling with another adult some airlines only allow for one parent to sit in the bulkhead seat as they reserve them for parents with babies. In order to secure the other seat the other adult might have to pay to upgrade to economy plus or hope the seat is empty and move after take off.
Use Your Carrier
Who doesn’t want to be hands-free? From carrying your diaper bag or carry on luggage to using the bathroom using a carrier will be a life saver. Technically airlines do not allow the baby to be in the carrier during landing and take off so be prepared to hold baby during those times if the flight attendant says something to you. Baby wearing in general tends to keep babies calm and they sleep well in them so I highly recommend this for international flights as well if you are unable to secure a bassinet.
Book a Window Seat
By booking a window seat you can entertain your child by looking out the window. If they are sleeping or trying to sleep it gives you the power to have the window shade open or closed for added darkness. Lastly the window seat gives you extra privacy when nursing.
Ask for an Extra Seat
Get to the gate early and ask if there is an empty seat so you can have more space with your baby. Most gate agents/flight attendants are more than willing to help you be as comfortable as possible. If there is and you are traveling with your car seat that is approved for aircraft’s you can even have baby sit in it for the flight for a safer ride.
Take Off and Landing
Remember babies can’t stop their ears from popping due to the pressure of the plane when taking off and landing. If you are breastfeeding, feed baby on take off and landing. If you aren’t, be sure to give them a bottle or a pacifier. In my experience, if they are sleeping they will be fine and it’s best not to wake them.
Entertainment
Pack some toys that will keep your baby intrigued and occupied. Make sure the toy doesn’t make too much noise as to not bother the passengers around you. Babies get bored very easily so bring 3-4 items you can rotate every 30mins.
Extra Clothing for Everyone
Be sure to bring an extra pair of clothes in case your little one makes a mess. Not just for them but for you too, just imagine if by chance they vomit all over you and you have to sit in your soiled cloths the remainder of the flight.
Diaper/ Wipes
Pack 1 diaper per hour in flight plus extra for while you wait to board, for when you land and even more to cover any unexpected delays. If you have a layover be sure to account for that as well. Pack the diapers and wipes in a Ziploc bag so they are easy to access when it’s time to change your baby. Click here for our diaper bag packing list.
Relax
I know that is easier said than done but honestly kids cry and it’s normal. Anyone fixing their nose at you in poor taste just aren’t the nicest people.
Any tips for avoiding the dreaded meltdown or what area of the plane is best to sit with a little one?
What’s always worked for me with meltdowns is distractions. When my oldest was 15 months we went to Italy/Greece and everytime she started with one I sang Wheels on the Bus, which was her favorite song at the time and it worked like a charm. If that doesn’t work, pulling out a new toy, nursing, or last resort a cell phone always seems to work.
We’ve sat im the front, middle, and back and I’ve found it really doesn’t matter. The back has some benefits because its most likely to be less crowded if the flight isn’t full as people avoid it like the plague but if you sit in the front you can get off the plane first. If you’re nursing I like the window seat because it gives more privacy and baby can look out the window.
I’m so happy to have found your Instagram and blog! I’m a wanderluster and new mom and can’t wait to get back to traveling with my 7 month old. Our first trip will be next month, flying from Abu Dhabi to New York (we’ll have two layovers and our travel begins at 2:30am 😳). I’m nervous and excited for my baby to finally meet all of my family. I’ve been reading your blog and tips for traveling with baby and they’ve made me feel a little more at ease. One question: would you recommend bringing my stroller and gate checking it? We have a 2.5 hour layover in Rome and also NYC. I’m worried about having to wait for it and having enough time to get through customs
Hi Rhyan,
Aww thanks so much, I am glad to hear you have found it helpful. I am so excited for your trip and your baby to meet your family. I would recommend checking it at the ticket counter. At 7 months it should be pretty easy to use your carrier as your baby is still small. Using your carrier will allow you to be hands free and maneuver through the airport quickly. Also sometimes with layovers in other countries even if you gate check it at your departure city they will send it to baggage claim on your arrival which just happened to us on our flight to Copenhagen and has happened a few other times. Hope this helps!