Have you thought about flying with your baby for the first time? I am a mom of 4 girls and we love to travel.
We have flown with a baby many times. It can be overwhelming I am here to share my tips with you to Fly Like a Pro with your baby.
Hands Free When Flying with a Baby
If you’ve travel with your kids having a baby in a stroller is helpful because they are contained and safe. Although I do agree it is really helpful to have a stroller. I also feel that having a carrier may be even better!
With your baby in a carrier you’re hands free!! You can grab your travel documents, pull suitcases and help your other kids. If your little one uses a soother it is easy to clip it to the strap of the carrier and you have it when you need it.
With the baby in a carrier there is no need to worry about folding up the stroller and realizing that you have so many things in the basket. So many times when I have folded my stroller I struggle to find a space to put everything that I had stocked in the bottom of the stroller. You may still need a stroller for your destination. The stroller can be checked in with your luggage so it is there when you arrive.
Use a backpack diaper bag. This will go right on your back and it won’t slip off your shoulder or slip out of your hand. Extra tip- if you get the bag with the side pocket for wipes you can easily grabbing a wipe is easy.
Car Seats When Flying with a Baby
I have done it both ways when flying with a baby, holding the baby on my lap and using a car seat. I think for this decision is has to be personal and completely dependent on the child. Some babies get very frustrated being held and not able to get down and play or crawl around. This can create a bit of frustration. On the other hand having the baby being held means that if you are traveling with another adult you can take turns with who is holding the baby.
When using a car seat on the airplane your baby may feel like they are traveling in the car and nothing different. As long as your baby enjoys car rides this could be positive, but also have the negative impact if they don’t like the car. When your baby is in their car seat your hands are free to be doing other things which is helpful with multiple children. The two draw backs for using a car seat is having to purchase a seat. The second is that the car seat is quite bulky making it difficult navigating through the airport.
Sit at the Back of the Plane
This one I feel is so beneficial to your flying experience- get seats at the back of the plane. With the airlines you can’t choose ahead of time they do usually have a family boarding that goes before general boarding-Southwest Airlines is an example of this.
When you are at the back you have quick access to the bathroom. The flight attendants are nice and close if you need something. There is no one behind you for your baby to disturb. Maybe it is only me but the less people I can disturb on the plan the better for me.
You get off the plane last, and don’t have the congestion of everyone getting off the plane and trying to rush to make sure the people behind you can get out. Some people want to get to the destination faster but getting off the plane is one less thing you have to rush to.
Pack extra clothes
Accidents happen- even when flying with a baby! Make sure even if you are going to a warm place that you still pack warmer clothes. It may be cool on the plane and if your little one needs an outfit change you don’t want them being cold.
Be sure to have plenty of diapers in your bag too!
If you are nursing a cover that slips over your head is super helpful and provides privacy for you and your little one.
Individual formula containers make getting a bottle ready so much easier. They come in single servings or even 3. You can bring on premade bottles for your baby, it will just be checked at security.
Once your baby is on solid food I found snacks like cheerios, puffs or yogurt bites the best for travel. Personally I would set one or two on the tray at a time because it slowed the baby down when eating which in turn entertained them longer. Also it prevented all of the snacks being spilled on the floor.
Flying with a baby doesn’t have to be stressful. Find a space at the airport where your baby can stretch out, play and move before having to get on the plane. If you plan ahead and make sure you have everything you need for your baby and yourself it can go smooth!
Check out more family friendly travel tips at Home – Together We Can Travel
