By the time my son Fox turned 1 years old, he had been on 11 different airplanes. Each trip ranged from 2 hours long to 13 hours long. Flying with a baby doesn’t have to be stressful. The more prepared you are, the better you and your baby will fare. Based on our experience, here are tips and key items to bring with you to make flying with an infant a breeze.
1. Carrier or Stroller
When traveling with a small baby, you will need some way to easily carry them around while in the airport, but also on your holiday. Carrying your car seat in the crook of your arm is hard work, and not practical.
Carrier
I by far prefer a carrier when flying with an infant under the age of 1 years old. A carrier gives you the ability to keep your arms free in the airport while keeping your baby close. I also found the stroller could be frustrating in the often close quarters of an airport. Trying to navigate a stroller through crowds, especially if you were in a rush, could be stressful. While on the airplane, a carrier was beneficial on long flights if you wanted to get up and pace the aisles while holding your little one. This helps if you have a fussy baby, and is a nice break to get up and stretch your legs. The carrier meant you could keep your arms free to help you keep balanced if there was suddenly some turbulence, and keep baby safe in that situation.
My preferred carrier was the BabyBjorn One Sport carrier (BABYBJORN Baby Carrier One – Silver, Mesh). My Babybjorn was so easy to put on, and take off when needed. When choosing a carrier, keep in mind that when going through the security check, you will need to take off the carrier you are wearing and hold your baby while you go through security. I tried baby wraps, such as the Moby, and found them to be too cumbersome and difficult to put on and take off when needed, especially in a rush. My Babybjorn has easy to do up buckles, that with some practice at home, you can do easily yourself and very quickly.
Stroller
If you prefer a stroller, or are not used to a carrier, you may want to opt to bring a stroller. A stroller has no use on the airplane itself, but can be nice in the airport. When you check in your luggage, advise them you have a stroller and they will tag it for you. You will have to take your infant out of the stroller to go through security, just like in a carrier. Make sure to take everything out of the stroller prior to going through. Once you get to your gate and ready to board your plane, the airline staff will take your folded stroller from you and place it in the cargo hold of the plane. Once you land, they will bring it back to the gate as you depart the plane. They are usually pretty quick, but sometimes you may have to wait. When we did travel with a stroller, we preferred the GB Pockit (GB Pockit Stroller Monument Black). These handy little strollers fold up small enough to go in the overhead luggage on the plane, and even into a bag. This was an excellent time saver, as we could grab it and go when we departed the plane and not have to wait for staff to bring ours up.
When making your decision on whether to bring a carrier or a stroller, keep the rest of your trip and destination in mind. Are you going somewhere you may not be able to use a stroller? Cobble stone sidewalks and dirt paths are not best suited for a stroller. If you are catching trains or buses, a stroller can be hard to manage as it is an extra item to make space for. I could hop right into a cab, bus or train with my infant still in the carrier. How heavy is your child? If you are doing a lot of walking, you may opt for the ease of pushing a heavy child in a stroller, rather than carrying them.
2. Feeding
Make sure to feed your baby during take off and landing. This will not only calm your baby, hopefully into a deep sleep, but will also prevent pain and discomfort from the change in air pressure. If you nurse or bottle feed your little one during times the air pressure will be changing, you will eliminate this from happening all together, as the swallow reflex relieves the pressure. If your baby is not hungry, you could also try a pacifier or soother to assist if your baby is used to using one. I would recommend timing your feeding for your departure time, to save you the stress of trying to force your little one to eat.
Age of your infant will play a big factor in what food you need to bring. A hungry baby, will be a very unhappy baby. Always bring a little bit extra than you think you will need, just in case of any delays.
Breastfed Infant
I was very fortunate when it came to breast feeding. I produced plenty of milk, and I didn’t need to supplement with formula. My son was also a good eater, and with some practice, breastfeeding became easy to me. This is not the case for all. If you are breastfeeding your infant at home, I recommend doing so while you travel, and on the airplane if you are comfortable doing so. Without the need for packing formula or solid food, you really cut down on the amount of bag space needed during your flight.
Bottle Fed
If your infant is bottle fed, you will have a little harder time packing, but don’t worry, still doable. If you are bottle feeding breast milk, and you plan to bring pre-pumped milk on the plane, this is allowed through security, but allow yourself extra time to actually get through security. Make sure your bottles of milk are pulled out for security to check, as this will save a little time in them having to ask. I always put all the bottles together in a large ziplock bag, so it’s easy to pull it all out of your bag when you go through security. Also saves the mess if any leaks occur.
If your infant is formula fed, consider which type of formula you normally feed, or would want to bring with you on a trip. Powdered formula would take up less space, and you wouldn’t have to wait longer at security for them to check your liquids if you purchase bottled water from the airport after you go through security. Pre-portioning the powder will save time and be less messy when meal time comes around. On the other hand, premixed formula is ready and easy to serve without any prep. This can be a big time saver when you’re dealing with a fussy, hungry baby. A great idea is to bring bottles that use disposable liners, and bring extra liners and a few extra nipples. This way, you don’t have to worry about washing bottles in an airplane or airport bathroom. Just toss the liner and grab a new nipple. I have had success with these Playtex bottles (Playtex Baby Liner Bottle).
Solid Food
If your infant is at the age where they are eating solid food for the majority of their meals, then you will likely want to bring some for them. If your infant is still on milk or formula, I would recommend just sticking with milk or formula in a bottle while on the plane. Being fed by bottle or breast in a parents arms, is much more calming than being fed by spoon or pouch. The milk will also be easier on the stomach in the high altitude.
If you still want to bring some solid food, I found the best option was soft food pouches. The pouches are easy to open, and easy to feed. They also travel well, and I have never had an issue of one leaking in my bag. I always tried to bring the smaller pouches, under 3.4oz or 100mL, so as to try and avoid the longer security check times. You are allowed to bring baby food in larger quantities through security, but they do double check the packages if they are larger than the allowable liquid sizes. Bringing foods in sealed packages will bring about a lot less stress while going through security at the airport than bringing portions of food from home, or homemade baby food.
3. Dress your Infant in Layers
The temperature on an airplane or in the airport is never consistent. Airports temperatures vary depending on where you are in the world, while an airplane’s temperature varies depending on if the engine is on or not. When boarding and sitting in your seat waiting to taxi to the runway, the plane can be hot and stuffy. If you end up having to wait while the plane is turned off for an extended period of time, it can get very hot, especially if you are in a warm destination. Infants are not great at regulating their body temperature, and need all the help they can get. If your baby is hot or cold for too long, they can get very grumpy and fussy, and for good reason. Not to mention, it can be dangerous.
To help prevent this, dress your little one in something lightweight, with easy to remove layers. My infant’s go to ‘travel outfit’ consisted of a short sleeved onesie (the kind with the snap closure for easier diaper changes), a pair of lightweight pants, socks and a front button sweater. Once on the plane, the sweater was removed until the air conditioning set in. Once it cooled down, if needed, the sweater could be put back on to keep him comfortable. I would also bring a blanket as an added layer in case it got really cold, and for departing the plane.
4. Change of Clothes
Don’t forget a change of clothes, or two, in your carry on bag. How many times has a new parent left the house without a change of clothes? I have personally done it way too many times. You never know when your little one will make a mess and in need of a fresh outfit. A couple extra outfits may be needed depending on how long your flight is. When choosing a change of clothes, also keep in mind your need for easy to remove layers.
It can also be a good idea to bring a change of clothes for you as well. Or at least a shirt. In the instance your baby gets sick or has a major diaper explosion while you’re holding them, you may need a change yourself. I have never needed a change of clothes for myself as of yet, but I know if I was to not bring it, that would be the time I would need it. Bring something small and lightweight so as to not take up too much precious bag space.
5. Large Ziplock Bag or Dry Bag
When you’re on the go, and your little one has a diaper mishap, where do you put the soiled clothes? In the beginning days of travel, I have on multiple occasions forgot to bring a bag of any kind in order to put the dirty, often stinky clothes into, and ended up just throwing them out. When at home, for everyday use, I have a cute reusable dry bag I take to put any wet or soiled clothes into (2pcs Cloth Diaper Wetdry Bags). While traveling, I usually just bring large freezer style ziplock baggies. I can stuff many baggies into my luggage and carry on bags to have handy when I need them. I can just toss them out when used, instead of worrying about having to wash the bag as well as the clothes inside them.
6. Diapers and Wipes
Diapers and wipes are another obvious packing necessity. I always liked to bring 2 or 3 more diapers on the airplane than I would usually use during the same amount of time if I were at home. I would pack more diapers in our check in bag, but only enough for approximately 2 days of travel. I always bought diapers at our destination. Diapers aren’t heavy, but they do take up lots of space in your luggage. Diapers can be bought all around the world, and we have never had issues finding the size we need.
I can’t stress enough, bring LOTS of wipes. For an airplane ride, I would always take a brand new package of wipes even for the shortest plane ride. You will want and need them a lot. Airplanes are dirty, as well as airports. I would use them for the obvious diaper changes, but also to wipe sticky fingers, nose and mouths, wipe down toys and snack trays. Even for us adults, wipes are great when you can’t run to the bathroom to wash every time you would like to.
7. Toys
When on an airplane with an infant, I didn’t find the need to bring a lot of toys like an older child needs to stay entertained. Infants tend to rely on their parents and other people for entertainment. During teething times, I would bring a multi purpose toy. Something soft and cuddly but with a teething toy attached. My little one loved his elephant and giraffe toy by Bright Starts (Bright Starts Snuggle Teether Assorted). This little elephant traveled the world with us for my son’s whole first year. These can also be thrown in the washing machine for easy cleaning and they have a clip on the top to attach it to bags, carriers or strollers. Don’t go overboard on toys, they take up a lot of space, and have a high likely hood of getting lost, or being left on planes and in hotel rooms. If you do want to bring mroe toys for your destination, pack them in your check in bag, so you don’t have too much bulk in your carry on.
8. Diaper Bag Backpack
The best type of diaper bag for traveling was by far a back pack. It was much more convenient to put a bag on your back, than an over the shoulder variety. I can wear a backpack with my carrier on at the same time. We purchased this style (Diaper Bag Backpack). It was great for many reasons. It has a wipe-able liner, that you can clean on the go if needed. I love the bottom zipper compartment. It was great for layering things you need access to. I would put my diapers and wipes on the bottom, and access them through the back zipper. Then on top I could leave extra clothes and toys, as well as travel documents I may need. There are also some bottle pouches in the front zipper to make sure they stay upright. The key strap was also handy while traveling, so as not to worry about losing your keys while on the go. Any backpack could work, but the ones designed as baby bags, are much more convenient and functional.
9. Tylenol and/or Orajel
Depending on the age of your infant, they may be teething, or about to start teething. Make sure to bring some pain management with you, whether you think you will need it or not. Orajel was helpful for a short time in a pinch. I always kept a tube in my bag while on the go. If traveling somewhere more exotic, they may not have any Tylenol/Motrin branded products to buy and you’ll be left googling whats safe for teething and how much to give to your little one.
10. Consider Your Flight Times
If you have flexibility booking your flight times, take into consideration your babies normal nap, bedtime and feeding routines. If you can choose to fly when your baby would normally be sleeping, do it. I personally always loved flying with our infant on red eye flights. I was able to keep a semi normal routine at home the day of the flight and I would try and take a nap with my son during nap time. By the time we got on the airplane, my little one was ready for bed. To assist with the change in pressure during take off, I would bottle or breastfeed my little one to reduce any discomfort caused by stubborn ears that won’t pop. At that point, he would naturally just fall asleep in my arms, and would often sleep right through the entire plane ride. It is my preferred way to fly long distances. Red eye flights are not for everyone though. Don’t forget, when you land, your baby will be wide awake and ready to start the day if they managed to get a good nights sleep on the plane. If you are not able to at least get some rest, you will be very tired when you land.
Kids under the age of 2 years old, are not required to have their own seat, and don’t need a full ticket purchased for them, which is a money saver. This however does mean that they don’t get their own seat. If the plane is full, that means baby is sitting in your lap for the entire flight. When you are checking in for your flight, make sure to mention you have an infant. Sometime they will move you to a row with an extra seat free of charge. We have also been moved once we boarded so as to give us more room. Usually the airline will do what they can to maximize a parents comfort. If the parents have to deal with a fussy baby, everyone on the flight has to deal with a fussy baby. Some airlines also have bassinet seats. You can inquire when you check in. The bassinet attaches to the wall of the airplane in a select few seats. There is a weight limit though. I tried the bassinet on one flight, but found my son slept better beside me in an extra seat, or on my lap, so we usually waived the offer of a bassinet and let another parent enjoy it’s use.
Bonus Tip
Probably the best advice of all…Limit your expectations. I can’t stress this enough. Even if you read every article, absorb all the advice, and buy all the gadgets, you could still be in for a 6 hour long flight with a screaming baby. Your baby is different than mine, and mine is different from the next person. What works for me, may not work for you.
Keep a smile on your face and go with the flow. If you stress too much, your baby will too. You may be in for a hectic flight, but you will survive, and so will your baby.
Check out my top 5 tips for traveling with a baby here. Please feel free to leave a comment below if you like what you read, or have any questions.
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