Baby’s First Flight – A Survival Guide

#AD – this is a collaborative post

One of the most common questions new parents have is if they can fly with their baby. While your pediatrician may advise against traveling by air with a newborn, the answer is usually yes! Make no mistake—the flight will take more preparation and patience than when you used to travel alone. Not to worry! With a positive, can-do attitude, an understanding of your airline’s policies and the right supplies in your diaper bag or carry-on, you’ll quickly master the art of flying with your little one—and can enjoy your baby’s first flight and your vacation!

Booking the Flight
Choosing an airline usually depends on where you’re traveling, the choices at your home airport and your family’s budget. Whether you browse for flights on a family friendly travel app or an airline’s website, check their child policies before booking your flight. In most cases, you won’t have to pay for a ticket if your baby can comfortably and safely sit on your lap the entire time. If they need their own seat or you want an entire aisle, you may have to pay extra.

Research whether it will cost you extra cash to check a stroller with your suitcases. Some airlines will allow you to check or carry on one or two items for free, for instance, while others will make you pay for each and every duffel or baby travel item. You’ll also want to pay close
attention to the flight duration and number of stops. Cheaper flights may require you to change planes or gates at an unfamiliar airport, which can make traveling with a small child that much more stressful. Opt for itineraries in your price range that have the least amount of stops and airtime.

If your flight is more than an hour or two, consider splurging on an upgraded ticket. Premier and first-class cabins offer more leg room, comfier seats and complimentary food and beverage options. Some pricier seats even come with unlimited free checked bags or priority boarding.

Packing the Carry-On

Now that you’ve booked your flight, it’s time to create your packing list. Plan on filling a diaper bag or large backpack with everything you usually carry for an outing with baby. This includes diapers, wipes, a burp cloth and either nursing supplies or bottles and formula. For a baby’s first flight, bring more than you think you need. If you plan on bringing a breast pump, review the TSA travel guidelines so you are prepared before you go through security.

Other must-haves for your child’s carry-on bag include toys and extra outfits. Two sets of pants, two pairs of socks and a couple of cotton bodysuits for baby should be enough for a short domestic flight. Throw in any necessary comfort items like pacifiers, pillows and blankets. Extra wet wipes and a portable changing pad also come in handy during most airplane trips.

When packing for a baby’s first flight, don’t forget your own carry-on bag. In addition to everything you’d normally put in your purse, like your wallet and cell phone, include an extra outfit. Another tee and pair of jeans is helpful just in case you fall victim to a diaper blowout or spit-up session.

You’ll also want to have antibacterial wipes or sanitizer on hand. Special food grade wipes for toys and pacifiers are available at most box stores and baby supply shops. Headphones or a book are excellent entertainment if your little one decides to take a nap.

As an added consideration, many parents use bottled water to mix formula on the go. Since drinks aren’t allowed through security, know that you’ll need to buy bottles in a convenience store or restaurant near your gate after you go through security. You may also be able to
purchase multiple bottles from the flight attendants, depending on how many they have available.

Get your bags ready a week before your vacation so you have plenty of time to pick up last-minute items. Take one last look the night before so you have peace of mind that there’s nothing you’ve missed. If everything in the bag is non-perishable, you can even put it in your car ahead of time. After all, it’s one less thing to think about while you’re running on adrenaline and little sleep!

Getting to the Gate
Save yourself time (and the aggravation of standing in line at the airline counter) by checking in at home the day before your flight. You can usually do this in a minute or two by downloading the airline’s app or visiting the homepage of their website. If you must pick your seats at the time of check-in, do so as early as the airline allows. Most online check-ins open 24 hours before the trip. If you wait too long, you and your other family members may not be able to sit together.

Consider bringing an infant sling or carrier with you through the airport. While it will make it easier to get to your gate, it’ll also help calm your baby and should easily fold into a carry-on bag. Finally, give yourself more than the recommended time to get to your gate. Many airports suggest arriving at least two hours ahead of a domestic flight and three hours before an international one. Check your specific airport’s website for complete information. If you have extra time, you can always visit a cafe or take your little one to a window to view incoming planes.

Staying Content in the Cabin
Once you get to your seat, you’ll want all of baby’s supplies within arm’s reach. Place the diaper bag under the seat in front of you, adding anything from your bag that you may need if you can’t get up. Wallets, neck pillows and jackets are just a few items that may come in handy. If possible, wipe down all seat handles and buckles with an antibacterial wipe. As much as we don’t want to think about it, airplanes are dirty. Sanitize everyone’s hands before you snack and after you touch the seats.

Most parents are worried about ear pain, especially on a baby’s first flight where they havent experienced ear disruption before. Some babies never experience ear pain while flying, while others do cry from the sensation of the excess air pressure. If your little one begins fussing, try offering them a pacifier, bottle or breast. The act of sucking may soothe them, similar to how an adult relieves their discomfort by chewing gum.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember in-flight is to befriend your flight attendants. Introduce yourself, ask them any questions you have about flying with baby and let them know if you need something, like an extra blanket or napkin. They’ll be happy to help—not only because it’s in their nature, but because a happy baby makes for an even happier crew and passengers!

Finally, focus on making your little one cozy—they may just sleep most of the flight. Wrap them in a swaddle or blanket, cuddle close and let the drone of the airplane’s engine act as white noise. You may even find you both get some extra sleep or enjoy a new bonding experience! The other soothing techniques you can use depend on whom you’re sitting with. It’s much easier to play ocean sounds on your phone speakers, for example, if you’re sitting in an aisle with your spouse and older child than if you were in between two strangers.

Leaving the Plane—and Celebrating Your First Flight with Baby
When you do your traveler’s homework and bring the right supplies, you’ll probably find it easier to travel with baby than you imagined. No matter if baby cries or acts like an angel, however, know that you will land in one piece—and you will be that much more savvy and
experienced on your next adventure.

As you taxi the runway and congratulate yourself on your baby’s first flight – a job well done , check that you’ve grabbed all of your belongings. Then, you can truly celebrate a win. The good news is, the ride back with baby is sure to be even easier. After your trip, you may even have the confidence to plan your next family vacation!