Travelling with your baby on a flight for the first time can be as memorable as celebrating their first birthday, or the day they take their first steps. It may not be in a fairy floss, unicorn fun kind of way, but more eyebrow-raising and adrenaline pumping, all the way to your destination, especially if you are not sure what to expect.
But with proper planning and preparation, you’ll be able to fly without anxiety and worry.
Here are ten tips to ensure your first flight with your baby is a good one.
1.Book a Direct Flight or a Longer Layover
When travelling with a baby or young kids, go for a direct flight if possible. During landing, your baby will experience pressure in their ears, which can cause pain and discomfort. The fewer take-offs and landings you endure, the less tantrums your baby will have. But if you must be in transit, book a flight that has extra time between the next one. Two to three hours is ideal for you to change your baby’s nappy or let them play around to burn off excess energy. You can use the extra time to sort out the nappy bag or buy some non-aeroplane food for yourself.
2. Visit the Bathroom Before Boarding
Before you board the plane, be sure to hit the airport bathroom one last time. You might want to check your baby’s nappy and put on nappy cream. Your baby’s next nappy change might be a few hours away, so some extra cream to prevent nappy rash is always a good idea. If you need to do your business, it’s a good idea to do it now, as you don’t want to leave your baby a few hours after take-off to visit the lavatory. You never know how long you’re going to be glued to your seat – waiting for the seat belt sign to turn off.
3. Take a Flight Around Your Baby’s Sleeping Time If Possible
Especially if you are taking a flight that lasts longer than eight hours, try to pick a flight that suit your baby’s routine. This can change how your baby will react. An overnight flight would make a world of difference, especially if your baby has already learned how to sleep throughout the night. Try to avoid morning or midday flights if possible.
4. Ear Protection For Your Baby
Unlike adults, babies have not developed the capability to balance their eardrums naturally. Your baby might feel pressure in their ears during take-off and landing. And that’s when they’ll scream at the top of the lungs due to the unbearable discomfort. Breastfeed, or let your baby suck on a binky to help ease the pressure. Better yet, get a set of baby headphones to really protect your child’s ears.
5. Bring Baby Necessities On Board
Your nappy bag should consist of your baby’s essentials, from extra nappies, baby wipes, nappy cream, and sanitising wipes to clean the changing table, to a disposable bag for used nappies. Make a list of things to bring on the plane before you pack so you don’t miss any important items. Don’t forget to pack some extra clothes for you and your baby too. You never know when your baby is going to puke on you!
6. Prepare Baby’s Food or Snack From Home
If your baby is seven months or above, they have probably already started eating. You can prepare some easy finger food for snacks, or something that is easy to prepare on the plane. Juice boxes and fruit purees are great as they are easy to pack. If you’re taking any frozen baby food with you, put it in a freezer bag. Some countries and airlines have restrictions on what food and liquids you can bring on board, so make sure to understand any rules so you don’t get the food thrown away.
7. Put Your Baby in Comfortable Clothing
Put comfortable and practical clothing on your baby for the flight. Fancy clothes can wait until you land. Choose something that is easy to manage, especially when you need to change your baby’s nappy. Sometimes planes can be chilly, so don’t forget to put on socks to keep your baby’s toes warm. Avoid anything tight and skip materials that’ll cause your baby to sweat and feel uncomfortable.
8. Fly With an Aeroplane Bassinet
The majority of airlines provide bassinets for babies to use on long-haul flights. An aeroplane bassinet is a baby’s bed that is secured to the aeroplane bulkhead. Also referred to as baskets and cots, you can request these when booking. If you’re planning to use the bassinet, make sure to notify the airline during check-in and if the crew forget to install the bassinet for you, remind them after take-off.
9.Pack Baby’s Toys to Keep Them Entertained
If the flight is long and during the day, you can’t expect your baby to sleep all the way to the destination. Pack some small babies’ toys to keep your little one entertained during the flight. Small toys with vibrant colours or compact boards will keep your baby busy and engaged while helping to improve their sensory and cognitive skills. Keep these toys in your nappy bag and give them to your baby only when he/she’s getting cranky.
10. Stay Calm
Last but not least, try to stay as calm as possible. Take this opportunity to learn compassion and patience, instead of getting all stressed out. It’s impossible to anticipate how your baby will react throughout the journey. Ask for help if you think you can’t handle it alone. Often there are other parents who are willing to help and have most likely had the same experience as you.
Taking your baby on a plane can be overwhelming, but with proper preparation, you’ll have a great experience. Always remember that all babies are not the same; just because someone you know had a ten-hour nightmare flight with their baby doesn’t mean that you’ll encounter the same experience. So keep calm, and enjoy the ride.
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