5 TRAVEL TIPS FOR FLYING WITH A BABY

BOOKING FLIGHT | PACKING LIST | FLIGHT TIMES | SEATING

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*** This was written when Asa was a small baby so this was what it looked like for us when he was 2-7 months. I will do a more updated version now that he is more vocal and toddler-like! ***

Booking your flight

When booking your flight we always fly non-stop flights when and if possible. Having layovers and multiple flights just make things a little more difficult with a baby or any age of children I can imagine.

Flight times

For us, we always pick the cheapest flight since he is currently still sleeping a good chunk during the day but when he shifts to a nap routine/schedule I imagine we will book our flight times around that so either mid-morning or red eyes so he sleeps on the plane.

Seating on flights

When choosing our seats even before having a baby I always get the window seat and middle seat for us because I love to look out the window. Now that we are traveling with a baby we are still going to be getting the same seating because it is best to keep the baby out of the aisle, one reason being when the beverage cart comes around they may spill a hot liquid and it is better to be safe than sorry. Another reason is traveling as a family when baby gets a little bigger it is easier to keep them in their car seat while flying and the car seats can be a little bulkier so they fit better by the window then they are out of the way.

Packing

I will attach a basic packing list for what we take for our baby on a trip and you can adjust it based on your needs.

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Most airlines allow you to check a stroller and car seat for free. You can even check these at the gate so if you want to baby-wear and use the stroller to carry the carry-on bags.

If you have plans to fly with your baby’s car seat, portable crib, stroller, or portable highchair make sure you know your airline’s policies and fees before booking your ticket.

Take off and landing

When it comes to taking off and landing babies and younger kids don't know how to relieve the pressure in their ears like we do so it is recommended that they suck on a pacifier/bottle or chew on a snack to ease the pressure. I always make sure I have a bottle made right before I get on the plane even when I was breastfeeding just in case Asa doesn't latch properly. (We had a few struggles with latch from time to time so if you don't have an issue like that then you may be okay without a bottle premade.) I didn't like trying to make one when we were already on the plane because it was just an added moment of stress and another task I had to do. Once I was seated I would wait until we were just about to accelerate up to feed him to ensure he wouldn't fall asleep and stop feeding or sucking on his pacifier. If he fell asleep he would more times than not wake up from his ear discomfort.

I hope you enjoyed these 5 travel tips for flying with a baby and they gave you a little insight into traveling by plane with your baby or even your younger children! It doesn't have to be as stressful of an experience as you think.

Happy travels!