ometimes flying those friendly skies may not seem so friendly when you’re traveling with baby.
To make your ride a little less ‘bumpy,’ make sure you’re prepared with these travel tips:
What to Pack
Bring a Well-Stocked Diaper Bag
Take a supply of everything that your baby uses in one day, including a change of clothes, diapers, wipes, bibs, bottles, pacifiers, and formula or breast milk. (You’ll probably need all of this on the plane, and if your luggage unfortunately gets lost or delayed, you’ll be prepared!)
Be sure to bring a dozen gallon-size zip top plastic bags. These can hold dirty clothes, bibs or diapers, and trash. And remember to bring an extra shirt and pair of pants for you, too.
Pack a New Toy for Every 15 Minutes
This may seem excessive, but you don’t want to underestimate your baby’s short attention span. These don’t have to be expensive toys, just something to keep a baby occupied such as measuring spoons, a rattle, or soft books. For older babies, wrap the toys – this makes it an extra special surprise and they’ll probably have more fun playing with the wrapping. Choose ones that aren’t too loud since you don’t want to disturb your fellow passengers! Remember – when your baby isn’t sleeping, you’re the one providing the entertainment.
Use Your Surroundings
‘Read’ to your baby from the in-flight manual, draw on the airsickness bag and make it into a puppet or play toy... get inventive!
Electronic Entertainment
Though your baby may not watch TV at home, consider bringing a handheld DVD player with some fun little music videos such as The Laurie Berkner Band. Or you can download some videos or shows and put these on your iPhone or iPod.
Help Them Catch Their ZZZZ’s
Plan around Their Sleep Time
For longer flights, try to schedule your trip during one of your baby’s sleep periods so he has the opportunity to snooze on the plane. Suddenly, red-eye flights aren’t so bad!
Bring Their Lovey (a special blanket or toy)
Don’t be caught without this. And remember to pack an extra one too, just in case. A lost lovey is never a good thing for anyone involved.
Food, Glorious, Food
Don’t Forget Food!
If baby is eating solids, pack plenty of food products: bananas, avocados – these are easy to just throw in your bag as is (and don’t worry if they get a little squished – that makes great mashed baby food!). And try to get crafty with your snacks: thread Cheerios on a string and make it into an edible necklace – this will keep them entertained while satisfying their hunger for a while!
The Pressure is on
Make sure to pack some extra bottles to feed baby breast milk or formula during takeoff and landing – this will help alleviate any pressure they may feel in their ears. Pacifiers work well, too. Or try a sippy cup with water or diluted juice.
Pre-Measure
For formula babies, bring pre-measured containers of formula so you can easily give your baby a bottle at a moment’s notice. For nursing babies, pack some frozen breast milk in a cooled container. (Check with your airline regarding any restrictions for carrying liquids.)
Schedule Your Flight
When to Fly
Generally, the least busy days to fly are mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday). This may be your best bet for securing an extra empty seat next to you so you can spread out a bit with baby. (Mondays and Fridays are the busiest.)
Seating Arrangements
If traveling a distance - and if possible - book a separate seat for your baby. (We know – it gets expensive!) But holding your baby on your lap for longer flights can get exhausting. If your baby has a seat of her own, bring your regular car seat on the plane with you and secure it with the seatbelt. It’s the perfect place for baby to take her naps. (Don’t forget an extra blanket to drape over the car seat). Hey, we’re hopeful!
