Flying with baby for the first time can be overwhelming. With this checklist of 5 key items to have on the plane, air travel with baby can be fun for everyone.
As a new parent, flying with a baby for the first time can be daunting. Parents want to be sure they've thought of everything - and often end up bringing everything as a result. Is every baby toy really necessary? What else can parents do to make flying with baby less stressful? Read up on tips for new parents about what to expect, what to bring, and advice on how to keep this milestone fun and stress-free.
- Allow for extra time. Those days of the last-minute dash to the gate are really over. Families should allow extra time for security, extra time for settling in to seats on the plane - pretty much extra time for everything. Remember, what used to be done by two people (unloading luggage, etc.) is most likely being handled by one right now. Parents traveling solo have even more to handle. That two-hour minimum window that airlines insist on is a blessing in disguise that parents should adhere to.
- Bring extra diapers. This sounds like a no-brainer, but the amount of diapers parents tote onboard can be the difference between an easy trip and a nightmare. In these days of delays and flights sitting on tarmacs indefinitely, the diaper bag should have at least 10 diapers, more if they can fit. This will keep baby well-stocked not only for delays, but any mishaps that require multiple changes.
- Bring a change of clothes for everyone. Most parents remember to bring a change of clothes for baby but forget to do the same for themselves. While it may not be convenient to bring an entire outfit, an extra blouse or top can help Mom or Dad to avoid wearing peas for an entire trip. And this is one time where busy prints can be good - they're more able to hide spitups and stains. For another alternative...
- Bring beige food as a way to downplay stains. Parents of babies that have started solids might want to save the peas, spinach and anything with tomato sauce for on the ground. Make the on-board meals relatively bland in color - applesauce, squash, and some yogurts are examples of foods that won't stand out quite as much on clothing.
- Bring anything baby can suck on. Again, most parents bring whatever their baby is using, whether it be bottle, breast or pacifier. This is the one time where it pays to bring the entire stash. Changes in air pressure on little ears causes pain, and what usually works like a charm may be cast aside by a frustrated baby. Having something new on hand may actually do the trick, and go a long way in soothing both baby and fellow passengers.
- Toys may not be necessary. Depending on how early in life baby embarks on his first plane ride, a sackful of toys and books is most likely overkill. Really young infants up to 4 months) are usually still into napping and feeding and won't be overly enthralled with toys anyhow; older infants (between 5 and 10 months) won't be kept too busy by any one toy due to short attention spans. While it pays to have a one or two on hand, parents shouldn't expect them to keep baby occupied for more than 10 minutes - if that much. The bottom line? Baby's biggest source of entertainment is going to be his family, not some $15 doodad.
- Get plenty of rest the night before. Late or all night packers may want to rethink that vacation prep strategy. Don't plan for a nap on the plane, regardless of how closely linked the flight is to baby's nap time. New stimuli and overall excitement can sometimes keep babies from adhering to schedules, meaning no rest for parents either. A good sleep not only allows parents to keep baby entertained, it allows them to stay alert during check-in and security checks, when things can go missing or get misplaced.
- Bring any medicine on-board. Any prescription medicines should definitely be in carry-on luggage; even if baby is only taking them every 8 hours, delays or checked luggage that goes missing could mean an important dose is missed. It doesn't hurt to stash some pain reliever too, for painful ears.
- Join Priority Pass. This company provides travelers with access to hundreds of airline lounges worldwide for an annual fee, negating the need to belong to any particular airline's club. Being able to sit in a comfortable lounge with complimentary snacks and drinks can make an airport wait far more relaxing, and although primarily set up for business travelers, most lounges are family-friendly. Membership levels vary, making it feasible for a variety of budgets. If the membership fee is too much, though, many airports have family-friendly play areas that infants old enough to sit up may enjoy.
- Don't worry about the 3 oz. rule when it comes to feeding baby. Families traveling with infant needn't worry about the ziploc bags and 3 ounce maximum when it comes to baby food. Breast milk, formula, juice are allowed in any amount, although the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) urges parents to bring only as much as is needed to reach your final destination. It's also worth noting that gel and liquid filled teethers are allowed on board, as well as canned or jarred baby food.
While many new parents get anxious at the thought of baby's first flight, these helpful tips should make air travel with baby a smooth and enjoyable experience - for baby, and for all the other passengers too,
The copyright of the article Baby's First Plane Trip in Babies/Toddlers Travel is owned by Leian Welch. Permission to republish Baby's First Plane Trip in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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