For most parents, the thought of flying solo with a baby can be intimidating. Following are some tips to help make the experience run as smoothly as possible.
Allow Plenty of Extra Time at the Airport
Be sure to arrive at the airport well ahead of the departure time. Checking in can take longer than usual because airport staff will need to examine baby's documents (passport, paper ticket, etc.), and seating arrangements may need to be changed. Going through security will probably take up the most time. Even simple things such as using the restroom take twice as long when a baby is involved. More than likely, baby will also need to be fed and changed at least once before boarding, which will take up more time.
Ask for Preferential Boarding and Seating
Most airlines allow families traveling with children to board with the first group of passengers. Parents traveling alone with baby should definitely take advantage of preferential boarding since, once on the plane, it will take longer to get situated without an extra set of hands.
If you have not purchased a seat for baby, ask at check-in to sit in a seat with more leg room, and enquire whether there are any seats reserved for disabled travelers and families traveling with children. In some airplanes, but not all, the bulkhead seats are the best for this. Some airplanes are equipped with bassinets for young babies. Bassinets attach to the bulkhead and are ideal for parents who are traveling alone with baby. Bassinets cannot be booked in advance and must be requested from a flight attendant on board. If a bassinet is not available, ask to sit in a row with a couple of empty seats next to you so that baby can lie down.
Take an Umbrella Stroller
An umbrella stroller is ideal for traveling because it is lightweight and folds to a compact size. An umbrella stroller is useful for transporting baby through the airport and can be checked at the gate. On most airlines, umbrella strollers are exempt from baggage regulations. Umbrella strollers are inexpensive and can be purchased from most major baby retailers.
Wear a Baby Carrier
A baby carrier allows mom or dad to “wear” baby on his or her chest or back, leaving hands free to push luggage trolleys, lift items onto the conveyor belt at security, or place bags in the overhead bins once on board the plane. Extra caution should be used, however, when lifting heavy items around baby. In this case, it is probably best to ask someone to help you.
Ask for Help
The most important thing to remember when traveling alone with a baby is to ask for help when you need it. Airport staff and flight attendants are used to working with parents traveling alone with babies and are usually more than willing to lend a helping hand. Whether it's asking a flight attendant to lift a carry-on bag into the overhead bin or to hold baby while you use the lavatory, don't be afraid to ask for help.
Flying solo with a baby isn't easy, but the right equipment and the right attitude can make the flight easier for both parent and baby.
