Everything You Need to Know About Flying With a Baby

If you have just become a parent and you are a frequent flyer, you are probably worried about flying with your baby on his or her first plane trip. It is best to wait a few weeks until you and the baby get used to a routine, as the baby needs a lot of attention, many feedings and diaper changes. Airplane flight is perfectly safe for your newborn and at any age. You do not have to worry and will be just fine.

You are used to going on business, or visiting family and friends by plane and now you have a newborn. It just won’t be as easy now as it used to be. You are used to grabbing an overnight case, driving to the airport, running through check-in and showing up at the gate, just making your flight. These days are long gone, as you now have a new baby to love and care for. You do not want to run through the airport with a baby in tow so just get there in time. You and the baby have to get ready for his or her first baby flight and there is a lot of preparation to do before hand.

A Few Days Ahead

Planning ahead can make your life a little easier. Try to avoid scheduling your flight during peak times around the holidays. It is better to fly when it is quiet and less crowded. The Baby will not be as distracted or fussy, will sleep more and will make, yours, the crew’s and the passengers’ lives easier. Call the airlines and ask if you can book a ticked in the middle of the plane where the engines are located. This will muffle the baby’s crying and the vibration seem to put them right to sleep.

Baby’s Suitcase

Not only do you pack a suitcase for your baby, you also need a carry on a diaper bag as well. Most airplanes have changing tables in the bathrooms, so you should be able to easily change diapers. The diaper bag should include necessary items such as: plenty of extra diapers, cream in case of diaper rash, a bag to place wet and soiled diapers, baby blanket, a few changes of clothing for you and your baby, and a small can of disinfectant to get rid of the bacteria and viruses around the area where you are changing your baby. Also, bring with you a few bibs, (as they tend to get soiled), a cloth to wipe up spills, or when the baby spits up. You might also need to bring your baby stroller. These are just a few items needed to place in your baby’s carry on suite case. Do not over pack your baby’s flight suitcase. You never know what you might be taking home with you, or your family might give you.

Do Not Ask Flight Attendants to Baby Sit

Flight attendants are not responsible for holding your baby in flight while you want to do something else. They may help you in and out of the plane, answer questions, but babysitting is not their job!  If it is going to be a long flight, be sure to bring the baby to the restroom with you, especially if you are by yourself!

The important thing to remember with baby in flight is to relax, as it will go much better than you thought it would. It is amazing how passengers get misty-eyed watching your baby and then telling you about their flight stories. For many parents it is a great time to travel with your newborn. Have a nice flight and enjoy it!  

T. Atanasova is a mother of two who writes about baby products. To learn more visit her Graco Metrolite Stroller blog.