Air Travel with Baby
When vacation time rolls around, parents of infants everywhere have the daunting task of learning how to incorporate baby into their flight plans. In reality, air travel with an infant is not easy; in fact, it can be downright challenging. If you’re the parent of an infant, you know that your child has many different needs that you will have to accommodate in order to make the journey easy and entertaining for the whole family.
Teaching baby that air travel can be fun is an investment that will pave the way for future family adventures. You can do it, and we’re here to help with select tips and advice below.
Keep Baby Close
Airports can be a sensory overload for your little one, especially if it’s his or her first time flying. To help avoid distress, keep baby close. If possible, use a baby carrier that fits snugly to your chest so that baby can feel secure listening to your heartbeat.
Present Liquids
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow you to bring a reasonable amount of breast milk, formula, or juice through airport security checkpoints. As long as the liquid is presented before your belongings are x-rayed, you should pass with little interruption. Just remember to separate baby’s food from your other liquids before presenting them to the security officer to avoid confusion.
Pack Plastic
Remember to pack plenty of sealable plastic bags for when baby needs a diaper or clothing change. These bags are a must for any kind of long trip with baby, especially if you’re traveling by plane, where others will be sharing the cabin with you. It is unlikely that the flight attendants will be able to provide containers for baby’s accidents, so make sure to bring plenty.
Feed on Takeoff
Takeoff and landing can be very scary times for baby, and uncomfortable too, as the pressure change causes his or her ears to pop. This makes takeoff and landing ideal times for feeding. Suckling his or her bottle will encourage ear popping, provide comfort until you’re airborne, and fill his or her belly for a quiet in-flight nap.
Want more tips for traveling with baby? We’re here to help. Check out our Road Trips with Baby page for suggestions on how to make the family road trips fun for everyone.