The first time flying with a baby is extremely overwhelming. There’s no way to sugarcoat it, but there are ways to be more prepared. We were stressed, of course, but quickly found it to be far less intimidating than anticipated. People are kind and airline workers and there to help. Here are some tips to help you feel better about flying with a baby.
Tip #1 – Buy The Ticket
I don’t really like this tip because it isn’t possible for everyone and to see it posted everywhere across the internet is frustrating. However, I’m suggesting it anyway. We have been fortunate enough to fly both with a lap infant and with a seated infant. It’s obviously better to have separate seats and if you’re able to do this, don’t hesitate. We’ve made a couple of last-minute decisions and bought extra tickets and it was worth every penny. For our sanity and the baby’s. That being said, we’ve flown with her on our laps and we’ve made that work as well. So, if it’s possible and you’re considering that extra seat, do it. You will not regret it whatsoever.
Tip #2 – Time is your Friend
Give yourself plenty of time. It’s an obvious tip, but an important one. Having extra time helps settle the nerves and allows you to get your baby changed and everyone comfortable before the flight. While some things are out of your control when flying with a baby, time shouldn’t be one of them.
Tip #3 – Check your Bags
If you’re able, or willing to check a bag, it’ll make your life a lot easier. We have always prided ourselves in traveling with backpacks. This quickly changed after one time of dragging everything through the airport. I bring a backpack with my things and some of Hadley’s, we bring a diaper bag and then we pack everything else away in a checked bag. The less you have with you, the better. Clutter turns into more stress.
Tip #4 – Security
Security is probably one of the most stressful parts of flying with a baby, but in reality, it’s one of the easiest. It’s the most annoying, but also one of the easiest. Once you get through it, the rest is a breeze. Take a deep breath and go through as you normally would. If your stroller and car seat are small enough, you put them on the conveyor belt. If they’re too big, you’ll simply put them off to the side, and the TSA agent will inspect them and bring them through. Again, take a deep breath, and you’ll be just fine. The agents have always been helpful and patient, as have other passengers.
Tip #4.1 – TSA Precheck
Baby or not, this is one of the greatest travel tips out there if you have access to it. TSA Precheck gets you through lines quicker and with way less effort. Shoes and jackets stay on, electronics don’t have to be separated, and everyone is less frantic. The best part is you can get it for free. Dozens of travel credit cards offer TSA Precheck giving you one more reason to get into the travel card game. Check out which cards gives it to us and why we love them.
Tip #5 – Strollers and Carseats
Most airlines allow you to check your car seat and stroller for free. You can do this either at the check-in counter or at the gate before boarding. If you prefer to keep them with you, you can even take them down to the airplane door. We’ve always hung on to them and checked them at the gate so we can haul our stuff around like Harry Potter in the train station. When you get to the gate, with plenty of time, you can talk with the gate agent to get the tags and information that you’ll need.
When gate-checking a car seat or stroller, it’ll be ready for you once you get off the plane. If you check it at the counter, you won’t get your stroller or car seat until you clear security on the other end.
Check out our stroller and car seat.
Tip #6 – Boarding
Talk to the gate agents before boarding and let them know you’re traveling with a baby. If you’re checking a stroller at the gate, you’ll need to talk with them anyway. If they remember, they’ll call for family boarding. However, it’s worth noting that every airline has a slightly different boarding process. If they don’t call for family boarding, don’t hesitate to move forward when they mention “those that may need extra time.” You qualify, and they won’t have any issue with you getting on early.
Getting on the plane early can make a big difference. It gives you the opportunity to breathe and get your baby comfortable in their car seat or on your lap without feeling rushed. This extra time can be invaluable, especially if you need to organize your belongings, soothe your baby, or settle into your seat before the rest of the passengers board. It sets a calmer tone for the flight and can make the entire experience more manageable for you and everyone involved.
Tip #7 Seating Arrangements
If your baby is in a car seat, they will almost always need to be in the window seat. This is because the car seat blocks the row and would prevent someone from easily getting out in an emergency. If it’s family they may make an exception.
Most of the time, seating arrangements will naturally fall into place if you’re booking for three, but be aware of this often unspoken rule regarding car seats. If you don’t have a window seat for the car seat, you’ll want to let a flight attendant know when you’re boarding. It’s easier than having an awkward conversation with the passenger in the window seat. We’ve encountered this situation a few times, and the flight attendants have always been very willing to help.
Tip #7.1 Seating Arrangements Part 2
If you’re able to choose, and it’s free or you’re willing to pay, the bulkhead seats are super helpful when flying with a baby. You have so much more space, allowing you to better play with and interact with your baby. There are no seats in front of you, so you don’t have the storage, but the extra space makes up for it. We’ve been lucky enough to get these seats once; we had our seats moved, and the agent must have been feeling nice. It can make flying with a baby much more doable.
If your baby is less than 26 pounds, the airline may also have bassinets available. Our baby didn’t love it, but if yours does, it’s a great option.
Tip #8 – The Ears
Just as our ears need to pop on planes, so do the baby’s. This is pretty easy to ensure during takeoff and landing if you have them sucking on a pacifier or bottle or breastfeeding. It’s been a big concern of ours, but thankfully, we’ve never had an issue. Most babies handle the pressure changes without any problems, so just make sure to have something close by, and you’ll likely find that your baby adjusts just fine.
Tip #9- Bring Food
It’s no secret baby’s like to eat. If your baby is old enough, bring food other than your child’s regular food. It’s a great time killer and it keeps the baby happy and fed. Apple sauce packets and soft crackers have been our go-to.
Food not only keeps them happy, but it also helps with their ears when taking off and landing. If you can’t get them to keep a bottle or pacifier in their mouths, food is your next best bet.
Tip #10 – Follow Routines
My second least favorite internet tip is “Book flights around your baby’s wake and sleep times.” We’re all about traveling cheap and free. These types of flights are not always convenient. If you’re limited to a cheap flight and you’ve got a bedtime/naptime routine with your baby at home, keep it on the plane. We change her diaper, put her in sleep clothes, put her into her Merlin Sleep Sack, feed her, and put her down. We do this at home and we do this on planes and in hotels. We’ve done this both with a seat and without. Your baby will be confused by the traveling experience, but if they know their routines then they’ll know it’s time to go to sleep.
Tip #11 – Ipad Parents
We’ve always been against this as much as possible, but you do what you’ve got to do. We pull out all the tricks to help keep our baby happy. Hadley hasn’t cared much for watching shows, but on our last trip she was hooked on Ms Rachel. We were able to get her some headband headphones and it really helped pass the time.
Tip #12 – Don’t let others stress you out.
Flying with a baby can be stressful; there’s no denying it, especially with so many people sitting around you. However, the reality is that most passengers don’t even notice or care. Nowadays, everyone seems to have headphones and distractions, and your baby’s noises are barely heard above the sounds of the plane and their own entertainment. Plus, fellow travelers are often understanding and sympathetic to parents traveling with little ones.
And, for what it’s worth. Hadley is a terrible on-the-go sleeper. She just ends up super tired, mad, and screaming. If we can drag her around the world, you can too. We still stress about what others think, but in the end, it doesn’t really matter. Babies will act like babies and most people are understanding.
Tip #13 – Keep it simple
Doing something small is the best way to build confidence with all of this. Make a quick weekend getaway to somewhere close and cheap and get a feel for the system. Our first trip with Hadley was to Mexico City. It was quite the whirlwind but it ended up being an incredible experience. In hindsight, we should’ve done something a little smaller, but we survived and we loved it.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when it comes to flying with a baby, you know your little one best. While these tips can be helpful, every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Trust your instincts and do what feels right for you and your baby. Whether it’s navigating airport procedures, choosing the best seat, or managing feeding and sleep schedules, you know how to meet your baby’s needs better than anyone else. So, take the advice that resonates with you, but remember to stay flexible and adapt as needed. With your care and intuition, you can make the journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible for both you and your baby.
Have more tips you learned through experience? Comment below!