A Step-By-Step Guide to plane travel with a baby
If an upcoming plane journey with your baby is breaking you into a sweat, we don’t blame you. Travelling with kids, and babies in particular, is a trip into the unknown. There’s no saying how they’ll react to being in the air, what kind of mishaps will accompany the journey (think blowouts, or incessant crying), and what kind of people will occupy neighbouring seats.
Yep. It’s natural to freak out a little, but a baby’s first flight is a milestone, and with some planning, it’s survivable. In this article, we’ll unpack all you need to know for a smooth flight with a baby – from pre-take off, to arrival, and everything in between.
- What to pack for the flight
Anything you may think you’ll need on the flight, has to be packed into your hand luggage or baby bag, with easy access. The rest can go in the hold. Ideally, you don’t end up with multiple bags on the flight as your hands will already be quite full. Make sure you have the following in your diaper bag:
- Change of clothes
- Wipes
- Diapers
- Muslin square
- Bib
- Blanket as it can get cool
- Formula and hot water to get you through waiting time, the flight, and any potential delays
- Snacks (if your baby eats solids)
- Pacifier attached to a clip, plus an extra one (or two).
- Hand sanitizer
- Scented diaper trash bags
- Your baby’s favourite toy
- An extra change of clothes for you.
You will also need your and your baby’s identification documents, European Health Insurance Card, travel insurance, wallet, and your phone.
- Check in and Security
Leave ample time to do your check in, go through security and walk to the gate. You may need to stop for a diaper change or a feed along the way. You will also need more time to go through security checks, especially if you’re carrying feeding gear such as an insulated bottle. Airport security is highly inconsistent in this regard – some allow passengers to go through with baby feeding gear after they pass everything through the scanner, while others may be stricter. Strollers, too, have to go through the xray machine. Travelling with a compact, lightweight stroller is advised. Larger prams or 3-in-1s will have to literally be pulled apart to a size that fits into the scanner. You wouldn’t want to find yourself reattaching wheels to a pram, while juggling bags and a baby.
- At the gate
Head to the gate as soon as you’re done with security, especially if it’s a large airport and you’re unsure of how long it will take to get there. If you can hold off feeding your baby at this time, it’s better (you can feed your little one during take off and save on ear trouble). Fit in a diaper change during this time, to limit on diaper changes while on board. A number of airlines offer free priority boarding to passengers with babies and young children. Boarding first gives you more time to get settled and ensures you find enough space in the overhead compartment to store your stroller or diaper bag. However, if you’re travelling with an active walker, you may prefer boarding last. Boarding first means an extra 30 minutes on the plane, and rambunctious toddlers might not appreciate that at all – and neither will you.
- Take off and landing
Take off and landing can be uncomfortable for your little one. You can counter this by offering breastmilk or formula as soon as the plane starts its ascent and descent. This helps your little one’s ears adjust to change in cabin pressure. The flight attendant will give you a baby seatbelt – you attach the buckle to your own seat belt, with the strap covering both you and the baby. If your baby is in a bassinet, you will need to hold her on your lap for take-off and landing.
- The flight
The baby can stay in your lap, in a bassinet or, if you’re lucky and the seat next to you is empty, they can sit there too. This is especially handy if you need to change their diaper while on board. Some planes have a changing table in the bathroom, but others don’t. It’s good to know that even the happiest of babies may have an off day. If you’re worried about people in neighbouring seats, it helps to acknowledge your struggle – they may even offer to help.
It’s important to keep your baby hydrated during the flight. – offer milk or water often. Also be aware of people close to you who may be unwell – while planes are equipped with filters that remove 99% of bacteria and virses from cabin air, it’s good to avoid anyone showing signs of illness. In connection with this, wash your hands regularly and use sanitizer often.
All that said, flying with a baby is an experience in itself and one to (hopefully)look back fondly to. Congratulations for taking the plunge and exploring new places with your little one!
If we’ve convinced you to book the trip your family has been dreaming of, head to our home for more tips, support and family friendly city guides. Check out our most loved travel gear, from brands we trust.
Disclaimer:
The content of this page is purly for informational purposes. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Should you decide to act on the information presented on this page, you do so at your own risk.
We’ve carried out meticulous research to ensure the accuracy of the information available, however bookingwithkids.com is not responsible for any errors or omissions contained on our website and websites used as sources, and bookingwithkids.com accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever.
If we’ve convinced you to book the trip your family has been dreaming of, head to our home for more tips, support and family friendly city guides. Check out our most loved travel gear, from brands we trust.
Disclaimer:
The content of this page is purely for informational purposes. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Should you decide to act on the information presented on this page, you do so at your own risk.
We’ve carried out meticulous research to ensure the accuracy of the information available, however bookingwithkids.com is not responsible for any errors or omissions contained on our website and websites used as sources, and bookingwithkids.com accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever.
