We recently had a death in our family. It was a tragic accident and we’re still trying to understand how and why it happened. It was no question for us that we would go to the funeral in SoCal. So the big question was – car or plane? For me, it was a big decision to make. But after talking more with my mommy friends, I was encouraged to take the plane. Apparently, at the age of 2 months it was perfect to fly with Emma.

Since we were only going to L.A., we’ve decided against purchasing an extra seat for Emma. It was too expensive and we didn’t feel that it was necessary.

Either way, get ready for some really good advice. Some I found on websites, some I got from experienced mommies. Some I followed, some I didn’t. If you have anything to add, please leave a comment. Other mommy readers will thank you.

Enjoy your first flight with baby! We certainly did and are now anxious to take Emma on her first international long-distance flight to Germany.

Planning Your Trip:

• The safest way to travel with in infant is to use a car seat and to book an extra seat.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has recently updated recommendations of things you as a parent can do to make the trip safer, easier and less stressful. The TSA website has several short videos for parents and caregivers of infants, toddlers and school-aged children to view to help simplify the process of proceeding through the checkpoint. You may want to check it out!

• Some airlines require a birth certificate for your infant. Check ahead of time.
• To help decide whether or not to book a full child’s fare for a toddler, see how long you can last with him on your knee in the armchair at home. Then make your choice.
• Ask if your flight is full when checking in. Some assistants will block out the seat next to you in a less full flight or offer you the option of seating next to a vacant seat. This is particularly valuable if traveling with a toddler under 24 months without a seat.
• Check that your airline allows you to pre-book baby bassinets before the day of travel – not all will – some only allow pre-booking for infants of 8 months and less, otherwise you must wait until check-in to see if a bassinet is available.

Bassinet are not available on every flight and not every airline allows you to book them in advance.

• Pack things in see-through plastic bags (not just liquids), so that the security personnel don’t have to rummage through everything and contaminate pacifiers, nipples, and teethers when searching your bag.
• Wear flat shows – no laces!
• Have baby wear a one-piece to allow for easiest diaper changing.
• Work out responsibilities clearly between parents before setting off.
• If you’re visiting friends or family, find out if baby gear is available to you so you won’t have to carry it with you (ie. borrow a stroller or car seat, have your mother-in-law buy diapers, wipes and other inexpensive baby supplies for you so you don’t have to waste unnecessary space in your luggage or avoid scrambling to find a drugstore at your destination to buy diapers when you arrive).

At The Airport:

• Allow plenty of time at the airport for check-in, and connecting flights. Remember how much longer it takes to achieve anything with kids in tow and apply the same formula to your travel plans.
• Smile sweetly and helplessly at everyone and you may get help and be able to jump the line.
• Get on the plane first and off the plane last to get a better chance of assistance from cabin crew.
• Look out for fast track customs and immigration check points for those traveling with infants.
• It’s different from airport to airport but be prepared to remove baby’s jacket as well.

Diaper Changing:

• It’s a good idea to have a fresh diaper just before boarding.
• Pack a small bag with just one diaper, a few wipes, a perfumed nappy sack and some rash cream if needed and place it in the seat pocket in front of you. Keep the bulk of your change things in your change bag, but place the change mat or towel, one diaper, a small pack of wipes, tube of cream and nappy sack in an accessible place (e.g in a polythene bag) near your seat. This is all you will likely need for a simple change and will save cluttering the tiny space in the aircraft washroom – you will know when the time has come for all your resources to be called for!

Stylish Diaper Changing Kit by Kalencom

• If you choose to change your baby in the bassinet or on your seat, you will not be the first to do so. Remember to be sensitive to your neighbors, however, and to the cultural sensitivities of your airline.
• Wrap soiled diapers in one of the perfumed diaper bags, and dispose of in the bin in the toilet.
• Some planes have a larger bathroom at the very rear of the plane with a correspondingly larger change table. Wait for this to become free if you have a larger baby to change, as airplane change tables are small.
• On some airlines the cabin crew will prepare the change table in one of the toilet cubicles for you if you let them know that you need to use one. That’s a real help is you have a squirmy, smelly bundle to hold while wrestling with lowering a change table in the tiny space of an airplane bathroom – so the first time you need to make a change on the plane, ask an assistant where they prefer you to make the change, and take any help offered.

Nursing:

• Nurse baby during take off and landing to avoid blocked ears from cabin pressure. Hold off on feeding baby before you board the plane to ensure she’ll be hungry.
• Keep two diaper pins attached to your diaper bag. If you can get a window seat (most people will trade you) you can take a blanket and attach it to your seat and the seat in front of you for a privacy screen. People may even help you attach the pins when you’re flying alone.
• Bring a small pillow for extra support (Boppy pillow may be too big).

Sleeping on board:

• Try to keep baby awake as much as possible so she’ll be tired for the flight.

Getting Around:

• An infant baby carrier is really helpful so that you can carry baby while you push a luggage trolley.
• If you bring your stroller, obtain a get check tag from the ground personnel and only ‘check in’ your stroller at the gate when you reach the aircraft. Make sure to fold it as airport staff may not know how to handle your stroller and damage could be done.

Staying Sane:

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help (especially, if you’re travelling by yourself).
• Be prepared to lose stuff (and don’t get fussed when you do).
• Discuss any concerns or fears with your travel partner and work out a plan for efficient team work (ie. one gets baby through security, other one manages carry on luggage).
• Treat any time to relax as a bonus.
• Keep smiling at your baby.
• Keep track of baby’s regular routine using a dual time clock, and gently adjust baby’s routine as your holiday progresses.

And here’s my favorite piece of advice:

Ignore rude people, especially those whose job it is to help. Only you can know the right way to handle your child. And don’t worry about being ‘THAT’ parent whose baby cries on a plane. YOU know that you’re doing everything possible to calm her down.

All snuggled up and ready for take off.