When it comes to traveling with a baby - the plane ride is the terrifying part.
Because my family lives a 3 hour plane ride away,
Ryan and I have been on our share of planes since he has been born!
With him turning 2 years old just recently and having to have his OWN seat
this trip to Utah last week,
It made me realize how traveling is a little different with a toddler than with an infant.
( QUICK SIDE NOTE: whoever made "2 years old" a requirement for their own 300 + something dollar ticket is just dumb! - he sat on my lap almost the whole time anyway! )
There are things that keep an infant occupied, and different things that keep a toddler occupied.
I wish I would have had tips to read before Ryan's first flight when he was 6 weeks old!
Because of my husband's schooling the last few years I traveled on my own often.
I used to be SO terrified to get on that plane with my baby -
and I quickly learned that it doesn't have to be terrifying!
So hopefully these tips will put your mind at ease for traveling with a baby!
Like I said, traveling with an infant and a toddler are totally different so look our for my
"traveling with a toddler post" to come soon!!!
#1. Be the first ones on the plane.
(First Flight - 6 weeks old)
With an infant there is so much going on (diaper bag, stroller drop off, car seat drop off etc.) a lot to get settled and it's so much easier being the first ones on the plane to get settled.
(( I laugh writing this because it's totally the opposite with a toddler - HA- more to come on that one later ))
Take advantage when they say "families with small children board first" - that's YOU.
One time I was late getting on and so stressed about it, babe was screaming, it was NO FUN.
#2. Breast Feed or bottle feed taking off and landing.
A poor six week old baby can't tell you their ears hurt going up and down!
Even if Ryan was screaming like crazy in the airport, I would hold off nursing him until we took off.
The sucking motion will save their ears on the way up and the way down!
( plus it takes time off of you having to entertain them on the flight )
The SLC, Utah flight from Houston, TX is 3 hours which was perfect nursing wise,
he needed to eat by the time we were landing.
(( even if it hasn't been enough time in between feedings by the time that plane needs to land try and get them to nurse (or bottle feed) just a little bit any way ))
I nursed Ryan until he was 14 months old and then took him sippy cups and had him drink something on the way up and down.
** HOWEVER if your baby is sleeping on the take off or landing I don't recommend waking them up! They should sleep through the altitude change!
#3. Your baby WILL most likely fuss on the plane - DON'T freak out.
Aaron and I learned the most valuable lesson when Ryan was little.
The MORE UP TIGHT YOU ARE THE MORE UP TIGHT YOUR BABY WILL BE.
When your child starts screaming in the middle of a flight.....
Ignore every evil glare,
don't look around ( it will make you feel terrible )
just FOCUS on your baby.
(( I remember wanting to scream at those mean glary people "HAVE YOU EVER HAD A CHILD!?" ))
Take deep breaths. Don't stress.
To calm Ryan in a situation like this...
I would sing softly in his ear,
if your baby is hot take off his pants,
or maybe he was cold and I swaddled him.
Just pretend like you are the only ones in the room.
I know it's easier said then done but trust me I've been there.
The people around you will get over it sooner or later :)
Ryan was obsessed. Plus I'm convinced it's how he learned all animal sounds by 10 months old.
There is a letter learning app, animals, shapes, and it sings with all of them!
We tried to limit watching it at home so that when he did see it on the plane it was pretty cool.
#5. BRING AN EXTRA PAIR OF CLOTHES for the babe!
15 minutes into the flight - Blowout.
Up his back, EVERYWHERE.
Awesome.
Worst first time mom ever.
There I was trying to change a screaming uncomfortable child in the 10 square foot bathroom those planes have.
I basically had to get wipes and wipe him down clean.
He flew the rest of the plane no clothes on - just a diaper.
DON'T WORRY I luckily had a few blankets that I swaddled him with to keep him really warm but that plane ride may go down as the worst 3 hours of my life HA.
Moral of the story - EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED.
Bring another pair of clothes.
PLENTY of diapers, wipes, desitin, etc.
#5. Activities for babies
Make each activity last AS LONG AS POSSIBLE.
Babies under 3 months toy suggestions:
Rattles, toys with lights, teethers, you know your child - bring their favorite toy.
For children older than 3 months -
I mentioned the Fisher Price Baby App
( no this is not sponsored, HA that app has just worked as a little lifesaver for us! )
If they offer drinks on the airline you are traveling - ask for 2 empty plastic cups.
You will be amazed at how long these cups will keep your baby entertained!
Stack the cups.
Put them on your head.
Have them put cherrios from one cup to another ( if they are a little older )
Books. Bring lots of books.
I always try and get a new little book for the plane so it's new to them and exciting.
#6. TRAVELING OVERSEAS with a Baby
Ask your airline for a BASSINET. ( in above picture - it's a life saver! )
Ryan was 9 months old when we took him to Europe.
Those 10 hours on the plane were a little rough HA I wrote some more tips in detail
HERE if you are interested!
#7. Put your baby in comfy warm clothes
There has been one time in my plane riding past that we were HOT on the plane.
The air conditioning wasn't working.
That is SO RARE.
Usually it's really cold on the airplane.
SO despite the temperature outside, I always travel Ryan in sweats.
Something comfortable for him, and for me to change him if I needed to.
When he was little little he always wore a sleeper on the plane.
That way he could fall asleep if needed.
** Ryan has a blanket he has never been able to sleep without- if your child has an attachment- DON'T forget to bring it on the airplane!
SIDE NOTE : I know sometimes they are hard to come by and not available for certain airlines, but DIRECT flights are amazing.
Layovers are do-able but also a little more stressful and complicated.
If there is a direct flight in decent price range - book it!
I have to say that Ryan and I make a good team when it comes to the airport!
We have definitely learned from mistakes HA
Don't stress.
Don't watch the clock. ( that plane ride will go SO slow if you do )
You got this!
Happy Traveling!!
Look out for my "Traveling with a toddler" post to come soon!
( please email me with any further questions - I would love to help the best I can! XO )
