How to Fly With a Baby

Traveling with baby? Learn the tricks to make it easy and tantrum free!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baby
• Mother/father or both
• stroller
• bottle or cup/binkie/diaper bag
• portable dvd player if possible
• favorite toy

1. This article was done with my 16 month old granddaughter at time of flying. Schedule the flight for as early in the day as possible. Try to get baby up a little earlier than usual. She or he might fall back asleep. Dress baby with easy access clothing. Changing a diaper is bad enough on a plane without a one piece to contend with.

2. Be certain to pack a very active and full diaper bag. These are not considered luggage and are allowed as carry on. No extra charge! Cup, bottle, binkie, toys. I strongly recommend a portable dvd player with their favorite video. A lot of people have them these days. They go pretty cheap.

3. Purchase or bring a stroller. These again are not considered luggage on most airlines. There is nothing heavier than your precious one when you are trying to carry her, the bags and the diaper bag. The flight my daughter took allowed her to keep the stroller until she boarded, then they took the stroller and kept it up front and when she exited, returned it to her so that she could place the baby back in it. Try to get one with a bottom section for a bag. The others can go on the handle. The stroller is so helpful for those long walks through the terminal. This was a lifesaver for my daughter.

4. 
    
   Baby on her way!

   Entertain the baby between boardings. The dvd player is a great distraction while waiting for the plane to board. The stroller is a good seat for the baby to stay in while watching the video! Take advantage of this time and change the baby. A clean baby is a happier baby. If the flight is very long watching a colorful video is a great way to help baby pass the time without a tantrum.

Tips & Warnings

• Be certain to pop the binkie in her/his mouth(if your baby takes one) or a bottle or cup upon take off. This will help her ears.
• Pack a good variety of toys and videos
• Be patient above all, remember babies get nervous too!
• Make certain to purchase a sturdy stroller. It will be worth the cost.
• Do not wait until the last minute to change a diaper, unless you have no choice of course.

[labellefleur100]

on 2/22/2009 Thanks for the tips. It's tough to fly with children and until one becomes a parent and has to face the torture of being confined in a small space knowing everyone is hating you! :-) 5*

[cindyharding]

on 2/19/2009 excellent article!!! 5* and recommended!

[FrazzledNanny]

on 2/18/2009 I've never flown before so I might be the "baby" if my husband and I were to fly. 5*

[kimarkent]

on 2/18/2009 Good ideas for traveling with a baby, and what a cutie she is!! I just am usually the unlucky traveler who gets seated in front of a really unhappy cranky baby...whewwww. makes for a long flight for the parent and the passengers....5* RRR

[cicy35]

on 2/18/2009 Thank you. Yes, I am very proud. I love being a grandma. It is so cool.