10 Tips for Flying with a Baby

I recently went on a trip that required me to fly with my newborn baby. 

Flying with any aged child is not for the faint of heart. It takes preparation, patience, and flexibility. Here are a few tips to help you on your way:

10 Tips for Flying With a Baby

1. Use a Stroller to Navigate Airports.

You might think you won’t want to deal with the cumbersome stroller, but it is a lifesaver. While it is great to have for pushing your child around crowded spaces, strollers are also helpful for lugging all of your bags, food, and accessories around for you! Worried about getting on the plane with it? No problem. Airlines will check it at the gate for you so that you can easily grab it as soon as you get to your destination.

2. Take a Baby Carrier.

Even if you aren’t a fan of babywearing, grab a carrier for your trip so that you can be hands-free whenever you need to be. Going through TSA, loading your carry-on in the overhead bin, or even navigating bathrooms is so much easier if your baby is strapped to you.

3. Pack Extra Outfits in Your Carry On.

Though you probably take an average of two extra outfits with you everywhere you go, take at least four when flying! Your suitcases are checked, you have no access to them until you get to your destination, and you never know what that sweet baby of yours is going to do! My little one went through three outfits before we even boarded our flight out of OKC recently. Yay for overpacking!

4. Take Snacks for Yourself.

Your default is to pack snacks for your kiddos, but don’t forget yourself! It is quite likely that you will be booking it across the airport to make your connecting flight and, with a baby in tow, you may not have time to grab lunch in between flights. No one needs to experience the wrath of a hangry mommy – especially while traveling. 

5. Be Prepared for TSA.

Going through security is a task in and of itself. Add a baby, a diaper bag, a stroller, a carry-on, a purse, and all of the other extra stuff you’re taking along and TSA can quickly become even more overwhelming. Every little thing has to be scanned. Don’t be shocked when they ask you to fold up your stroller and stick it on the conveyer belt. Be patient, don’t worry about taking longer than the other passengers, and remember that the security officers are only doing their jobs. 

6. Use the Early Boarding Option.

Most airlines allow early boarding for passengers who need extra time. IE: YOU! Don’t assume the hero role and say, “I’ll just board when everyone else does.” Use the early boarding time to check your stroller, store your carry-on, and find your seat without being rushed. The calmer and less frazzled you are, the more peaceful your baby will be through this process.

7. Feed Baby during Take-Off and Landing.

The air pressure, odd environment, and noise of take-off and landing can trigger your baby to feel overwhelmed and become fussy. Use these times to nurse or bottle-feed your little one. The comfort of eating and the calming sensation of sucking will help your baby endure take-offs and landings. 

8. Allow Extra Time.

If you usually get to the airport two hours early when flying by yourself, consider getting there two-and-a-half to three hours early to make sure you have plenty of time. The extra time will help you squeeze in feedings, diaper changes, or just good old downtime. 

9. Let People Help You.

Flying with a baby is not one of those times when you should aim to do it all by yourself. When the kind passenger in the seat next to you offers to grab your carry-on bag out of the overhead bin, let him. When the flight attendant offers to open your stroller for you when you get off the plane, let her. There are still good people in this world and when they offer to help, take them up on it. 

10. Don’t Stress about Baby Crying.

Guess what? Babies cry. Add in an unusual environment, like an airplane, and the crying may be more prevalent than normal. DON’T STRESS. I repeat: DON’T STRESS. If you become flustered, your baby will only feel more discontented. Almost everyone around you has experienced a fussy baby and will be understanding. If they aren’t, they’ll get over it. 

Flying with a baby may seem daunting, but if you are prepared ahead of time, it can be a great experience! 

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lynziebrewer
Born and raised in Central Arkansas, Lynzie is a pastor's wife, business owner, adoptive and homeschool mom, and new Okie. She and her husband love visiting local restaurants, taking walks to the park, and cheering on the Thunder with their six kids. Give her a good book and some apple pie and all will be right with the world!

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