A special friend e-mailed me saying she was traveling with her Angelnugget & wanted to know what I did with Bubs. I first traveled with him when he was 6 weeks old: by myself, with a stroller, carseat, ginormo carryon, AND LuLu. YIKES! If this doesn’t cross the coocoo line, I’m not sure what does.
So, you’re flying & pretty much wet your knickers just thinking about taking the dreaded flight! Exhale! Let’s break it down in baby steps…
1. OPEN SEAT – At the gate, ask if there are any rows with an open middle seat. Tell them you’re a “new” mother (better yet, if you breastfeed… pull out that card) and that you’d like your privacy. More room means less stress. You can sit in the window seat with your bag in the middle seat. It’s really nice. Chances are, if there’s an extra seat, they’ll accommodate you…
2. MILK IT – Bottle feed/nurse on take-off and landing. It helps calm babe down & releases pressure in their ears. I couldn’t LIVE without my hooter hider. And for those who bottle feed, the Tommee Tippee is awesome bc it holds your formula (dry) inside the bottle. Which means? You don’t have to worry about taking extra time through security. Amen.
3. CLOTHES – Dress him comfortably! Who says comfies can’t be adorable? LOVE both of these upcoming companies! Plus bodysuits make for easier diaper changes. Speaking of…
4. DIAPERS – Bring more than you think in your carry-on baby bag. For whatever reason they like to poo more in the air. Cabin pressure? Who knows. I put the dirty diaper in Arm & Hammer disposable diaper bags (as a courtesy to the other passengers). Before flying, practice changing him in the car while lying him on your lap. Don’t worry about what the other passengers think. You don’t want him picking up some NASTY sickness from the changing table in airplane bathroom. He’s your kid – you call the shots. Change him on your lap.
5. NEW TOYS – Simple little ones like wind up toys to play with on the tray table. They take up hardly any room in your bag & cost next to nothing (be sure you’re playing with it & not baby bc it has small parts). Bring things he hasn’t seen (he’ll be totally fascinated by them). Also bring some of his absolute favorites that are sure winners.
6. PACIFIER – is a must! I’m a die-hard Pacimal’s fan! It’s my #1 baby item & give it to all my prego friendlies.
7. ICE ICE BABY – I let him suck on small pieces when he was really fussy (he was 6 months at this point). It was something different & it worked.
8. BEAM ME UP – a flashlight that shines shapes/images. You shine it on the ceiling, tray table… you name it! Don’t be surprised if the other passengers (yes, adults too) start to be entertained by it! It’s totally normal to growl and squawk the corresponding noises. Let’s be honest everyone on the plane kinda feels like a caged zoo animal.
9. SWADDLE BLANKET – one that’s soft & lightweight. After he’s fed & has played a bit, wrap him up tight (while lying him on your lap). It’ll give him the best chance for falling asleep. A travel size sleep sheep can also help baby self soothe to fall asleep. Haven’t used one at home? I’m a BIG fan.
10. TRIPLE S – When all else fails, walk up and down the aisles following the 3 S’s – shhhing (in his ear), singing, and/or swaying!
Beyond all else, just relax. I know that seems crazy but when you’re stressed he’ll be. The more chill you can be… the better the flight will go. And regardless, you’ll eventually land and get there! Safe Travels!
Favorite Travel Goodies
- 1. Toby Tiger Organic Sleepsuit and Hat
- 2. Polarn O. Pyret Organic Stripe Romper and Booties
- 3. Hooter Hider (for breastfeeding)
- 4. Munchkin Diaper Bag Dispenser
- 5. Tommee Tippee Bottle
- 6. Pacimal Pacifier
- 7. Silhouette Flashlight
- 8. Sleep Sheep (also available in a Travel Size at some retailers)
- 9. Aden + Anais “Super Stars” Swaddle Blankets
Good tips Miss. If I had one thing to add it would be to bring the car seat. If there is an extra seat on the flight they will let you buckle baby in. This gives me a little more peace of mind, and for some reason both of my boys have traveled better in their seats than in my lap. If they aren’t buckled in, they seem to think they are “free to roam about the cabin” and I find myself enduring a flight long wrestling match. My boys also slept better in their car seats which meant I had free hands and free time to enjoy the flight!
Haven’t heard of being able to do this! Hmm… I better ask next time. I wonder if there are certain car seats that are “ok” and ones that “don’t meet flying regulations”… Traveling can be insanely complicated these days.
Great tips. Beware of ice on airplanes though. I read a study where they tested the ice served on planes. Pretty much it is circulating the air we’re coughing/sneezing into and blowing onto the ice as if freezes. They found several harmful forms of bacteria on the ice. I use to love ice in my drinks on planes but now I ask for it without. Yuck! Love those one piece outfits!
I actually talked with the flight attendant about bottled water and ice & was told the ice is prepackaged is plastic and kept in the cart (which is refrigerated) until served. I’d be interested in the article, could you send me a link? I guess it’s always better to “air” on the cautious side. Thanks for this! 🙂
Missy, I have three and four and couldn’t travel without them! Add a mini dvd player in there and we’re set! 😉
Those sleepers are adorable!
I agree with Jenedy. Bring the car seat onto the plane. If possible, buy a seat for baby/toddler and try to avoid checking the car seat (the foam can be damaged in the cargo area without you even realizing it). They are used to their car seat and will most likely fall asleep in it … eventually … ha, ha. It is also safer, since turbulence can send your child flying. When moving up to a convertible seat, there are some great bags to place them in that can be worn or pulled … totally worth the money if you are a traveler!
We have been flying with our twins since they were infants and being prepared has made our travels go much smoother. Always pack extra (diapers, food, milk, juice, etc.) in case of delays or accidents. Include a change of clothes for anyone traveling with baby (nothing worse than getting spit up/thrown up on and not being able to change). I would also add, bring beloved toys/books/games and some new items that they can discover. Finally, some sort of device for watching movies/shows and/or playing games.
Thanks for all the great suggestions for the Mimi– for the BaBa– on our way back home– to the Papa and Mama. Can’t wait to take care of him while you are on your cruise!!
I read the article a few years ago. Perhaps most airlines have changed since the study was released. At the time I asked my aunt who has been an attendant for years and she said the airlines were “looking into it” but she hadn’t noticed any changes. I’m not sure what has changed since I last talked to her. It would be nice to know all airlines are following those procedures now.
I found you via pinterest and LOVE the water bottle snow globes!! Definitely going to make one! One question about the pacimals. My son only likes the soothie pacifier. In the picture they look similar are they basically the same?