With a little planning and preparation,
air travel can be hassle-free and enjoyable for
everyone. Be prepared for any situation when traveling
with baby by air. Do not ASSUME the airline will
provide anything to make your trip easier or more
comfortable.
Plan
Ahead
• Keep your trip short where possible. Book
a non-stop flight; the faster the trip, the better.
• Allow extra time for everything. You may
need extra time when checking in, for changing diapers
or feeding baby.
• When possible, schedule your trip for baby's
naptime for bedtime. With luck, he will sleep at
least part of the trip.
• Change baby just before your board the plane.
If your trip is short, you may not have to change
her until after you land.
• Get an umbrella stroller if possible. It
is easier to stow in the plane, and it is helpful
when you have to walk long distances at the airport.
You can check it in at the gate before boarding
and you will get it back at the gate at your destination.
• Most airlines offer pre-boarding if you
are with a small child. You will have more time
to settle in your seats and stow all your gear.
• Offer baby a bottle during take off and
landing. This helps equalize air pressure in his
ears.
• Carry extra of everything you normally have
in your diaper bag. In case of delay, you are well
stocked with the supplies you will need.
Seating Arrangements
When making reservations, state clearly you are
traveling with a baby. You might prefer seating
behind the bulkhead, which provides more legroom.
Bulkheads do have drawbacks; armrests are fixed
in place so you cannot raise them to have more room
if it is empty. You also lose under-seat storage.
A window seat is a good choice because no one has
to climb over you and baby to get in and out of
seat. If you have seat for baby, place yourself
between your baby and the other passenger.
Ear Advice
Taking off and landing can cause ear discomfort.
The change in air pressure causes fluid to build
up and a temporary hearing loss. Help baby clear
his ears to relieve his discomfort; feed him during
take-off and landing. If baby is asleep, wake him
and try to feed him.
Baby with a Cold
It is usually ok for baby with a cold to fly but
changes in air pressure can cause fluid to build
up and increase baby's risk of ear infection. With
an ear infection baby should be treated with antibiotics
at least 48 hours before the trip. Discuss with
your pediatrician about your plans to fly and all
other medication issues.
Baby and Hydration
The cabin air is very dry. Offer baby fluids to
prevent dehydration. Use saline nose drops to help
with the lack of humidity. Spray a little into each
nostril every one hour. An alternative would be
letting baby breathe through a damp washcloth held
close to his nose, but not over the nostrils.
When Baby needs a
change
Most airplane bathrooms do not come with a changing
table for baby, and even if they do, they are small.
Sometimes you may have to make do on an empty seat
or on your lap. If you are using cloth diapers,
put soiled diapers in a plastic bag and rinse them
after you land. Disposal diapers are advisable when
you are traveling simply because it is easy to dispose
them.
Baby and sleep during
flight
Some parents plan a trip so baby sleeps during the
flight; others prefer traveling after baby wakes
up. Try and not change baby's schedule to fit with
your flight time. Make baby comfortable during flight
to induce sleep. If that does not work, be prepared
to entertain baby.
Baby feeds
Bring sufficient formula and warm water for your
bottle fed baby. Mix bottle as you need it. With
older babies, take prepared baby food in addition
to formula. Some airlines provide baby food; request
it at least 24 hours in advance.
When things go topsy-turvy
Some trips will not go according to plan. Unforeseen
circumstances may arise such as flight delay, rerouting
or cancellation. Do your best to deal with the situation
and ask for airline assistance. Ask for a family
area where you can rest with your baby during waiting
period. If delay is very long, you are entitled
to hotel accommodations.
