Flying with a baby: Tips for a safe and happy trip
Flying with a baby might seem intimidating, but we like to think of it as just one more of the great adventures that you get to have with your baby. With your tiny co-pilot in tow, everything is more exciting. That said, we know flying with a baby can present its challenges.
In this article, we’ll offer tips to help things go as smoothly as possible. From packing and how to dress to a couple of ideas for during the plane ride, you’ll feel more prepared for what lies ahead. Wheels up!
Tips for flying with a baby
Check with your pediatrician
First things first, we recommend checking with your pediatrician before flying with your baby. In general, it’s a good idea to get their go-ahead, especially if you have a newborn.
It’s even more important to get your doctor’s opinion if your baby recently had an ear problem (surgery or an infection), was a preemie, or has heart or lung problems.
Pack the playpen
Of course, you’ll need to pack your baby’s suitcase with their tiny clothes, diaper wipes and cream, bibs, blankets, bottles, and all the rest. But keep in mind that you may also want to travel with bigger baby gear, such as a play yard.
Sounds like too much of a hassle? Don’t write off the idea just yet.
A play yard that’s light and easy to travel with can end up making your trip easier on the whole. No matter your destination, your baby’s own special spot to play goes with you.
The Bugaboo Stardust is made to move. The straps keep it closed, even without a transport bag, so you’re always ready to go. The carry bag makes transport even easier.
It offers an easy one-second unfold and folds with the built-in mattress in it. No assembly and no special tricks or techniques to get it open.
Pro Tip: Ask your airline about checking your play yard as a checked bag.
Pack extra
While you want to avoid overpacking, keep in mind that when you fly with a baby, you’re at the mercy of the airline, the weather, the plane, and other factors. Flight delays, cancellations, and long waits on the tarmac happen.
You don’t want to be stuck for hours without something your baby needs! Pack extra formula, snacks, diapers, and the like. When it comes to these essentials, always travel with more than you think you’ll need.
Choose your seat carefully
If you can choose your seat when you purchase your flight, choose wisely. We recommended sitting as close to the front of the plane as possible. That way, you can deplane quicker once you land.
Whether you choose an aisle seat or a window seat is up to you, but here are a few of the pros and cons. If you sit in an aisle seat, it will be easier to get up and move around.
And, if you’re traveling with others, choosing aisle seats across from each other allows you to pass your baby back and forth for a change of scenery.
Speaking of traveling with other adults, if you’re in a group, consider sitting behind someone you know in case your baby or toddler decides to make a habit of kicking the seat.
One of the negatives of sitting in an aisle seat is that your baby is more exposed — to hot liquids when the beverage cart comes by and luggage when people are stowing carry-ons.
Many parents of babies under two choose to ride with their baby in their lap. But, if you plan on purchasing an extra seat for your baby and using a car seat, just check with the airline about the car seat requirements.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your baby flies with a car seat or harness that’s approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The Bugaboo Turtle One by Nuna is good to go whether you’re cruising in the car, flying, or simply switching from car to stroller (click here if you aren’t familiar with travel systems).
Last but not least, if you’re planning on a cross-country or overseas flight during your baby’s bedtime, we suggest choosing the airline based on which one offers a bassinet for your child.
Pro Tip: Find out whether you can reserve the bassinet ahead of time or if it’s on a first-come-first-served basis.
Use plastic bags
When packing a change of clothes for your baby, include a few plastic bags as well. They come in handy for storing any messes that might happen on the trip.
Pack a change of clothes for yourself in your carry-on, too. In such close quarters, your baby’s mess might also be your mess.
Dress in layers
Make the flight as comfortable as possible by wearing the right clothes in addition to packing the right things. Since you’ll be rushing around one minute and sitting under the blasting air conditioner the next minute, dress yourself and your baby in layers.
This allows you to take off and put on clothes as needed.
It’s also a good idea to put your baby in clothes that give you easy access to their diaper. The easier it is to change their diaper, the smoother your trip.
Reduce your stress
One of the main tricks to flying with a baby is reducing your stress wherever you can.
While you don’t want to end up with too much time to spare, arrive at the airport early for your flight. Factor in margin for setbacks, spit-up, dirty diapers, lines, and the like.
With a baby in tow, you won’t fly through check-in and security as quickly as you do by yourself.
Check-in curbside
If there’s a curbside check-in counter, use it to get your luggage off your hands as soon as possible. That’s it — that’s the tip. You’ll thank us later.
Bring your stroller or car seat
To make it easier to tote your baby around the airport, bring your stroller or car seat. Make use of it while you’re strolling around the airport and gate-check it right before you hop on the plane. These items don’t usually count as luggage.
For an ultra-compact stroller, check out the Bugaboo Butterfly. This lightweight stroller folds up in one second and is our most compact fold, measuring 17.72 x 9.06 x 21.26 inches.
And, yes, it’s compatible with the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Perfect for travels near and far. Plus, it comes with an integrated carry strap that allows for a 100% hands-free carrying mode.
Move through the airport even easier using the Bugaboo comfort transport bag. With carry handles, shoulder straps, and handy wheels, this bag makes rolling from the airport baggage claim to a waiting taxi a breeze. It also has a self-standing mode and folds for easy storage.
If you’re traveling with a stroller and car seat (such as with a travel system stroller), check with your airline to see if you can gate-check both the stroller and car seat or just one. And, if you gate-check, be sure that you know exactly where to pick your things up after the flight.
Board last
Here’s another tip that also depends on personal preferences and whether or not you’re traveling alone. If you’re flying with other adults, we recommend that you and your baby board last while the others board with your carry-on items.
That means you can entertain your baby for as long as possible in the airport, not on the cramped plane.
That said, getting situated on a plane with a baby takes time. If you’re by yourself, you may prefer to board early so that you don’t feel rushed to settle into your seat.
Feed your baby during take-off
For the sake of the air pressure and their little ears, nurse or offer your baby a bottle or paci during take-off and landing. Don’t hesitate to ask the crew to heat your baby’s formula if needed.
If your baby is a little older, have snack time. And feel free to use snacks for entertainment throughout the flight. That brings us to our next and last tip.
Bring new activities
For older babies and toddlers, one of your biggest concerns might be how to keep them entertained during the flight. In addition to packing their favorite toys, bring new activities for them to try. Purchase a few exciting toys and bring them out one by one throughout your trip.
For older kids, you can even wrap them like gifts to make things more interesting and take up more time.
Make flying with a baby a breeze
With a child (or two) along for the ride, you’ve got more stuff and another human to think about, but flying with a baby can still be a success.
Make it a breeze with the tips we listed above, such as packing your Stardust play yard, bringing plenty of the essentials, choosing your seat wisely, checking-in curbside, and wheeling a compact stroller (like the Butterfly) in the airport.
No matter where you’re headed, you and your partner in crime are ready to roll!