1. Be calm and tell yourself that it will be a great flight
2. Prepare to let baby have something during takeoff and landing.
Some articles online claim that as long as the baby does not have any ear problems, ears should not hurt during takeoff and landing. In my personal experience, Jacob seems a little fussy during takeoff and landing on some flights and will be sleeping during others, so better be prepared for the worse. If in doubt give baby something to drink whether it is a feed or some water in a bottle during takeoff and landing to help their ears to adjust to the changes.
3. Pack enough for any delays
Please read the accompanying article here on what to pack for flying with baby
4. Plan ahead for your flight
For our 12 hour flights, I found it easier with night flights as it is baby’s regular sleeping time. Jacob fell asleep for most of the flight both times we flew at night. When we flew in the afternoon, I had to entertain Jacob for the first half of the flight until it was close to his bedtime and he got drowsy. Keep baby’s feeding schedule in mind and adjust solid/milk feedings accordingly – if takeoff and landing times were during a solid feed, I’d swap it with a milk feed just for convenience.
For shorter flights, just plan on how to keep your little one entertained – biscuits, quiet toys, don’t forget the plane itself is new and interesting! Just do what you would for train/car rides as so far it’s worked for us.
5. Check ahead whether your flight offers a bassinet for baby and book ahead to get bulkhead seats.
6. Plan on whether you want to use your pram or wear your baby in a carrier.
When travelling alone with baby, I babywear and use the pram to push our stuff since most airlines will take the pram at the boarding gate.
7. Allow yourself ample time to check-in, get to boarding gate and to get comfortable in your seat.
8. Do not stress – baby picks up on it!
9. Dress comfortably!
Both for yourself and baby. The last thing you want is to be uncomfortable on the flight in the event that baby decides to be fussy.
10. Remember you are doing your best and no matter what happens, all you need is to get to your destination safely.
Other passengers are generally very accepting of a baby.
Originally posted 2014-11-20 22:46:40.