If you are flying with your baby soon, then all your questions will be answered in this blog post. We remember all too well when it was our first time too. We remember the most pressing questions, and how many times those same questions have been asked by thousands of moms. Flying with a baby can be a daunting task for new parents, but with the right preparation, it can be a smooth and stress-free experience. If you're planning a trip with your little one, you likely have a lot of questions. To help, we've answered the most commonly asked questions about flying with a baby.
Master flying with a baby or a toddler with The Ready To Fly Mom.
What are the best ways to keep a baby entertained on a plane?
Babies can get restless on a plane, but there are ways to keep them entertained. You can also bring a soft blanket and a pacifier to help them feel secure.
Some tips on what to bring to keep your baby entertained:
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Pack a few toys: Bring a few of your baby's favorite toys to play with on the plane.
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Bring books: Pack a few children's books for your baby to look at and read during the flight.
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Use a tablet: Load a tablet with games, videos, and educational apps for your baby to enjoy on the plane.
Looking for more ideas on how to keep your baby or toddler entertained on a plane? Check out our recommendations here.
Can I bring a car seat on the plane for my baby?
Yes, you can bring a car seat on the plane for your baby. Many airlines will allow you to bring a car seat for free, and it can double as a seat for your baby on the plane.
Some things to consider when thinking of bringing a carseat on a plane for your baby:
- Is the carseat FAA approved?
- Will I need a carseat at my destination?
- Is this carseat complaint with regulations where I'm going on vacation?
Check out this blog post - it's sure to help you decide if bringing a carseat on a plane for your baby is the right decision for you.
What should I pack in my baby's carry-on bag?
In your baby's carry-on bag, make sure to pack diapers, wipes, formula or milk, snacks, a change of clothes, a soft blanket, and any other essentials you may need during the flight. You may want to consider also adding some toys and entertainment methods for your little one.
Grab our FREE diaper bag for flying day checklist here. It will change the way you travel!
Can I bring formula or milk through airport security?
Yes, you can bring formula and milk through airport security. Just make sure to bring enough for the entire trip, and have it easily accessible in your carry-on bag.
For a comprehensive blog post on everything you need to consider when going with formula or milk through security, read this blog post.
How do I handle a crying baby on a plane?
A crying baby on a plane can be stressful, but try to remain calm. Offer them a bottle, pacifier, or a soft toy. If all else fails, take a walk up and down the aisle with your baby. Sometimes they are just bored, and a little distraction makes a world of a difference.
Some ideas for handling a crying baby we can personally recommend are:
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Attention:
Engage your baby with toys, games, and songs to keep their attention and distract them from crying. I know plane time presents the dream of us watching a movie in peace- at last! But I promise you, if you engage with your baby they will be calmer and get tired sooner. Babies ( and toddlers) just want a piece of us at all times! I always start the plane ride with interactive games and slowly transition to them playing alone.
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Distractions:
Pack books, toys, and other distractions to keep your baby entertained during the flight.
Check out this post on the best entertainment ideas for babies and toddlers on flights.
Soothing music:
Soft music can help soothe a crying baby on a plane. If you baby will wear headphones make sure you pack them. I would recommend testing them on your baby/toddler before flying. If you are traveling with an infant carseat you can get a carabiner and hang the white noise machine above the carseat handle. When my baby would get overstimulated or overtired, I'd hang the white noise machine from the handle and cover the carseat with a swaddle blanket. This alsmot always guaranteed she'd fall asleep shortly after.
Need more ideas on how to calm your crying baby on a plane? Try 1 of the 17 tips on this post.
How early should I arrive at the airport when flying with a baby?
It's a good idea to arrive at the airport earlier than usual when flying with a baby. Give yourself plenty of time to check in, go through security, and find your gate.
We always recommend adding 1 hour to whatever your airline is recommending. A lot of new parents don't want to spend more time than they need to at the airport for fear of a bored baby. The truth is, there are many ways to keep a child entertained inside an airport, but rushing to catch a plane is NEVER fun.
What are the best types of strollers for air travel?
What stroller to bring is probably one of the most common flying with baby questions. Lightweight and compact strollers are best for air travel. Look for one that is easy to fold and fits in the overhead compartment. BUT, remember the most important considerations about what stroller to take shouldn't be about the flight but rather the destination.
Want our personal recommendations for 2023? Read it here!
Flying with a baby doesn't have to be stressful. We hope that by answering all these flying with baby questions you feel more prepared for your next flight. With the right preparation and gear, you can make the trip smooth and enjoyable. We hope that this article has answered all of your questions about flying with a baby and that you feel more confident and ready for your trip. Remember to pack the essentials, arrive early, and bring a few entertainment options for your little one. Happy travels!
What did you think about this topic?
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Thank you for reading and we hope you enjoyed it.
xoxo
The TFA Family
